Take a tour of discovery in the magical world of stone and water that is the St. Beatus caves. Prepare to be fascinated by the incredible shapes and colours of impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations, and hear the rush and drip of the bubbling waters.
The imposing St. Beatus caves are situated high above Lake Thun. The limestone cave system – a natural wonder millions of years old – is guaranteed to amaze you. According to legend, the caves provided a safe haven for St. Beatus after he conquered and expelled a fire-breathing dragon that dwelled there in the sixth century. To this day, the underground gorges, imposing halls and bubbling waterfalls of St. Beatus caves exude a special power. Explore the unique cave system and immerse yourself in a fairytale environment of stone and water. You can reach the entrance to the caves from a path that takes you from the car park and through the forest. Along the way, you’ll cross several bridges over the waterfall as it exits the cave and hear the rushing and dripping of water.
The St. Beatus caves make for one of the most popular day-trip destinations around Lake Thun. So far, roughly 14 km of the extensive cave system has been mapped. It is possible to explore one kilometre of this on your own when you visit. The pathways through the cave are secure and easily accessible thanks to modern electric lighting. Take a tour of the mighty limestone formations, and be enchanted by the unique shapes and shades on view in the series of grottos. The mountain is filled with stalagmites and stalactites that have taken millions of years to form. As you proceed, 25 information boards in German and English impart useful information on the St. Beatus caves, an unforgettable wonder of nature that is definitely worth a day trip. There is even a playground with a dragon slide for children to enjoy. Complete your tour with a visit to the caves museum to learn all you need to know about cave exploration.
Solo travellers can visit the St. Beatus caves without a guide – thanks to 25 information boards in German and English within the cave system. The "Saint Beatus" app, which is available as a free download, offers further interactive information on the caves tour in various languages, including French. The Management Board reserves the right to decide whether individual visits are permissible in certain situations (for example, during heavy rainfall).
You are also welcome to dine at the most popular day trippers’ restaurant in the Bernese Oberland. In unique surroundings, select whatever inspires you in the moment from an exquisite choice. With sustainable food production a high priority, the restaurant team mainly works with regional suppliers who share their respect for environmental principles.
Check out a wide range of events aimed at families, couples, friends and groups. St. Beatus caves offers memorable tours of discovery through gorges and grottos – and much more besides. For example, the yearly Children’s Day events are particularly popular. Savour culinary experiences in special surroundings. "La Tavolata" evenings are held on balmy summer evenings. Tables are pushed together to make a large surface on which Italian dishes are placed in pots for all to enjoy. Come along and experience that Mediterranean mood. Every Sunday, treat yourself to a delicious Sunday brunch at the recently renovated STEIN & SEIN Restaurant.
The St. Beatus caves open on certain winter evenings to host a very special cave experience – an exclusive cave raclette! Enjoy home-made mulled wine and mulled cider in the flickering candlelight and flames from the fire. Equipped with everything needed for a raclette, you make your way into the caves by the light of a lantern. As you find a cosy spot for yourself, you will be enchanted by the sight of a sea of candles in the raclette grotto. The lavish raclette à discrétion has everything you could wish for, from raclette cheese, bacon and pickled vegetables to fresh fruit and desserts – and drinks are included too. To ensure you remember the evening, you can even take the KISAG candlelight raclette home in a practical rucksack. For full details on the offer as well as the schedule, please contact the venue directly. St. Beatus caves are pleased to receive telephone enquiries and reservations.
If you are visiting the St. Beatus caves on a company excursion, club outing or family celebration, you have the option of booking an exclusive private tour or a guided themed tour. on a guided tour you choose the start time of your tour, which takes around 75 minutes. Your personal guide leads your group around the caves in the language of your choice (German, English or French). Prior registration is required for groups of 10 persons or more.
You also have the option of booking a guided themed tour. During this tour, you will experience the diversity of the caves in different ways. Combine your excursion with a culinary experience. The team at the St. Beatus caves will be pleased to help you organise a unique event. It is also possible to arrange your group visit outside of normal opening hours.
Imposing limestone caves with magnificent grottos, halls and chasms
Individual and guided tours through a magical world of stone and water
Eat amid nature and overlooking Lake Thun at the Panorama Restaurant
Exclusive candlelight cave raclette in winter
Choice of group packages and guided tours on request
Open daily in the summer season (April – October), during the winter season (November – March) every Saturday and Sunday
Photography and filming is allowed in the caves; tripods are not permitted
Warm clothing is recommended with caves temperatures at 8-10°C
Accessible by bus, boat and car
Parking spaces nearby