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Published: July 16th 2017
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Today is our last day in Grindelwald and after consultation we decided that going to Spiez was a good option since there is a lovely castle and harbour to visit. We had a perfect day weatherwise. There was no wind and it was warm and sunny. We remember the Spiez Schloss as a place we took the boys tonwhen they were young and it being a particularly nice castle. It isn't huge and isn't grand but is well preserved and in a great setting. We had often visited the gardens and surrounding vineyards in the past but not always bothered with a visit inside.
On arrival we picnicked in the gardens outside the castle which are currently planted in lovely bright flowers. Our visit to the castle followed and didn't cost us anything as it was covered by the Swiss Pass. There were many floors to explore with good writeups on the history with excellent paintings, furnishings, photos and illustrations. The castle was originally built in the 900s and has maintained a lot of the lifestyle furnishings dating back to mainly the 1400s to 1600s period when the area was operated under a fiefdom. It eventually was incorporated into Bernese
government.in later years. The inside has great examples of weaponry and armour from the battles fought around the area. Pictures display clothes, lifestyles and food of the time. The kitchen was interesting with a large pantry, cooking facilities and birds hanging up ready for the pot. It was interesting that cooking areas in the building had little drains in the walls for draining fluids and no doubt for chucking out waste. The privvies weren't much different than our old dunnys from days gone by in NZ. Water was carried up in buckets right to the top towers. There was a lovely banqueting hall, a library and enclosed beds for sleeping. Instead of bedrooms. It looks like these enclosed beds were in more public area but enclosed for privacy. Some parts were very ornate and others very ordinary and serviceable. Having visited a number of castles over the years, I think this castle is one of the best in it's preservation, displays of lifestyles and warmongering. The kids could dress up and they could be pretend to be knights on wooden horses.
The views from the castle out over the town and lake are superb in every direction. Adjacent to
the castle is a large area of vineyards which has been part of the castle heritage for a very long time. The winery is part of the castle. Beyond the castle is forest and the Lake of Thun. Surrounding the castle are large trees, lovely gardens, an old church and stately homes.
We wandered down to the water front and along to a large park with areas for swimming, playing games, a large grassy area and a playground. While the kids played we relaxed under the trees until it was time to return to the station for the trip back to Grindelwald. This has been a lovely way to spend our last day in this area as this town is one of the prettiest around in a superb setting.
Back in Grindelwald we had drinks and nibbles on the balcony and dinner at a Pizzeria down town. It was a treat not to have to prepare our meals for a change. Our time in Switzerland with our family has been enjoyable and I'm quite sure they'd like to return again some time in the future. We say we won't keep returning, but like Arny says "We'll be back".
Sir Deken Toole' upon his trusty stead
With lance in hand and upon his favourite horse, Sir Deken survives to fight another day. It's an expensive place but a gorgeous place.
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