St. Beatus Caves

St. Beatus-Höhlen

Legend and underground wonder near Lake Thun.

The St. Beatus Caves are a dramatic network of karst grottos and underground waterfalls nestled above Lake Thun, just outside Interlaken. According to legend, Saint Beatus drove a dragon from the caves centuries ago – today, visitors hike up a scenic path of bridges and cascades to explore the myth.

Inside, illuminated tunnels reveal surreal rock formations, dripstone chambers, and flowing streams. There’s also a museum, panoramic restaurant, and stunning viewpoints over the lake – a fascinating experience for all ages.

Transport

How to Get There

Ways to get to the attraction

On foot from Interlaken center 52-78 min.

From Bern by car ~54 min.

From Lucerne by car ~1 h 15 min.

From BRN airport (Bern) by car ~49 min.

From SIR airport (Sion) by car ~2 h 17 min.

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Attraction

Description

Detailed information about the attraction

What is this place

The St. Beatus Caves are a major karst system above Lake Thun’s north shore near Sundlauenen. A self-guided, illuminated loop of ~1 km leads through grottos, canyons and streams, with a cave museum and lake-view terraces at the entrance.

Key features

Extent – about 14 km explored, with ~1 km secured for visitors.
Route profile – ~297 steps and ~87 m elevation change across halls, gorges and waterfalls.
Climate – constant +8–10 °C and ~95% humidity year-round; warm layers and sturdy footwear recommended.
Accessibility – not suitable for prams or wheelchairs; dogs on leash are allowed (fee).
Logistics – on-site museum and the Stein & Sein restaurant; access by STI bus 21 (“Beatushöhlen”) or BLS boat (“Beatushöhlen–Sundlauenen”).

What to see

Illuminated dripstone galleries with streams and falls inside the mountain.
The Cave Museum covering geology, karst and archaeology.
Outside walkways and terraces with vistas over Lake Thun and the Bernese Alps.

History

Known since prehistory – local use is attested from the Hallstatt period (750–450 BC). Tradition says the hermit Beatus died around AD 112 after defeating a “dragon”; a parish of Sancto Beato is recorded in 1230.

In the 19th–20th centuries, the caves were gradually adapted for tourism with paths, lighting and a museum. Today around 14 km are explored, of which ~1 km are open to the public; the site is a staple excursion from Interlaken.

Practical information

Location: North shore of Lake Thun at Sundlauenen (Beatenberg municipality), above the lakeside road.

Getting there: STI bus 21 Interlaken West/Ost – Thun to Sundlauenen, Beatushöhlen (~13–18 min from Interlaken); by boat to BLS pier Beatushöhlen–Sundlauenen, then ~20–25 min uphill walk.

Access: Many steps and wet surfaces; not pram/wheelchair-friendly. Cool inside; dogs allowed with a ticket.

Visiting hours: Summer roughly mid-Apr–early Nov – daily 09:00–17:15, Fri–Sat to ~20:15; winter end Nov–mid Apr – daily 10:00–16:15, Sat to ~17:45. Maintenance closures occur, incl. 10–21 Nov 2025.

Visit duration: Cave loop ~60 min; 1.5–2 h incl. museum and terrace.

Best time: Weekday mornings for fewer people; summer Fri–Sat evenings for extended hours.

Notes: Wear warm layers and non-slip closed shoes. Surfaces are damp – use handrails. Combined boat+entry tickets on Lake Thun are available.

Tours