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Cave · Rochefort, Namur
Grotte de Han
Cave formed by the river Lesse under a limestone hill in Han-sur-Lesse. Access is by an old tram that leaves the village, and the guided tour goes through rooms with stalactites, along the underground river and into the large Salle du Dôme.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Grotte de Han
The Grotte de Han is a network of galleries carved by the river Lesse in a limestone hill near Han-sur-Lesse, a locality of Rochefort. The river disappears into the Gouffre de Belvaux and runs underground for just over a kilometre before returning to the surface. The water takes between two and 28 hours to make that journey, depending on the flow.
The first recorded entry was by boat in 1771, and the cave opened to visitors in 1857. Since 1906 access has been via a metre-gauge tram that leaves the village and stops at the cave entrance; it is one of the few remaining sections of Belgium's old vicinal tram network. The vehicles in use today replaced the steam trams in 1935.
The visit is always guided. The traditional route is about two kilometres and more than 500 steps; there is a shorter version with fewer stairs. The largest chamber, the Salle du Dôme, has an arched ceiling over a hundred metres high, and one of the halls hosts a sound-and-light show. Inside, the temperature is cool and the humidity is high year-round.
The exit, which used to be by boat along the river, was changed in 2009 to a walkway alongside the rock wall. In 2017 the cave reopened with new lighting after a renovation.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From about 1h15 on the short route to roughly 2 hours on the traditional route, plus the time for the round-trip tram.
Best time
It operates for most of the year, with a schedule that changes month to month and a break of a few weeks in winter; check before you go. In July and August there is more activity, and the first tours of the day usually have shorter lines. Since the cave has a constant temperature, it’s also a good option on a rainy day.
How to get there
The starting point is the Domaine reception area in the centre of Han-sur-Lesse, from where the tram departs to the entrance. By car, Han is on the N86, a few kilometres from Rochefort town centre. Without a car, TEC bus 29 links Rochefort-Jemelle station to the village centre.
Tip
Bring a light jacket and shoes with a sturdy sole: the floor is damp and there are many steps. The short route is best for those who have difficulty with stairs. The ticket can be combined with the animal park ticket; buy it in advance through the official channel during high season.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Grotte de Han
How do you get to the cave entrance?
By tram. It departs from the reception area in the centre of Han-sur-Lesse and takes the group to the entrance, about two kilometres away. The route has been part of the visit since 1906.
Is the visit tiring?
The traditional route has more than 500 steps, including ascents and descents, and a damp floor. The short version has fewer stairs and lasts around one hour and fifteen minutes. Visitors with reduced mobility should contact the Domaine before going.
Is it cold inside the cave?
Yes, the temperature is low and stable year-round, with high humidity. A light jacket is enough, even in the European summer from June to August.
Is the cave open in winter?
It is open for much of the winter, with reduced days and hours, and usually has a break of a few weeks at the start of the year. Check the schedule before you go.