In Han-sur-Lesse, visitors can explore the renowned Grottes de Han, experience wildlife from a safari car, and test their athletic skills – all within the UNESCO Global Geopark Famenne-Ardenne. The Grottes de Han, located a mere 100 kilometres from Luxembourg in Belgium’s Namur province, offer a unique underground experience.
With a constant temperature of 13°C, the caves stretch 14 kilometres and reach depths of up to 110 metres. From March to November, visitors can explore this natural spectacle. In 2023, around 300,000 people made the journey underground.
“It was one of the first tourist attractions. The first visitors arrived around 1700", explains Martin Davreux, a student who has worked as a guide in Han for seven years. “It’s an underground world that one can’t imagine”, he adds. “It’s a unique world. We invite visitors to immerse themselves in another world – one built by nature over thousands of years.”
To this day, the grotto remains one of the biggest attractions in Wallonia.
Tourists can choose between two guided visits: the 75-minute discovery tour called ‘La découverte’, designed for families, or a two-hour tour for those interested in geology and cave history. A highlight is the river La Lesse, which flows through the caves.
School groups frequently visit, particularly at the end of the academic year. During one recent day of filming, 1,800 students were present, including pupils from the Esch/Bruch primary school in Luxembourg.
Local pride in the site runs deep. “My grandparents worked here at the domain, and I’ve been fascinated by this place since I was little”, says Davreux.
Information is available in French, Dutch, German, and English. Since about five years ago, visitors can also access a Luxembourgish audio guide, available upon reservation.
Beyond the caves, the 250-hectare wildlife park – established in 1970 – can be explored on foot or by safari car. The 90-minute guided tour introduces guests to 30 animal species, totalling 650 animals.
Among them is Willy, a 35-year-old bear who, alongside wolves and bison, is a major attraction for all ages. The park also organises themed tours in the summer, including sessions on wolves.
Since February, visitors have been able to try the ‘Tree Experience’, a new physical activity course culminating in a free-fall jump. Suitable for all levels, the course includes beginner-friendly routes.
“These courses are designed for families. For those afraid of heights, the start is only one or two metres above ground”, says Alexis Wouters, who oversees the attraction. Between February and the end of June, around 15,000 people tried the new experience.
Just 90 minutes from Luxembourg, the Grottes de Han offer a destination where time passes in a flash. Further information can be found here.
