Caves of Han-sur-Lesse

Geschiedenis

The Caves of Han-sur-Lesse are a major Belgian tourist attraction located on the outskirts of the village of Han-sur-Lesse.The caves are the result of the underground erosion of a limestone hill by the river Lesse. For most of its length, it is a meandering river. Not far from Han-sur-Lesse, it abruptly plunges into a sinkhole known as the gouffre de Belvaux, forcing its way under the hill over a distance of over 1km as the crow flies before streaming through the cave complex known as the Grottes de Han.Cave complexThe caves have a constant temperature of and a high level of humidity. The largest room in the complex is called La Salle du Dôme (English: the Hall of the Dome); it is 150m across with a vaulted ceiling that reaches 127m.Although modern exploration of the complex began in 1771, the cave has been known to locals for much longer. Bronze Age relics have been found inside, indicating use from at least the 5th century BC.Access is only possible via a vintage streetcar, a remnant of the country's once extensive vicinal tramway system, which departs from the center of Han-sur-Lesse. The entry to the caves is about 2km from the village. The guided tour takes about an hour to an hour and a half and includes a sound and light show in one of the largest chambers of the cave and an ending with a simulated cannon shot to demonstrate the cave's acoustic properties. Visitors exit the cave by way of a short boat ride at the point where the Lesse emerges on the surface. This has been replaced by a bridge.

"Préparez-vous pour un voyage aux origines du monde... Les weekends jusqu'au 12/02/2023 ouvert sur réservation uniquement. Plus d'infos sur notre site !~Ben je klaar voor een reis naar de oorsprong van de wereld? De weekends tot 12/02/2023 enkel open op reservering. Meer info op onze website!"