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Hölloch Caverns, Switzerland
ABOVE: Without a lantern, exploring the
Hoelloch's vast network of underground caverns can be an intimidating
experience.
You want an adventure vacation in
Switzerland, and your companion prefers the indoors. How do you reach a
compromise? For starters, try the Hölloch in Canton
Schwyz. The Hölloch is the biggest cave system in Europe and the third-largest
in the world, with 180 km (110 miles) of known corridors, galleries, and
underground lakes. Although the Hölloch was discovered around 1875 and has been
explored intermittently over the past 125 years, portions of the caverns have
never been mapped and only a tiny section (about 1 km) has been wired for
electricity and opened to casual visitors.
Fortunately for cavers and intrepid tourists, guided tours are available.
Itineraries range from a 1¼-hour visit to the electrified portions of the caves
to a two-day "bivouac expedition." Most tours are scheduled for June
through September. Special winter expeditions take place from November through
March, and other tours can be arranged throughout the year. For more
information, see the links on page 2.
(Advance reservations are strongly recommended, and you should phone ahead
before your visit in case tours are cancelled due to high water levels.)
How to reach Hölloch
From Schwyz, drive southeast on the road to Muotatal. Watch for a sign reading
"Stalden-Hölloch" and follow the road to the the Gasthaus
Höllgrotte.
A Postal Bus reportedly stops near
the Hölloch; check with the Tourist Office in Schwyz for current schedules.
Related Web links
Next Page >
Tours
and photos > Page 1, 2
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