ViaJacobi, Stage 11/33

The stage from Spiez to Wattenwil winds through a tranquil landscape, passing several lakes against the backdrop of the mighty Stockhorn mountain range. Other highlights along the way include the 1,000-year-old churches on the shores of Lake Thun, various vineyards, Strättligburg Castle and Amsoldingen’s impressive Romanesque church.

The roughly six-hour hike begins at the Spiez landing stage, directly beside Lake Thun. Spiez Castle and the castle church stand right at the start of the route, before it leaves the shore and passes through the first houses. After Einigen, a longer stretch of woodland follows. The route reaches Gwattegg near the ruins of Strättligen, a hilltop castle dating from the 13th century.

The hiking trail crosses meadows and fields via Zwieselberg to Amsoldingen. There it passes the village church before continuing along the shore of Übeschisee. Beyond Uebeschi, the route climbs once more. Near Goldegg, at around 730 metres, lies the highest point of the 23-kilometre hike; from there, the trail descends gradually towards Blumenstein.

In the final third, open countryside alternates with stretches of woodland and villages. The trail briefly follows the Fallbach, then later accompanies the Gürbe across the flat valley floor. Passing the first houses of Wattenwil, it reaches the nearby Bären bus stop, where the hike ends.