Gouffre de Belvaux, Natural sinkhole in Han-sur-Lesse, Belgium
The Gouffre de Belvaux is a natural sinkhole where the Lesse River plunges underground, carving into the limestone bedrock. The opening descends roughly 45 meters and connects to an extensive network of subterranean channels and cavern passages.
Exploration of the sinkhole began in earnest during the 1960s when divers started investigating its depths. These early expeditions laid the groundwork for understanding the underground water system beneath the region.
The sinkhole belongs to the Han Caves network, a place where people have gathered for centuries. Today, visitors can see how this underground system shapes the local identity and remains central to regional tourism.
The sinkhole is best accessed through the Han Caves visitor center, where guides and information are available. Water temperature stays around 13 degrees Celsius year-round, so visitors should dress appropriately for the cool environment.
During winter months, the river can overflow its underground capacity and temporarily return to the surface. These rare flood events follow the ancient riverbed path around the nearby Boine Massif, revealing how water has shaped the landscape over millennia.
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