The distinctive castle is Wimmis’ landmark. This village close to Spiez and Lake Thun at the entrance to the Simmental is flanked by two excursion mountains, the Stockhorn to the north and Niesen to the south.

The Romans erected a watch tower at the Burgfluh, site of the distinctive Wimmis Castle. Church and castle are believed to have been built in the 9th century. The first lord of this strategically important castle guarding the entrance to the Bernese Oberland branch valleys was Baron Rudolf von Strättligen. Towards the end of the 13th century, the castle and surrounding areas were held by the powerful and militant Weissenburg family. The castle compound was expanded continuously throughout and beyond the Middle Ages. The fortress became a castle in the 17th century.

Wimmis Castle is built in the central European style, in marked contrast to Thun Castle with its circular corner towers in the French style. 155 steps lead from the southern entrance up to the castle. The castle was the seat of district administration, of which today only the district court remains.

Wimmis is the starting point of the Simmentaler Hausweg. Agriculture was a source of wealth in previous centuries, and the path leads along its way from Wimmis to Lenk past several impressive farmhouses richly embellished with murals. An accompanying brochure gives details on each farmhouse, such as date, architectural style and distinctive features.

Wimmis lies where the Kander and Simme Rivers join at the foot of the Niesen Mountain and is the starting point of hikes to this Bernese Oberland excursion peak (2362m). The ascent awards views of the Simmental, Lake Thun and the Swiss Plateau. On a clear day, it is possible to see as far as the French Vosges Mountains and the Black Forest in Germany. Numerous kilometres of sign-posted hiking trails in the Wimmis area are ideal terrain for hikers, Nordic walkers and mountain bikers. There is also a climbing garden at the Burgfluh.

The nearest ski regions are in the Diemtigtal, but also at Rossberg, Rinderberg, Lenk, the area around Saanen or Kandertal. Aeschi, Sparenmoos near Zweisimmen, the Kiental and Kandersteg etc. have facilities for cross-country skiing, snowshoe trekking, winter hiking and sledging. There are guided snowshoe treks to the area around the Stockhorn mountain.

Highlights

• Schloss Wimmis – the distinctive white castle complex is visible from miles around and at one time guarded the entrances to the Simmen and Kander Valleys.
• Niesen – a distinctively pyramid shaped excursion mountain. A funicular runs from Mülenen at a steep gradient to the peak.
• Stockhorn – a hiking and excursion peak (2190m) with impressive panorama views of 200 Jura and Alpine peaks.
• Diemtigtal – unspoilt mountain villages nestling in an idyllic landscape. Holder of a Swiss National Heritage award for the preservation of architecture and the original settlement character of the valley.