St Beatus Caves (St Beatus Hohlen)

Legend has it that some 2,000 years ago, the St. Beatus caves were inhabited by a troublesome dragon, who terrified local villagers for decades until the Irish monk Beatus (hence the name) finally succeeded in driving him away. Thankfully, the caves are 100% dragon-free today and although much of the vast cavern is still unexplored, a good portion is now open to the public. Whether or not you believe in dragons, the location is certainly dramatic enough – eerily lit stalagmites, dripping stalactites and ghostly underground lakes and waterfalls. A 1.5-hour walk or short boat ride from Interlaken and close by Lake Thun, the caves make a popular way to spend an afternoon and with walkways running 1,000 meters through the towering Niederhorn Massif, it’s easy for the whole family to explore. A small yet informative cave museum and restaurant lie at the entrance to the grotto, and inside the cell of St. Beatus can also be viewed.