The protestant church in Beatenberg is a child of the reformation. The pilgrimage chapel “St. Batten” near the Beatus caves was closed by the authorities in 1528. Until then it also served as the parish church for the local people. For many centuries Saint Beatus – legendary Christian apostle and dragon killer – had been venerated near the caves. Together with Einsiedeln St. Batten was the most famous place of pilgrimage in Switzerland. In the end the cave was sealed, so that no more worship could take place.
As replacement for the chapel in the cave a wooden church was built in Beatenberg in 1534. The silver chalice, which was donated at that dedication, is still in use nowadays.
In 1844 the schoolroom (Kirchenstübli) was built (above the entrance hall).
Church entrance and vicarage Marianne and Ernst Bühlmann are looking lovingly after our church
The cemetery deserves a visit as well. On the lowest step stands a Celtic cross, which can be seen from far away. It is in memory of a vicar, who looked after the English guests in the village in the previous century. At the same time the cross reminds us of Saint Beatus, whose origin is wrapped in mystery, but is thought to be in early Christian Ireland.
Cemetery with fantastic view of Lake Thun and Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau
