Caves of Han

About this place

The Caves of Han are a natural cave complex on the edge of the village of Han-sur-Lesse in Wallonia, southern Belgium, and one of the country's main attractions, with 250,000 to 300,000 visitors a year. They lie about 25 km in a straight line from Dinant. The caves formed as the river Lesse wore away a limestone hill from within: the river plunges suddenly into a sinkhole called the Gouffre de Belvaux and forces its way under the hill for over a kilometre before streaming out through the caves. Inside the temperature holds steady at 13°C with high humidity. The largest chamber, the Hall of the Dome, is 150 metres across with a vaulted ceiling 127 metres high. Modern exploration began in 1771, and Stone Age and Bronze Age relics have been found inside. Inside, white and golden stalactites and stalagmites fill vast dark chambers lit by soft lights. The rocks mirror in the calm underground river, and the paths pass between giant limestone columns. The caves can only be reached by a vintage tram from the village centre, followed by a guided walk. Bring a jacket, as it is cool and damp inside, and the floor can be slippery.