Family trip to the stalactite cave
Cave, Flimbo trail, playground and museum: a whole day's adventure on Lake Thun for the whole family.
An excursion with children that will delight everyone
Astonished children's eyes in front of huge stalactite formations. A dragon called Flimbo, who leads them through the adventure trail. And at the end of the day: satisfied children who are already asking on the way back when they can come again. The St. Beatus Caves on Lake Thun are not just a destination, but a family excursion in Switzerland that works in any weather and delights all age groups.
Family outing at a glance
Four experiences, one ticket
What makes the St. Beatus Caves a special excursion destination for families: four experiences await under one roof. Stalactite cave, interactive Flimbo trail, cave museum and playground with dragon slide. Plus a restaurant with a children's menu, a barbecue area and the most impressive waterfall in the region. All in one ticket, all in one place, just 17 kilometres from Thun, in the heart of the Bernese Oberland.
How to plan your family outing
A suggestion for a relaxing day at the St Beatus Caves.
10.00 am: Arrival & car park
Car park below the complex (CHF 7/day). The tarmac footpath to the entrance leads past the impressive Beatus waterfall, the first highlight for children. Walking time: approx. 8 to 10 minutes.
10.15 a.m.: Cave museum
Start in the museum so that the children have a better understanding of what they are about to see in the cave. Pick up the audio guide and marvel at the fossils.
10.45 a.m.: Cave tour
One kilometre of stalactite caves: grottos, waterfalls, gorges. The children discover subterranean worlds at a constant 8-10 °C. Walking time approx. 60 minutes.
12.00 pm: Lunch
At the Stein & Sein restaurant with panoramic views of Lake Thun. Children's menu available. Or: grill your own food at the fire pit in the park.
1.30 pm: Flimbo trail & playground
In the afternoon, explore the interactive adventure trail with Flimbo the dragon, then let off steam in the playground with dragon slide and wooden castle.
3.00 pm: Ice cream & way back
An ice cream at the snack bar at the cave entrance, marvelling at the waterfall again. Head home with lots of stories to tell.
The dragon story, told for children
Why the cave is called what it is.
A long, long time ago, a dragon lived in the cave on Lake Thun. He guarded the caves and gorges and would not let anyone in. Until one day the brave monk Beatus arrived. According to legend, he drove the dragon out of the cave. The caves have borne his name ever since. For children, the dragon story comes to life on the Flimbo Trail and in the museum. The little cave dragon Flimbo is the friendly descendant of the legendary dragon and accompanies the children through the adventure world. If you look closely, you might find a trace ...
Children's book tip
"Flimbo, Emma & the Secrets of the St Beatus Caves" tells the adventures of the cave dragon. CHF 23, available exclusively in the Beatus shop. The perfect souvenir of the excursion.
The perfect bad weather programme
So much the better. The temperature in the stalactite cave is a constant 8-10 °C all year round - regardless of the weather outside. The cave, the museum and the covered snack bar offer a complete excursion programme even in the rain. And the waterfall in the outdoor area shows its most spectacular side in rainy weather: children and adults alike are amazed when the masses of water thunder down into the lake.
The St. Beatus Caves are one of the few excursion destinations in Switzerland that work in all weathers. No plan B necessary. The cave is Plan A, which is just as exciting when the sun is shining as when it's cloudy.
Admission prices for families
Included in the ticket: Cave tour, cave museum, audio guide and Flimbo trail.
| Adults | CHF 20.- | ||
| Children (6-16 years) | CHF 12.- | ||
| Family ticket* | CHF 52.- | ||
| dogs | CHF 10.- |
* The family ticket includes parents / grandparents (max. 2 adults) with their own children / grandchildren aged 6 - 16.
Combi-tickets: how families save
The journey itself is an experience
Three paths to the caves, all suitable for families.
By boat
The most beautiful journey is via Lake Thun. The Blüemlisalp steamboat and the BLS scheduled boats dock right next to the caves. A highlight for children, and with the combined ticket you save 50 % on the cave entrance fee.
By car
Only 18 km from Thun, 7 km from Interlaken. Paid car park (CHF 7/day) directly below the resort. From there, a tarmac footpath leads to the entrance in approx. 8 to 10 minutes, past the impressive Beatus waterfall.
By public transport
Bus from Thun or Interlaken to the "Beatushöhlen" stop. 20% discount on admission with SBB RailAway.
Well prepared
What you should know for an excursion with children.
The temperature in the stalactite cave is 8-10 °C all year round with approx. 95 % humidity. The paths and steps can be damp. Warm clothing and non-slip footwear should be on the packing list, even in the height of summer. We recommend a baby carrier for small children.
Checklist for families
Warm jacket and sturdy shoes (even in summer)
No pushchairs (steep path, 297 steps)
Baby carrier recommended for small children
No eating and drinking in the cave
Photography allowed (without tripod)
Last admission: 17.45 hrs
Car park: CHF 7/day, 8-10 min. walk to the entrance
Dogs are welcome on a lead (admission CHF 10).
Frequently asked questions about the family outing
Yes, the St. Beatus Caves are one of the most child-friendly caves in Switzerland. The tour is well developed, illuminated and signposted. Children from around 5 to 6 years of age can easily manage the route. There is also the interactive Flimbo trail, a hands-on cave museum, a playground with a dragon slide and a fire pit. A complete children's programme for the whole day.
The family ticket costs CHF 52 and includes a maximum of 2 adults (parents or grandparents) with their own children or grandchildren aged 6-16. Single tickets: adults CHF 20, children (6-16 years) CHF 12. The price includes the cave tour, the cave museum with audio guide and the Flimbo trail. With the BLS combined ticket (boat trip + cave) you save 50% on admission.
No, pushchairs cannot be taken along. The path to the cave entrance is steep and there are 297 steps to climb inside the cave. We recommend a baby carrier for small children. The playground, the fireplace and the restaurant are also accessible without visiting the cave.
Yes, the Stein & Sein restaurant offers children's dishes and regional cuisine with a panoramic view of Lake Thun. Snacks, ice cream and drinks are available at the snack bar by the cave entrance. If you bring your own food, there is a public barbecue area in the park for you to use. Food and drink are not permitted in the cave itself.
Yes, the cave is one of the best bad-weather excursion destinations in the Bernese Oberland. The temperature in the stalactite cave is a constant 8-10 °C, regardless of the weather. When it rains, the waterfall in the outdoor area is particularly spectacular. The museum and snack bar are also covered.
Particularly popular with families: travelling by boat across Lake Thun with direct landing stage at the caves and combined ticket with 50% discount. By car: car park (CHF 7/day) below the complex, 8 to 10 minutes' walk to the entrance. By public transport: Bus from Thun or Interlaken to the "Beatushöhlen" stop, SBB RailAway with 20 % discount.
Yes, the caves are open all year round. The temperature in the cave is constant, pleasantly warm in winter and cool in summer. A family outing that is suitable at any time of year.
Plan a family trip to the St. Beatus Caves
Stalactite cave, Flimbo trail, museum and playground. Four experiences, one ticket. Plan your excursion with children on Lake Thun.
Combine family outing
Info centre
The most important information for your visit at a glance. Contact us if you have any questions.
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