Dampfschiff Spiez auf dem Thunersee mit Schloss Schadau rechts davon

Steamboat Spiez

The steamboat Spiez is the largest screw steamer in Switzerland and set sail on its second maiden voyage on 8 April 2022 after 14 years out of service. The «Spiezerli», equipped with a new steam engine, was built in 1901 and is therefore the oldest boat in our fleet. Due to its size, it is not available for scheduled cruises, but it can be rented exclusively.

Background

The oldest steamboat in our fleet

The steamboat Spiez was once built as a steamship and was rebuilt several times. After sailing as a motor vessel for several decades from 1952, the boat was finally decommissioned in 2007. Thanks to numerous donations and investments, the boat was able to set off again on its second maiden voyage as a steamboat with a newly built steam engine in April 2022. Built in 1901, the «Spiezerli» is the oldest steamboat in the BLS Navigation fleet. Due to its manageable size, the boat is a «bijou» which is ideally suited for exclusive trips for steamboat enthusiasts and all guests who would like to combine a breeze of sea air with a touch of nostalgia.

Capacity

Capacity overview

Catering capacity (Meals) 32
Catering capacity (Aperitif / snacks) 42

Technical specifications

Things to know about the boat

Passenger capacity 100 people
Year of construction 1901
Renovation 1912 | 1952 | 2020
Built by Gebrüder Sulzer Winterthur
Length over all 30.00 m
Width over all 5.10 m
Motor Steam engine V-shape, 2 cylinders
Power 136 PS (at 280 r/min) / 100 kW

Information about barrier-free travel

OK:GO – Self-determined travel with mobility restrictions

The initiative OK:GO is committed to supporting tourism service providers in Switzerland to gather and publish information about the accessibility of their offerings and services. This makes travel planning easier for people with disabilities, senior citizens, and families with small children, providing a benefit to everyone.

Check the accessibility information of this ship here.


Link zu OK:GO Zugänglichkeitsinformationen

Frequently asked questions about this topic

What is the current status regarding the steamboat «Spiez»?

The DS “Spiez” is currently not in operation. Public trips are planned for the period from the end of October to the beginning of November. The exact dates and times of the public rides will be published on the website on August. Tickets will be available in the webshop from this date.

As part of these trips, there are individual days on which the DS “Spiez” is available for private hire. The time slots for possible charter trips are from October 27 to 29 and from November 3 to 5, 2025. Booking requests for this are already being accepted Request advice | BLS-Schiff.