Top 9 Caves around Jalhay
Caves around Jalhay offer a diverse range of underground features, from historical mining sites to natural grottoes and folklore-rich caverns. Located in the Ardennes region, the area is characterized by its forested valleys and geological formations, providing insights into both natural history and local heritage. While some sites are historical or spiritual, the broader vicinity also hosts major natural cave systems.
Best caves around Jalhay
- The most popular caves is Entrance to Lu Hayîre Slate Mine, a cave that marks the entrance to an old slate tunnel where slate and hard coal were mined since 1773. This site offers a glimpse into the region's industrial past, with mining ceasing due to poor slate quality and frequent flooding.
- Another must-see spot is Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Solwaster, a religious building. This grotto was built by local inhabitants as a place of devotion, replicating the famous Lourdes Grotto and attracting numerous pilgrims.
- Visitors also love Nutons' Cave, a cave steeped in local folklore. Legends describe "nutons" as small, skilled beings inhabiting caves and performing minor repair work in exchange for offerings.
- Jalhay is known for historical mining tunnels, religious grottoes, and folklore-rich caverns. The variety of caves to see and explore includes both man-made historical sites and natural formations with cultural significance.
- The caves around Jalhay are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 upvotes and 14 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Entrance to Lu Hayîre Slate Mine
Highlight • Cave
Unfortunately, the quality of the slate turned out to be not particularly good, so the production was stopped again. In addition, the tunnel was flooded regularly.
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Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Solwaster
Highlight • Religious Site
Source: mini-ardenne.be/poi.card.php?language=fr&id=2848
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Nutons' Cave
Highlight • Cave
According to legend, nutons are small beings very clever with their hands. They carry out minor repair work for payment in kind, offerings placed at the entrance to their caves. But beware ... they have a reputation for being mischievous and cunning ...
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Manhole of the Reinhardstein conduit
Highlight • Cave
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Place of refuge during World War II
Highlight • Historical Site
Christmas 1944 - Bombing December 23, 24 and 25
In this shelter 300 Malmedians, victims of the tragic events in our city, found shelter for several weeks in miserable conditions.
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Tips from the Community
Great spot next to the path to discover.
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Nowadays, a sign hangs on the (closed) gate: "Trou d'homme de la conduite Reinhardstein". So it is about a tunnel to/escape route from the nearby castle.
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Situated in the quieter part of the valley. The higher paths are more frequented, rockier and more adventurous than this part. Definitely worth a visit!
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This cave is located on the left bank of the Ruisseau de Villers (La Pancherelle) and is located a little higher up along the hiking trail, in the forests of Saint-Jacques. The "nuton" (or lûton, nûton, gnome in Dutch) is a small creature from the folklore and popular beliefs of the French and Belgian Ardennes. The nuton has the same origins as the gnome, but according to local folklore, caves, caverns and underground passages make up most of its habitat, much like the dwarves of the Germanic world.
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On a hot summer day you can cool off here - the refrigerator effect near the tunnel is impressive!
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It is quite possible that this old slate tunnel serves as a quarters for bats in winter.
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The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Solwaster is a spiritual place dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is located in the Wallonia region of Belgium. The grotto was built in 1903 and is a replica of the famous Lourdes Grotto in France. It was built by believers to honor the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes. The grotto attracts numerous pilgrims every year who come here to pray, light candles and have spiritual experiences. The grotto is embedded in the rock and features a statue of the Virgin Mary. The area is surrounded by trees and nature, creating a peaceful atmosphere. There is a spring near the grotto that is considered to have medicinal properties. Many people believe that the water has healing properties.
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The Mother of God depicted and venerated here is the one from Lourdes. This well-known Marian pilgrimage site is located in the French Pyrenees and is visited by many people every year, including many sick people who hope for healing. The devotional image of the Mother of God has become widespread - not only in France - and believers have built Lourdes chapels and grottos everywhere. The church's memorial day for "Our Lady of Lourdes" is February 11th, the anniversary of the Marian apparition (1858), when the Mother of God appeared to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in a rock grotto very close to Lourdes. Bernadette later became a nun and died at the age of just 35. On December 8th (the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary) 1933, she was canonized by Pope Pius XI. The commemoration of the Madonna of Lourdes is also World Day of the Sick.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of underground sites can I discover near Jalhay?
