St. Beatus Caves Nature Park - Hike, marvel, arrive
Waterfall, bridges, playground and barbecue area - a nature park that appeals to all the senses awaits you between the cave and Lake Thun.
Where nature and history meet
The St. Beatus Caves Nature Park stretches between the cave entrance and Lake Thun - a place where the roar of the waterfall fills the air and the view sweeps over the Alps. Even Stone Age people found shelter here, Goethe was inspired by the scenery - and today the park is an excursion destination for families, hikers and nature lovers from all over Switzerland.
Cross bridges over the thundering waterfall, let your children play on the dragon slide or barbecue at the public barbecue area with a view of Lake Thun. The Beatus Caves Nature Park is much more than just a stopover - it's an experience in itself.
The park area of the St. Beatus Caves
Nature, play and relaxation await between the cave entrance and the lakeshore.
Flood waterfall
After heavy rain, the waterfall in the park area transforms into a powerful natural spectacle. The masses of water thunder down into the valley - a sight that never ceases to amaze even the locals. Combine your visit with a stop at the Stein & Sein restaurant, right next to the park, and enjoy the spectacle with regional cuisine and a view of Lake Thun.
Hikes to the caves
Combine your cave experience with the most beautiful hiking trails along the lakeshore and enjoy spectacular views of the Bernese Oberland.
Hiking on Lake Thun - your routes to the caves
Arrive on foot and experience the Bernese Oberland from its most beautiful side. The St. Beatus Caves are a popular destination for hikes in the Bern region. Several routes lead through the countryside by Lake Thun directly to the cave entrance - each with its own character and panorama.
From Merligen: 75 to 90-minute hike through the forest and along the lakeshore to the cave entrance. A quiet path with views of Lake Thun.
From Beatenbucht boat station: You can reach the caves in 60 to 70 minutes via the Way of St James. On the way, you will pass the funicular railway to Beatenberg, a shortcut for the return journey.
From the BLS Sundlauenen boat station: A steep but rewarding ascent of 20 to 25 minutes takes you up to the cave entrance.
The great Beatenberg hike from Interlaken
A day tour that combines nature, culture and history.
If you want to experience the full diversity of the region, start in Interlaken and hike via Beatenbucht and the Balmholz quarry to the St. Beatus Caves. After visiting the caves, the trail continues via Sundlauenen and Neuhaus to the ruins of Weissenau Castle - a nature reserve that is an insider tip for birdwatchers.
From the Weissenau castle ruins, you return to Interlaken West. A hike that combines the sights of Lake Thun, the Alpine panorama and the cave experience in a single day.
Tip: on the way, the funicular railway connects the route with Beatenberg - ideal if you want to shorten the hike or take in the view from the summit.
Directly on the Way of St James
One of the oldest pilgrimage sites in Switzerland - on the way for centuries.
The St. Beatus Caves are located directly on the Way of St. James, the famous pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The cave of St Beatus was already a destination for pilgrims in the Middle Ages. Today, hikers combine the spiritual path with a visit to the stalactite cave and the nature park.
From the Beatenbucht boat station, you follow the Way of St James uphill for 60 to 70 minutes. The path leads through forest and past viewpoints before the view of the waterfall and the cave entrance opens up. A stage that combines history and nature in a special way.
Well prepared
Frequently asked questions about the nature park & hiking
The park area with waterfall, bridges, playground and fire pit is located between the cave entrance and Lake Thun. Access to the outdoor area is part of the overall experience. You need a ticket to enter the cave and the cave museum.
The hike from Merligen to the cave entrance takes 75 to 90 minutes. The path leads through the forest and along Lake Thun. Alternatively, you can reach the caves from the Beatenbucht boat station via the Jakobsweg in 60 to 70 minutes or from the BLS Sundlauenen boat station in 20 to 25 minutes.
Yes, a popular day tour leads from Interlaken via Neuhaus to the caves. After your visit, hike via Sundlauenen and Neuhaus to the Weissenau castle ruins and back to Interlaken West. On the way you will reach the funicular railway to Beatenberg - ideal for a shortcut.
Yes, the caves are located directly on the Way of St James, the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. From the Beatenbucht boat station, you follow the Way of St James uphill and reach the caves in 60 to 70 minutes. The Cave of St Beatus has been a pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages.
Yes, the park has a playground with a kite slide for children and a public barbecue area. Bring your barbecue and enjoy the panoramic views of Lake Thun and the Alps. The Stein & Sein restaurant is also available for refreshments right by the cave entrance.
The surrounding area offers numerous Lake Thun attractions: the Weissenau nature reserve with birdwatching, the funicular railway to Beatenberg with panoramic views, the BLS boat trip from Sundlauenen and Beatenbucht as well as hiking trails along the lake. From Stone Age people to Goethe - the region has a history dating back thousands of years.
Experience nature on Lake Thun
Waterfall, hike and cave tour in one day - the St. Beatus Caves Nature Park combines everything that makes the Bernese Oberland special.
Combine nature park
Info centre
The most important information for your visit at a glance. Contact us if you have any questions.
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