The St. Beatus Caves burrow into the cliffs above the north shore of Lake Thun, a short drive or boat ride from Interlaken. According to legend, an Irish monk named Beatus drove a dragon from the cave in the sixth century and lived there as a hermit, and a replica of his cell and his reputed grave stand by the entrance. Inside, an illuminated path of around a kilometre leads through part of a much larger cave system, past stalactites and stalagmites, deep pools, narrow gorges and roaring underground waterfalls, with information boards in German and English. A small caves museum, a restaurant with lake views and a playground with a dragon slide complete the visit, which suits families and anyone looking for something to do on a cloudy day.
Inside the caves
The route climbs gently through a series of halls and passages, with the sound of water never far away. The temperature stays cool all year, around eight to ten degrees, so bring a warm layer even in summer, and wear shoes with grip, as the paths can be wet. The visit takes about an hour, and audio guides or guided tours are available at certain times. The museum explains how the caves were formed and explored.
Getting there
The caves are at Sundlauenen on the north shore of Lake Thun, about fifteen minutes by bus or car from Interlaken. In the warmer months, lake boats stop at the Beatushöhlen landing stage, from which a footpath climbs through the woods to the entrance in around fifteen to twenty minutes, so you can combine the visit with a cruise. The pilgrims' path along the lake also passes below the caves. There is parking near the entrance.
Seasons and tips
The caves open for most of the year, with a short closure for maintenance, usually in November, so check the dates before you go. They make a natural pairing with a Lake Thun cruise to Thun, Oberhofen or Spiez, and with the Niederhorn above Beatenberg for mountain views. The terrace restaurant overlooks the lake and is a pleasant lunch stop. Children love the dragon story and the playground outside.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided walk along an illuminated route through caves with stalactites, pools and underground waterfalls, plus a museum and playground.
Best time
Any day, especially a cloudy or wet one; combine with a lake cruise in summer.
How long
About an hour inside, one to two hours with the museum and lunch.
Tips
Bring a warm layer and shoes with grip, check for the short maintenance closure, and arrive by boat in summer.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and anyone wanting a weatherproof excursion near Interlaken.
- Families
- Excellent, with the dragon legend, playground and a manageable route.
- Couples
- Cruise across Lake Thun, visit the caves and lunch on the terrace.
- Pair with
- A Lake Thun cruise, Thun's old town and the Niederhorn.
- Time needed
- Half a day with the boat trip.
Good questions
Are the St. Beatus Caves open all year?+
For most of the year, with a short maintenance closure, usually in November; check dates before you go.
How cold is it inside?+
Around eight to ten degrees all year, so bring a warm layer.
How do I get there from Interlaken?+
By bus or car in about fifteen minutes, or by lake boat in the warmer months followed by a short walk.
How long is the route?+
Around a kilometre, taking about an hour.
Is it good for children?+
Yes, with the dragon legend, a playground and a route that most children manage easily.
