St. Beatus Caves

7 Highlights at the Beatus Caves

• The Beatus Caves have been explored over a length of more than 14 kilometers. Visitors can discover about one kilometer of vast halls and gorges.
• During the tour, you’ll see many impressive stalactite formations that are millions of years old.
• The innovative lighting setup installed in 2019 showcases the stunning formations even more beautifully.
• A variety of paths lead to the impressive caves of the Bernese Oberland. Whether on foot, by public transport, or by car, accessing the caves is easy.
• From the parking area, there's a short walk through the park to the cave. Along the way, you’ll cross several bridges and pass by a waterfall cascading from the cave.
• Nearby, there’s a modern museum that informs about the fascinating geology of the cave. Numerous interactive exhibits provide a great museum experience.
• At the restaurant “Stein und Sein,” right by the cave, visitors can recharge after an exciting tour. With a fantastic view of the Bernese Alps featuring the Niesen, both warm and cold dishes are served.

What to Expect at the Beatus Caves

Caves are one of Switzerland's most popular destinations. The experience of walking into the heart of a rock formation is truly unique. The Beatus Caves are located in the Niederhorn massif above the Thunersee in the canton of Bern. Over 14 kilometers of the massive tunnel system have been explored so far, and visitors can discover about one kilometer of it. Along the way, you’ll find a variety of fascinating stalactites and stalagmites that are millions of years old. Since 2019, innovative lighting installations have enhanced these awe-inspiring formations even further.

If you decide to explore the caves on your own, you can discover the tunnels at your own pace without a tour guide. The well-lit passageways lead you through expansive halls and gorges. Various information boards along the route provide insights into the intriguing geology of the cave. For groups, company outings, and classes, guided tours are available. An experienced tour guide will accompany you, offering engaging insights into the world of caves.

Next to the cave, there’s a supporting museum. Here, visitors can engage with various interactive exhibits that inform about the cave's geology. If you wish, an audio guide can accompany you through the 11 themed areas of the museum.

Who are the Beatus Caves suitable for?

The paths in the Beatus Caves don't require any special fitness, making them easy to walk. This experience is definitely worthwhile for children and teenagers as well. Claustrophobia shouldn’t be an issue, as the caves are mostly quite spacious.

The constant annual temperature inside the cave is around 8 - 10°C. The weather outside doesn’t matter, so visiting the Beatus Caves is a great bad weather activity in Switzerland. Just make sure to wear warm clothing for your visit, so you can fully enjoy the trip.

Strollers and wheelchairs aren’t allowed for safety reasons. However, the Beatus Caves make for a fantastic school or family trip. Additionally, it’s a great activity for smaller, private team events.

Getting to the Beatus Caves

The Beatus Caves are located in the Bernese Oberland, right above the Lake Thun, at the foot of the Niederhorn. There are many ways to reach this natural wonder. You can get there by car, public transport, or on foot.

On Foot

Several hiking trails of varying lengths lead to the Beatus Caves, offering stunning views of the Bernese Oberland. This includes the Camino de Santiago, which runs from Interlaken to Thun.

You definitely need to take a short walk from the parking lot/bus stop. This path takes you across several bridges, past the wild waterfall, to the caves. Other starting points include various public transport stations in Merligen, Thun, or Interlaken:

• from the boat station Beatus Caves/Sundlauenen via Pilgrim Path (20 - 25 min)
• from the boat station Beatenbucht via Pilgrim Path (1:00 to 1:10 hrs)
• from Merligen via Pilgrim Path (1:15 to 1:30 hrs)
• from Interlaken via Weissenau Promenade and Pilgrim Path (2:00 to 2:30 hrs)

Public Transport

You can use public transport combined with some walking. The easiest way is to take the bus to the Beatus Caves bus stop and then walk for another ten minutes. Alternatively, you can take a boat to the Beatus Caves or Beatenbucht station and then stroll along a slightly longer path to the caves.

By Car

If you're driving, you can park right by the caves. The parking spots are located on the lakeshore road, which winds along the lake from Merligen to Interlaken. From the parking lot, it’s just a ten-minute walk to the caves.