PLAN A TRIP TO ST. BEATUS CAVES IN SWITZERLAND
A trip to St. Beatus Caves, Switzerland, should be on your Switzerland itinerary as it is one of the most beautiful places in the region of Interlaken.
Find all the information you need for your trip to St. Beatus Caves in this post – here is how to get to St. Beatus Caves, where to get tickets, what to do and see, and more tips.
Even if you don’t go inside the St. Beatus Caves (for whatever reason), it makes a great day trip (or half a day trip) and is fun to visit.
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St. Beatus Caves: General Information
Find out how to get to St. Beatus Caves, prices, opening hours, where to eat, and where to stay at St. Beatus.
LOCATION OF ST. BEATUS CAVES
- Address: Seestrasse 30, 3800 Sundlauenen, Switzerland
- The St. Beatus Caves are located close to Interlaken on the northern shore of Lake Thun.
- You can easily combine it with a trip to other gorgeous places in the area like Sigriswil, Interlaken, or Thun.
How to get to St. Beatus Caves
The St. Beatus Caves come with a great view of Lake Thun – one of the most beautiful lakes in Switzerland.
CAR: There are several parking options just at St. Beatus Caves. And though I have visited several times, I always found a spot without problems (and always paid the parking fee that comes with it). Driving that street is scenic, by the way. Check out my Switzerland road trip guide for more scenic routes.
Parking is quite cheap by Switzerland standards (around two euros for four hours). HOWEVER, on bank holidays it can be busy, and it is recommended to use public transportation instead of driving.
BUS: Several buses are going to St. Beatus Caves (station: Beatushöhlen). It is located between Thun and Interlaken, so buses there run regularly.
BOAT: Another epic way to arrive at St. Beatus Caves is via boat. Combine it with a Lake Thun boat cruise and then get out at Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen.
FOOT: You can get to St. Beatus Caves just by hiking from towns like Thun or Interlaken. It will take time but walking along the street, with a view of Lake Thun, is pretty motivating.
Regardless of how you arrive at the St. Beatus Caves – you will have to do an uphill hike (between 10-20 minutes to get to the caves).
Pin Me For Later – Visiting St Beatus Caves in Interlaken
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St. Beatus Myth
If you are into myths, you´ll love St. Beatus Caves.
The St. Beatus myth says that a mythological dragon took shelter here until the 2nd century.
That dragon brought havoc upon the local population. At that time, an Irish monk (or a Scottish)- named Beatus – was living (around 100 AD) in the area and chose the caves to live there. However, the caves had a resident already. And that dragon resident was not happy about the new guest, and guess what happened?
Monk Beatus killed the creature. That simple! This brought peace, and thanks to him, the caves can now be visited! And even the local Swiss people can live without fear – what an amazing man!
And of course, such a brave man and heroic act can only mean one thing: they name the place after that person, so welcome to St. Beatus Caves.
If you are not into myths but appreciate stalactites and stalagmites, which have been formed by nature over millions of years, you will love them too. If you are just into beautiful scenery – then you’ll definitely love it!
What Are the St. Beatus Caves?
The St. Beatus Caves lead deep into the interior of the immense Niederhorn Massif. Nowadays, it is electrically lighted, allowing you to delve up to 1000 meters into the depths, passing roaring subterranean waterfalls, narrow passages, and grottos with stalactite stalagmite formations that have been formed by nature over millions of years.
Opening Hours at St. Beatus Caves
- It is now open all year round.
- In the winter season 1st November to 31st March, it is only open on the weekends – Saturday from 10 am – 6:30 pm – last admission 5:45 pm, Sunday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – last admission 16:15 p.m.
- In the summer season, open daily from 9 am to 6 pm (last admission at 5 pm) – Fridays & Saturdays open until 9 pm (last admission at 8:15 pm)
- Even if the caves are closed, you can head to the caves and just admire the stunning surroundings
Ticket Prices St. Beatus Caves
- You only have to pay if you go inside the St. Beatus Caves – if you hike up and want to enjoy the view, it is free of charge (find Switzerland budget travel tips here).
- Adults have to pay about 19 CHF to visit the cave itself, and the guided tour is included in this price, and so is the ticket for the museum.
- Tickets for the museum only are CHF 6 (in case you do not want to visit the caves)
- Children (6-16 years) pay about 8€ ($10) (10CHF).
- Dogs 10 CHF
- Adults (50 + years) 16 CHF
- You can get a small discount with a Bernese Oberland Visitor Card
- Family tickets are available
Where to Stay in St. Beatus
I have stayed quite some time in the Interlaken region (though I think it is still not enough) and have written a full accommodation guide for Interlaken and the region.
More Things to Know
- Photography and filming are allowed in the Caves, but no tripods
- Inside the caves, the temperature remains between 8 and 10°C (bring warm clothes)
- No smoking or eating inside the caves
- It is not wheelchair or pushchair-friendly
Why Visit St. Beatus Caves?
There are many reasons to visit St. Beatus Caves. The caves are only one of them. On my way up, I got rewarded for my “efforts” – a view of Lake Thun and the waterfall (more on that a bit later).
Visiting the caves is not the only activity you can do there – here is my list of what to do in St. Beatus Caves.
Touring St. Beatus Caves, Switzerland
When you book your tour, you can choose the language.
The tour was in Swiss German, which I hardly understand (High German was also an option, but since everybody else in the group preferred Swiss German, I did not say anything, English guided tours are also available) – and so I did not understand much.
However, I still had fun, and as I absolutely have no idea about geology/geography, etc. I was happy to look at everything and read the information boxes which explained the most important facts. The tour, about 1km, took about 75 minutes and was well-lit, and the paths well-established.
I can definitely recommend visiting the St. Beatus Caves – and not only on hot days when you want to experience some cold.
The caves themselves are fascinating and totally different from other activities I did in Switzerland.
- READ MORE: Things to do around Lake Thun.
St Beatus Caves Restaurant
On my first trip, I just came for the pictures, and on my second trip, I enjoyed lunch at this beautiful restaurant with panorama views.
- Click here to read about other things to do in Switzerland.
Surroundings
This almost goes without saying…plan some time to stroll around. St. Beatus really is a beauty inside and outside.
St. Beatus Caves Museum
- TIP: If you do not want to visit the caves, you can get a ticket to the museum (which is much cheaper).
Waterfalls
The waterfall in front of the caves is just beautiful.
Best Views of St. Beatus Caves
The restaurant’s views are pretty great, but there are more places with great views. Looking at Lake Thun is always a good idea that guarantees amazing views.
If you are looking for one of Switzerland’s best views, you can hike down the other side of the caves (just a short 10-minute hike), and you have an amazing view of the Instafamous places in Interlaken.
St. Beatus Caves With Kids
Depending on the age of your kids, I am pretty sure this is the perfect kid-friendly activity. Spending time in caves should be fun for many kids above 3 years old (or even younger). But running around St. Beatus Höhlen is fun – and if they do not like any of these activities, they can still enjoy some time at the playground.
St. Beatus Caves With Dogs
I visited the area 3 times (only been to the caves once) and was joined by my dog twice.
St. Beatus Caves are quite dog-friendly. They are allowed into the caves (but are charged CHF 10). I guess my dog enjoyed the time in the cold caves on that hot day.
Take your dog on a leash, and he/she can actually be with you at all times at Beatus Caves.
Though I visited St. Beatus Caves for the first time in 2017, I revisited a few more times. I got to eat in the restaurant, walked around, and love fell more in love every time. It is a pretty place. A really, really pretty place that should be on your Switzerland itinerary as it really is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland.
Have a great time at St. Beatus Caves. Safe travels, Arzo!