Caves of Han-sur-Lesse
The Caves of Han-sur-Lesse (in French: Grottes de Han-sur-Lesse or simply Grottes de Han) are a major Belgian tourist attraction (around half a million visitors per year) 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. The river forces its way under the hill over a distance of over 1 kilometer (1⁄2 mi) as the crow flies. The caves have a constant temperature of 13 °C (55 °F) and a high level of humidity. 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 2 km (1 1⁄4 mi) 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.
Gallery
The Gouffre de Belvaux, where the Lesse goes underground
Inside one of the chambers
Access to the caves is only possible with this historic streetcar
The exit of the caves
Bibliography
- Stenuit, Robert with Jasinski, Marc (1966). Caves and the marvellous world beneath us. Trans. Harry Pearman. New York: A.S. Barnes and Company.
External links
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Coordinates: 50°7.1′N 5°11.43′E / 50.1183°N 5.19050°E