St. Beatus Caves (St. Beatus-Höhlen)

The Basics

There are more than half a mile (1 kilometer) of well-lit walkways wending their way through the St. Beatus caves. The site also offers a small but informative museum that explains the caves’ history (and legends) and helps visitors better understand what they see underground.

You can visit the St. Beatus Caves on a half-day trip from Interlaken, or stop at the site on a hop-on hop-off boat tour of Lakes Thun and Brienz.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There are boardwalks throughout the caves, which make it an easy site to visit with children.

• An on-site restaurant offers great views of Lake Thun as well as snacks and full meals. (Reservations are required for dinner.)

• Explore the caves on your own, or join one of the 75-minute guided tours, which start approximately every 45 minutes.

• Photography is allowed inside the caves, but tripods are prohibited.

• The temperature inside the caves is quite cold (around 32 degrees F/ 9 degrees C), so bring a sweater or jacket.

• The caves are not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

How to Get There

The caves are about a 90-minute walk from Interlaken, on the eastern end of Lake Thun. You can also reach the site via a 30-minute bus or boat ride from Interlaken.

When to Get There

The caves are typically open from mid-morning until early evening, March through October, and are closed during the winter (November–March).

Take a Boat Ride on an Underground Lake

For a different kind of cave experience, check out Lac Souterrain de St-Leonard, the largest underground lake in Europe. Follow a guide down into the cavern, and take a short boat ride across crystal clear water, spotting trout and admiring the sparkling rocks around you. Guides offer information about the lake in French, German, and English.