The St. Beatus Caves (St. Beatus-Höhlen) are a stalactite cave system on the northern shore of Lake Thun in the Bernese Oberland, around 10 km from Interlaken. Fourteen kilometres of cave have been explored; one kilometre is open to visitors year-round.
This guide was updated in June 2026. The adult admission is CHF 20 — several aggregators and tour listings still show CHF 19 or lower. More significantly, the caves now stay open until 21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays in the summer season, with last admission at 20:15; most existing guides only mention the standard 18:00 closing time. You can book through GetYourGuide in advance to plan your visit.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | CH-3800 Sundlauenen near Interlaken |
| Summer season (28 Mar – 8 Nov 2026) | Mon–Thu & Sun: 09:00–18:00 (last entry 17:15) · Fri–Sat: 09:00–21:00 (last entry 20:15) |
| Winter season (21 Nov 2026 – 19 Mar 2027) | Mon–Fri & Sun: 10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:15) · Sat: 10:00–18:30 (last entry 17:45) |
| Adult admission | CHF 20 |
| Children (6–16) | CHF 12 |
| Family ticket | CHF 52 (max. 2 adults + own children aged 6–16) |
| Under 6 | Free |
| Dogs | CHF 10 |
| Cave Museum only | CHF 6 (adults) |
| Parking | CHF 7/day (two car parks on site) |
| Nearest bus stop | STI bus ‘Beatushöhlen’, directly at the entrance |
| Nearest boat pier | BLS pier ‘Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen’ (20–25 min walk uphill) |
| Typical visit | 1.5–2.5 hours |
St. Beatus Caves opening hours
The caves are open all year round with seasonal adjustments. During the summer season (28 March to 8 November 2026), the standard hours are 09:00 to 18:00, with last admission at 17:15. On Fridays and Saturdays the cave stays open until 21:00, with last admission at 20:15 — an evening opening most guides don’t mention. The tour takes approximately 60 minutes.
During the winter season (21 November 2026 to 19 March 2027), the caves open at 10:00. Standard closing is 17:00 (last entry 16:15), with Saturday extended to 18:30 (last entry 17:45). Note there is a closure gap between the summer and winter seasons — from approximately 9 to 20 November 2026 the caves are shut. Always confirm dates on the official website before travelling.
St. Beatus Caves admission prices
Prices below are taken from the official info-centre page. The adult admission is CHF 20 and includes the cave tour and cave museum. A guest card for the Bernese Oberland gives discounted rates (CHF 17 for adults, CHF 10 for children).
| Category | Without guest card | With Bernese Oberland guest card |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | CHF 20 | CHF 17 |
| Children (6–16) | CHF 12 | CHF 10 |
| Family (max. 2 adults + own children 6–16) | CHF 52 | — |
| Under 6 | Free | Free |
| Dogs | CHF 10 | — |
| Cave Museum only (adults) | CHF 6 | — |
Combined offers: Arriving by BLS boat earns a 50% discount on cave admission. The SBB RailAway combination (travel by public transport) gives a 20% discount on admission; book at any SBB ticket counter. You can book in advance through GetYourGuide.
Why visit the St. Beatus Caves?
- 🏛️ Open every day of the year: Unlike most Swiss caves, the St. Beatus Caves operate year-round, including winter, with the cave temperature a constant 8–10°C regardless of season.
- 🎟️ Friday and Saturday evening openings: In summer, the caves stay open until 21:00 on Fri–Sat — an atmospheric option largely unknown to casual visitors planning around standard hours.
- 🌿 The Beatus waterfall: The path from the car park to the cave entrance crosses a thundering double waterfall fed by the underground stream running through the entire cave system — especially dramatic after rain or snowmelt.
- 📜 Six centuries of legend: The caves are named after St. Beatus, said to have expelled a dragon here in the 6th century — the first apostle of Switzerland, according to Swiss tradition.
- 💰 50% discount with BLS boat: Combining a Lake Thun boat trip with a cave visit halves the cave admission — a genuine saving and a scenic way to arrive.
How to get to the St. Beatus Caves
By bus, the STI bus stops directly at the entrance (stop: ‘Beatushöhlen’). Regular connections run from Thun and from Interlaken. Visitors with an Interlaken guest card can travel free. This is the most convenient option for day-trippers without a car.
By boat, the BLS pier ‘Beatushöhlen-Sundlauenen’ is on the Lake Thun shore below the caves. The uphill walk from the pier to the cave entrance takes around 20–25 minutes. Purchasing the BLS combination ticket earns 50% off cave admission.
By car, the caves are on the Seestrasse (lake road) between Thun and Interlaken. Two paid car parks sit directly below the site; the lower is car park 1, the upper car park 2 is adjacent to the Cave Museum. Walking time from the lower car park to the cave entrance is 8–10 minutes along a tarmac path beside the waterfall.
Parking at the St. Beatus Caves
Two paid car parks are available on site. Both charge a flat CHF 7 for a day ticket (maximum 24 hours). Car park 2 is directly beside the Cave Museum. Car park 1 is lower down, adding a few minutes to the walk. Both parks fill quickly during summer weekends — arriving before 10:00 is strongly advisable. The site officially notes that parking is at the driver’s own risk and is unguarded. E-bike and MTB parking is available beside the entrance.
How long to spend at the St. Beatus Caves
The cave tour itself takes around 60 minutes and covers roughly one kilometre with 297 steps and an 87-metre altitude gain. Including the cave museum, restaurant, the waterfall path, and the outdoor nature park with playground, allow 1.5 to 2.5 hours in total. Families with children using the playground may want three hours. Guided theme tours for groups run longer and require advance booking.
