St. Beatus Caves, Switzerland: Off The Beaten Path
The St. Beatus Caves are a natural phenomenon full of mystery, legend, and awe-inspiring wonder; it also may be Switzerland’s best kept secret. With waterfalls, underground gorges, ravines, and soaring stalactite-covered ceilings, this intricate cave system is a fairytale of stone, high above Lake Thun.
As legend has it, Saint Beatus of Lungern was a monk and hermit of early Christianity who evangelized in the mountains surrounding Lake Thun during the 2nd century. While exploring the caves and attempting to make them his home, Saint Beatus was met by a ferocious dragon with flames coming from his eyes. The monk fought and defeated the dragon, successfully making the maze of tunnels his hermitage, as well as saving the local Swiss villages from the beast. Or so the story goes.
With 9 miles worth of caves having been uncovered and mapped so far, the vast labyrinth of limestone is a wonder. You don’t have to enter the caves to be amazed, however; even glimpsing the outside of the monastery on the side of the cliff is a delight for your eyes! With multiple waterfalls streaming from under the beautiful architecture, and with the view of Lake Thun and the Alps behind you, everywhere you turn looks as though it is straight from a storybook.
That must’ve been what J.R.R Tolkein thought when he visited the site in 1911. It is said that the St. Beatus Caves were his inspiration for the mystical Elven realm of Rivendell.
Please note: it’s a 15 minute hike to get to the caves. The hiking trail and waterfalls are open year-round; the caves, restaurant, and museum are open March through November.
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