Things To Do
in Spiez

Freshly caught fish from Lake Thun such as trout or perch, typically pan-fried and served with potatoes or seasonal vegetables; find it at lakeside restaurants and traditional inns.

Must-Try!

A hearty platter of smoked and cured meats, sausages and sauerkraut — more a Bernese specialty often available in local taverns during festivals and colder months.

Crispy grated potato cake served as a side or main, commonly accompanied by cheese, fried egg or smoked meats — available in most restaurants.

Wines from the terraced vineyards around Spiez — white varietals and some reds; tastings available directly at smaller wineries and wine bars.

Small local market (check local days) offering seasonal produce, cheeses, breads and regional specialties — great for picnic supplies and meeting producers.

During summer and festival weekends the lakeside promenade hosts stalls serving grilled fish, sausages, crepes and local pastries; not year-round but frequent in high season.

Service is generally included in Switzerland (service compris), but rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for excellent service is appreciated. In cafés and small purchases, rounding to the nearest franc or leaving small change is common.

Cards (Visa, Mastercard) are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common. Carry some cash (Swiss francs, CHF) for small shops, markets and rural vendors. ATMs are widely available.

Warm, pleasant weather ideal for swimming, boating and hiking; expect more tourists, festivals and outdoor dining. Bring sun protection and a light layer for cooler evenings.

Crisp air and spectacular fall colors in vineyards and forests; harvest season means winery events and fewer crowds than summer. Weather can be changeable; layers recommended.

Cold and snowy in higher areas though the lakeside can be milder; nearby mountains offer skiing and winter walking. Some tourist services may have reduced hours—check schedules and winterize your plans.

Melting snow brings lush meadows and blooming orchards; early spring can still be chilly at altitude while lower lakeside areas warm up — ideal for quieter hikes and photography.

Small regional airport about 30–45 minutes by car from Spiez; limited flights, convenient for domestic and some European connections.

Major international hub approximately 1 hour 45 minutes by car or about 2 hours by train (direct and connecting services) — the most common arrival point for intercontinental travelers.

International airport on Switzerland’s western side, around 2.5–3 hours by car or train — an option for western Europe connections.

Another international airport serving the tri-border area; approximately 2.5–3 hours by train/car to Spiez depending on connections.

Majority population are German-speaking Swiss, with family-owned vineyards, local businesses and long-standing community life.

Visitors from across Europe and beyond arrive in summer and winter for outdoor activities, boosting hospitality and seasonal services.

A modest international expat and second-home community exists, attracted by the scenery and quality of life.

Spiez’s tranquility and amenities make it popular with retirees and weekend visitors from Swiss cities.

Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in larger cities; many restaurants offer Rösti, salads, and cheese dishes — ask staff for vegetarian preparations and markets have fresh produce.

Vegan choices exist but require some searching; larger cafés and restaurants increasingly offer vegan salads and mains, and supermarkets stock vegan basics. Communicate clearly ("Ich bin vegan").

Gluten-free requests are usually accommodated in sit-down restaurants, but cross-contamination is possible in traditional kitchens — carry snacks if you have strict needs.

Limited dedicated halal options in town; larger nearby cities like Thun or Bern have more diverse offerings. Supermarkets carry some halal and specialty items.