Alpine Mountains, Caves and More, Merligen, Switzerland

About eight miles midway between the Swiss cities of Interlaken and Thun, small Merligen hugs the northern shore of Lake Thun. Snuggled between alpine mountains on both sides of the lake, it enjoys a balmy Mediterranean climate for much of the year. You can even find palms trees in town.

If you’re seeking a few days in a tranquil yet exciting European environment, this village, with a population of less than a thousand, could be the answer. Don’t worry; you won’t be counting the hours from meal to meal. On the contrary, the surrounding area has a lot to offer, and if you check-in to the five-star Beatus Wellness- & Spa-Hotel you may even find yourself wanting to stay a few extra days. It’s quite the place to hole up.

Beatus Wellness- & Spa-Hotel

Situated on the banks of the placid lake, the view from the hotel is simply spectacular. The pyramid-shaped Niesen mountain on the other side climbs to an altitude of 2,362 meters, and completely dominates the landscape. Part of the Bernese Oberland region of the Alps, you can’t escape its attraction, nor would you want to. Imagine waking every day to see this pyramid bathed in early morning sunlight, perhaps with white clouds crowning its summit. And every night the pastel-colored sunset illuminates it bidding you goodnight.

The Beatus’ wellness spa and their attentive staff will spoil you silly and cater to your every need. Delight in the warm outdoor salt-water pool (95°F) and its bubbling jets spouting water of different strengths and lengths. Or enjoy the indoor pool (at 84°F), seven different saunas, a relaxation room with water beds and dozens of health treatments and massages that will soothe your body and spirit.

The hotel offers a hearty breakfast buffet and its gourmet cuisine shines at dinner time. The menu at Table d’hôtes with a selection of exquisite Swiss and international specialties changes daily and there are two à-la-carte restaurants: Le BelAir and the Orangerie Piano Bar. Choosing to dine alfresco right on the lake adds another dimension to your culinary experience.

Seventy-one beautifully appointed rooms and suites have been designed with comfort and pleasure in mind.

The St. Beatus Caves

 Switzerland is a land of legends, so let’s start with one. It’s said that some 1,900 years ago a terrifying dragon claimed a large cave as his home. Only the brave Irish monk Beatus was able to defeat it, chasing and drowning it in the lake. Now that we don’t have that dreadful dragon to fear, we can explore this natural wonder.

The St. Beatus Caves, on the northeastern shore and just minutes from Merligen, hide in the interior of the granite Niederhorn Massif. Well-lit trails that are easy to walk wind their serpentine way over 3,000 feet deep inside and a constantly changing stream flows through narrow passages and grottos.

At every turn is a new surprise: a tiny little cave, a large hall, the stream flowing peacefully, small cascades or even bubbling out of the ground. Lights are strategically positioned to illuminate the rock formations and water pools, along with the stalactites and stalagmites which have evolved over millions of years. They accentuate the natural colors in blue, orange, and yellow and create a fairy-tale ambiance.  Be sure to visit the interactive exhibition in the Cave Museum, completely renovated in 2013, to find out more about the history and geology.

Using carefully selected regional products, the St. Beatus Caves Restaurant serves warm and cold dishes in a panoramic setting, with stunning views of the lake and adjacent is a take-out with hamburgers, pizza and salads.

The easiest way to get there is by taking Bus 21, which runs between Thun and Interlaken along the coastal road and get off at a station called Beatushoehlen at the foot of the caves. The bus stops just a few feet away from the hotel but if you do decide to drive, park your car in the small roadside lot by the bus station, or one accessed from a narrow road to the left of the station.

Gazing at the awesome vertical granite wall, you might wonder how you will be able to climb up — at least I did. It’s less strenuous than it looks. A well-maintained pathway leads up in long zigzag loops, with numerous benches inviting you to sit and enjoy the view or the waterfall plunging down the cliff behind you. The views are so stunning that you’ll be at the entrance before you know it. There you’ll find the ticket office with the fee covering both caves and museum access. Tours are available, or you can explore on your own. The caves are open from the end of March until the end of October and are not wheelchair accessible. Also, keep in mind it can be cool so dress accordingly and wear sturdy shoes as some trails may be slippery.

Beatenberg

 The panoramic view of the Bernese Alps, especially the famous Eiger, Moench, and Jungfrau mountains, their peaks eternally covered by snow, is a sight not to be missed. A funicular leaves from the Breidenbach station by the lake and takes you to the village of Beatenberg at 1,127 meters. From there you take three cable cars up to the Niederhorn mountain station at an altitude of 1,935 meters. Check the forecast before you go because you want a clear day with no clouds or fog to obscure your views. Parking is available next to the station, or you can also take Bus 21.

Boat trips on Lake Thun

A delightful way to spend a morning or afternoon is to take one of the sightseeing boats that crisscrosses Lake Thun. Some go all the way from Thun to Interlaken. Others are like commuter boats, sailing from village to village where often local people living in the communities along the lake intermingle with tourists.

Check at reception about itineraries of ships stopping at the Beatus Hotel.