Accessibility at the St. Beatus Caves
The St. Beatus Caves are not accessible for wheelchair users, disabled persons, or visitors using prams. Neither the path from the car park to the cave entrance nor the cave tour itself is barrier-free. For safety reasons, prams and wheelchairs are not permitted. The cave museum near car park 2 is more accessible than the cave itself, but the official site does not confirm full wheelchair access there. Visitors with limited mobility should be aware of the steep uphill walk and the 297 steps inside. The restaurant terrace and outdoor areas are suitable for visitors who wish to enjoy the lake view without entering the caves.
What to see at the St. Beatus Caves
The approach and Beatus waterfall is itself a highlight. The footpath from the car park climbs alongside a thundering two-part waterfall fed by the underground stream flowing through the cave. The waterfall is visible from the road below and is particularly dramatic during spring snowmelt or after heavy rain.
The cave tour follows a one-kilometre illuminated circuit into the Niederhorn massif, passing through grottos, ravines, and halls. Stalactite and stalagmite formations appear throughout, alongside several underground watercourses. The route has 25 information boards in German and English; the free Saint Beatus app provides additional audio commentary in German, English, and French. The cave temperature is a constant 8–10°C with 95% humidity — warm layers are essential regardless of outdoor conditions.
The cave museum explores the geology of the system, cave research, and the legend of St. Beatus and the dragon. The museum audio guide (included in the main admission) is available in German, English, and French. The museum opens later than the caves — from 10:30 in summer, 12:00 in winter.
The outdoor nature park and playground sit between the car parks and the cave entrance. A dragon-themed play area makes this a practical stop for families. The terrace of Restaurant Stein & Sein looks directly across Lake Thun towards the Niesen and Stockhorn peaks.
Practical tips for visiting the St. Beatus Caves
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dress for 8°C | The cave is cold and humid year-round. A warm layer is essential even in summer. Footwear should be sturdy — paths inside are permanently wet. |
| Note the season gap | The caves close for approximately two weeks between the summer and winter seasons (around 9–20 November 2026). Check the official calendar before travelling in November. |
| Use the Friday/Saturday evening opening | In summer the caves stay open until 21:00 on Fri–Sat, with last admission at 20:15 — quieter and atmospheric compared to daytime weekend crowds. |
| Arrive early at weekends | Both car parks fill quickly. Arriving before 10:00 or using the STI bus avoids waiting for a space. |
| Combine with the BLS boat | The BLS combination ticket halves your cave admission and makes the approach by water one of the most scenic in the Bernese Oberland. Book in advance if you prefer a fixed time. |
St. Beatus Caves FAQ
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are the caves open in winter? | Yes — uniquely among Swiss show caves, the St. Beatus Caves are open all year round. Winter hours differ from summer hours; check the official site for the current seasonal schedule. |
| Do the caves close in bad weather? | In prolonged or heavy rain the water level inside can rise rapidly. The caves may close beyond a certain point for safety. Check on arrival. |
| Is the adult price CHF 18, 19, or 20? | CHF 20, as confirmed on the official info-centre page. Several aggregators still show lower figures. |
| Is the cave accessible by pushchair? | No. Neither the approach path nor the cave tour permits prams or wheelchairs. |
| Can I bring my dog? | Yes — dogs are admitted for CHF 10 per dog, included with the cave admission ticket. |
Things to do near the St. Beatus Caves
Niederhorn cable car departs from Beatenberg, a short bus ride uphill from the caves. The summit at 1,963 m offers panoramic views across Lakes Thun and Brienz. The cable car runs in both summer and winter seasons.
Lake Thun boat cruises run regularly between Thun, Beatenbucht, Spiez, and Interlaken operated by BLS. The approach from the water to the cave landing stage is particularly striking. The BLS combination ticket also halves cave admission.
Interlaken is 10 minutes by car or bus from the caves and serves as the main base for the Bernese Oberland. The Höheweg promenade between Interlaken West and Ost stations offers views of the Jungfrau massif and is walkable in around 20 minutes.
Thun is around 15 km west of the caves and easily reached by bus or train. The old town’s covered shopping arcades, the castle with its distinctive corner towers, and the lakeside Schadau Park make it a rewarding half-day.
Sigriswil Suspension Bridge (Panoramabrücke) crosses the Gummischlucht gorge at 182 m above the valley floor, about 20 minutes by car from the caves near the village of Sigriswil. Admission is free.
Similar caves to visit near the Bernese Oberland
Lalden Crystal Cave (Kristallhöhlen Murmeli), Brig is a compact but striking cave in the Valais known for its calcite crystal formations. It lies around 90 minutes from Interlaken by car and requires advance booking for guided tours.
Hundsloch Cave, Meiringen is a smaller walking cave near Meiringen, around 40 minutes east of the Beatus Caves along Lake Brienz. It requires a guided tour and is best combined with a visit to the Reichenbach Falls.
Grotte de Vallorbe, Jura is one of Switzerland’s most impressive show caves, located in the Jura near the French border. The river Orbe flows directly through the illuminated caverns. About 2.5 hours from Interlaken by car.
Stalactite Cave Baar (Höllgrotten), Zug is a small but well-visited stalactite cave near Baar in Canton Zug, around 90 minutes from Interlaken. It is one of the most accessible caves in central Switzerland for visitors without a car.
Bätter Cave (Bättergrotte), Brienz is a lesser-known cave close to Brienz on Lake Brienz, approximately 30 minutes east of the Beatus Caves. Opening is seasonal and advance checking is required.
More Switzerland travel
Other Switzerland travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Planning a visit to Lindt Home of Chocolate near Zurich.
- What to expect at the Swiss National Museum in Zurich.
- A first time visitor’s guide to the Gornergrat Railway in Zermatt.
- How to make the best of your visit to Chillon Castle on Lake Geneva, Switzerland.
- How to get the most from a visit to Chateau de Gruyeres in Switzerland.
