On my second trip to Switzerland with my sister, we meticulously planned every detail of our itinerary. We have curated each and every location before going. My sister and I were determined to discover unique tourist spots while ensuring our trip remained relaxing and comfortable. Unlike my previous visit, we decided not to overwhelm ourselves with a packed schedule. Instead, we carefully selected a few extraordinary locations to explore at a leisurely pace. This thoughtful approach allowed us to experience the beauty and charm of Switzerland in a more meaningful way.
We found ourselves marveling at stunning, lesser-known sites that we might have missed otherwise. Our curated selection of destinations provided us with a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making this trip truly memorable. By prioritizing quality over quantity, we were able to fully appreciate the unique landscapes of Switzerland without feeling rushed. Each place we visited left a lasting impression, contributing to an enriching travel experience. This time, our journey through Switzerland was not just about seeing new places, but about enjoying each moment and creating lasting memories.
St. Beatus-Höhlen, Swiss Caves - The St. Beatus Caves
In my previous travel posts, I mentioned that this time we chose to stay in the Swiss village of Brienz so that we could go to our desired locations quickly. The St. Beatus Caves location was recommended by our travel agent. Before going on the trip we had a long discussion about the Swiss itinerary and at that time she suggested this location to me.
On the second day in Switzerland, we began by exploring Lauterbrunnen and its nearby waterfall and cave. Later, we headed to the St. Beatus Caves. Though I was unaware at the time, the St. Beatus Caves are among the ten largest caves in Switzerland and a popular tourist attraction. My initial interest in this spot was flared by its picturesque waterfall, not the caves themselves. Located near Interlaken, on the shores of the gorgeous Lake Thun, this destination turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip.
We went there by car but for the tourists, it is recommended to take a boat or bus.
So what is the story of the St. Beatus caves?
The St. Beatus Caves, or St. Beatus-Höhlen, are a series of limestone caves located near Interlaken and Beatenberg, above Lake Thun in Switzerland. It has both historical and cultural significance and history.
According to local legend, the caves were once home to Saint Beatus, a monk who lived around the 6th or 7th century. Saint Beatus is said to have arrived in the region as a missionary from Ireland or Scotland. Upon his arrival, he discovered that a dragon inhabited the caves. With his faith and bravery, Saint Beatus confronted the dragon, driving it out of the caves and into Lake Thun, where it perished. This dramatic tale made the caves a pilgrimage site, and Saint Beatus is celebrated as a local hero and saint. source
So, following the legend, the caves became a site of religious significance, attracting pilgrims who came to honor Saint Beatus. Later during the 19th century, the caves gathered scientific and touristic interest. So, in the early 20th century, efforts were made to develop the caves as a tourist attraction. Stalactites and stalagmites that can be spotted in the caves are formed by nature over millions of years. source
The waterfall at St. Beatus-Höhlen (St. Beatus-Caves) is delivered by underground streams and springs that emerge from the cave system. Rainwater and snowmelt from the surrounding mountains infiltrate the ground, flowing through the limestone and collecting in underground channels.
At St. Beatus-Caves, the water exits the cave and cascades down the limestone cliffs, forming a waterfall. The vertical drop from the cave exit to the base of the cliff creates the waterfall's height and flow.
We parked our car near the entrance of the St. Beatus caves. Just when we approved towards the entrance, rain started. We had raincoats so I and my sister didn't face any problems in the rain but the problem was the cold wind. We were hardly could walk properly due to the windy weather. But the beautiful unique waterfall and picturesque surroundings didn't disappoint us and we enjoyed each and every moment there together. The entrance gate was quite unique and it reminded me of the grand old shrine's entrance.
In addition to its mesmerizing waterfall, this location offers a range of attractions for tourists. Visitors can explore a museum; we went inside the museum but it was not open to the publics. Instead, we found of small corner selling some souvenirs. There is a restaurant available, providing a convenient spot to enjoy a meal while taking in the scenic surroundings for the visitors. The highlight, however, is the cave excursion/ guided tour, where tourists can venture into the extensive limestone cave system (per person costs around 19 euros).
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You are probably expecting to see photos of the caves, but I have to disappoint you— we didn’t visit them. Why? First, we forgot to buy or book tickets and we left our wallets/purses in the car and we realized it when we were in the middle of the spot. Second, my sister wasn’t interested in visiting the caves as she feels claustrophobic in enclosed spaces. So, instead, we decided to enjoy the area in other ways. We strolled along the scenic paths, crossing several bridges over the waterfall, and took plenty of photos.
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I ended up taking some gorgeous photos of the waterfall. Though we missed out on exploring the caves, the beauty of the surrounding landscape was more than made up for it. Me and my sister had found our own spot there. We spent a long time appreciating the beauty of the waterfall and capturing the picturesque views, and natural splendor. Later had our own lunch there and went nearby to the cave entrance.
I captured photos of the waterfall from various angles, including from the bridges. Exploring the area allowed me to find unique perspectives, each offering a different view of the cascading water. The bridges have provided excellent vantage points for photography, highlighting the waterfall's beauty against the lush surroundings.
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While I might not always get to see everything a location has to offer due to physical and mental limitations, I still find immense joy in exploring places at my own pace. I prefer to create my own unique experiences and moments, ones that I can cherish and reflect on later in life.
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I believe that enjoying a location is not about checking off every attraction but about immersing myself in the surroundings and making the most of what I can explore.
This attraction will always remain as a captivating postcard in my memory.
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Priyan...
I am @priyanarc.... An architect, a dreamer, and a passionate writer who loves to write about life. I try to present my own perspective and experiences. Please leave your feedback and criticism because it's the only way I can know and reach your mind and thoughts easily...
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