4 Best Sights in Berner Oberland, Switzerland

From the charming medieval Rathausplatz, a covered stairway leads up to the great Schloss Thun, its broad donjon (inner tower) surrounded by four stout turrets. Built in 1186 by Berchtold V, Duke of Zähringen, it houses the fine Schlossmuseum Thun (Thun Castle Museum) and provides magnificent views from its towers. The Knights' Hall has a grand fireplace, an intimidating assortment of medieval weapons, and tapestries, one from the tent of Charles the Bold. The hall is often the imposing venue for concerts. Other floors display local Steffisburg and Heimberg ceramics, 19th-century uniforms and arms, and Swiss household objects, including charming Victorian toys.

Hilterfingen's castle, Schloss Hünegg, was built in 1861 and furnished over the years with a bent toward art nouveau. The stunning interiors have remained unchanged since 1900. Outside is idyllic parkland.

Even Walt Disney would have a hard time topping Schloss Oberhofen for sheer fairy-tale splendor. The jewel of the village, this delightful hodgepodge of towers and spires sits on the waterfront. Begun during the 12th century, it was repeatedly altered over a span of 700 years. Inside, a museum has a display of the lifestyles of Bernese nobility, along with salons done up in the plushest 19th-century style, plus a Turkish "smoking room," a display of magical medieval stained glass, and a 13th-century chapel with noted Romanesque frescoes. In the Seetürmchen is a lovely, candlelit chamber where all eyes are drawn to an extraordinary carved-wood mermaid chandelier. Those in the know touch the mermaid's belly for good luck. Surrounding the castle is a lovely landscaped park that includes a children's play area.

The town's enormous waterfront castle, Schloss Spiez, was home to the family Strättligen and, in the 13th century, its great troubadour, Heinrich. The structure spans four architectural epochs, starting with the 11th-century tower. Its halls contain beautiful period furnishings, some dating back to Gothic times. The early Norman church on the grounds is more than 1,000 years old. You can visit the castle museum, which explores the castle's history; climb up the castle tower for a panoramic view; see the historic castle church; and taste wine at the Winery Spiez in the castle cellar. There's also a café on-site. Though the castle itself is only open seasonally, you can stroll through the gardens year-round.