The area around Jalhay offers a mix of historical, natural, and cultural underground sites. You can explore old mining tunnels like the Entrance to Lu Hayîre Slate Mine, spiritual grottoes such as the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Solwaster, and folklore-rich caverns like Nutons' Cave. For a major natural wonder, the Caves of Remouchamps are a short drive away.
Are there any significant natural cave systems accessible from Jalhay?
Yes, while not directly in Jalhay, the Caves of Remouchamps are a major natural wonder easily accessible, about a 15-minute drive from nearby Spa. These caves are famous for their extensive underground river network and stunning geological formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, and offer a unique boat trip on the Rubicon, Europe's longest navigable underground river. You can find more information at visitwallonia.com.
What historical insights do the caves around Jalhay offer?
The Entrance to Lu Hayîre Slate Mine provides a glimpse into the region's industrial past, where slate and hard coal were mined since 1773. Additionally, a Place of refuge during World War II highlight near Jalhay marks a shelter where 300 Malmedians found refuge during the bombings of December 1944.
Are there family-friendly cave experiences near Jalhay?
Yes, the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Solwaster is considered family-friendly as a spiritual and cultural site. The Caves of Remouchamps, though a short drive away, are also highly recommended for families, offering a combination of walking and an underground boat trip suitable for all ages.
What is the best time of year to visit the caves around Jalhay?
The Caves of Remouchamps maintain a consistent cool temperature of around 10°C (50°F) year-round, making them a pleasant visit regardless of the season. For outdoor sites like the Entrance to Lu Hayîre Slate Mine or Nutons' Cave, spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the surrounding trails.
Are permits required to visit the caves in the Jalhay area?
For publicly accessible sites like the Entrance to Lu Hayîre Slate Mine, Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Solwaster, and Nutons' Cave, specific permits for visitation are generally not required. However, for the Caves of Remouchamps, tickets are required for entry, and it's advisable to check their official website for booking information.
What kind of folklore is associated with the caves in this region?
The Nutons' Cave is steeped in local folklore. Legends describe 'nutons' (also known as lûtons or gnomes) as small, skilled beings who inhabit caves and perform minor repair work in exchange for offerings. They are often depicted as mischievous but helpful creatures.
Can I find hiking trails that incorporate caves near Jalhay?
Yes, many hiking trails in the region pass by or near these underground features. For example, Nutons' Cave is located along the Ruisseau de Villers (La Pancherelle) and near the Bilstain river, nestled within the forests of Saint-Jacques, making it accessible via hiking paths. You can find various mountain hikes around Jalhay, including routes like 'Bayehon Waterfall – Nez de Napoléon Viewpoint loop from Ardennes', by exploring the Mountain Hikes around Jalhay guide.
Are there options for cycling or running near the caves?
Yes, the area around Jalhay offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find gravel biking routes, such as 'Gileppe Dam and the Lion Statue – Gileppe Reservoir Loop loop from Jalhay', in the Gravel biking around Jalhay guide. For runners, trails like 'Tour of Lake Gileppe' are available in the Running Trails around Jalhay guide.
What should I wear when visiting caves in the Jalhay region?
For natural caves like Remouchamps, where temperatures are consistently cool, it's advisable to wear layers and bring a light jacket, even in summer. Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential for navigating potentially damp or uneven surfaces. For outdoor sites and trails, dress appropriately for the weather conditions, as paths can be muddy after rain.
Is the Manhole of the Reinhardstein Conduit a tourist attraction?
The Manhole of the Reinhardstein Conduit is an infrastructural feature rather than a public tourist cave. Its entrance is typically locked, and it's not set up for public visitation or exploration.
What geological features are prominent in the Caves of Remouchamps?
The Caves of Remouchamps are renowned for their stunning geological formations, including impressive stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over 8,000 years. A key feature is the extensive underground river network, particularly the Rubicon, which is Europe's longest navigable underground river. Visitors can also see the 'Cathedral Hall,' a massive chamber with a 40-meter high ceiling, and 'The Palm Tree,' a unique natural formation.
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