Top 5 Caves around Landen
Best caves around Landen are primarily found in the broader Belgian region, particularly the Walloon provinces, as Landen itself in Flemish Brabant features smaller grottoes or man-made cave-like structures. The area around Landen includes various religious grottoes and historical sites that incorporate cave elements. For significant natural cave systems, travel into the nearby Ardennes is typically required. The local offerings provide unique historical and reflective experiences rather than extensive natural subterranean exploration.
Best caves around Landen
- The most popular caves is Grotto Chapel in Bois Colau, a religious building that features a chapel in the shape of a cave. This spot is part of a trail that goes up and down, offering a unique blend of nature and religious architecture.
- Another must-see spot is Hill path, a trail that leads along an inaccessible nature reserve. Visitors can walk above an old quarry and caves, with parts of the path literally above the entrance to an underground quarry.
- Visitors also love Heroes' Square, a man-made monument featuring a Lourdes grotto on the north side of the Onze-Lieve-Vrouw-ten-Poelkerk. This grotto serves as a place of reflection, with thank-you notes from believers and historical explanations about Our Lady of the Pool.
- Landen is known for religious grottoes, man-made quarries, and small grotto chapels. These sites offer a variety of experiences, from historical reflection to walking above subterranean features.
- The caves around Landen are appreciated by the komoot community, with 18 upvotes and 34 photos shared by users.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Heroes' Square
Highlight • Monument
In 1858, Our Lady appeared several times to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes. These apparitions were the immediate reason to start making Lourdes caves in many places. Likewise in Tienen. In May 1873, the former home of Louis Jamodt was converted into a Lourdes cave for the worship of Our Lady of the Pool.
One of the springs that fed the Haspoel is located at the bottom of the stairs. Behind a fence, the source is bubbling, which is mentioned as early as 1465 as 'onser Vrouwen boernne'.
Source: izi.travel/nl/5300-tienen-vrouwenwandel-3-9-km/nl#06b9d6dc-0ebd-4946-ad32-2ff03fbd081f
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Hill path
Highlight • Trail
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Grotto Chapel in Bois Colau
Highlight (Segment) • Religious Site
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Saint Bartholomew's Church and Lourdes Grotto
Highlight • Religious Site
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Lourdes Chapel with Grotto (Oude Velmseweg, Attenhoven)
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This path, which you reach after a short, steep climb from the stream, leads you along an inaccessible nature reserve, where you literally walk above an old quarry and caves for a part. At a certain point you literally walk above the entrance to that underground quarry that you can also see below. Part of the path runs between the edge of the valley and fields and on another part you have the nature reserve instead of the fields that was given the name 'Réserve naturelle Natagora des Caves Paheau'. Natagora is the counterpart of Natuurpunt and the quarry and caves are therefore called the 'caves Paheau'.
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On the Oude Velmseweg (opposite house no. 26 and to the right of house no. 21) there is a Lourdes chapel, with a Lourdes grotto inside. Source: https://lourdesgrotten.com/2009/08/10/landen-attenhoven-oude-velmseweg-10-8-9/
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The Heldensquare is more of a memorial than a monument. As a monument, it commemorates the victims of Belgian independence, the First World War and the Second World War. The place where the Heldensquare is located used to be a pond, a fact that was included in the concept. The square is sunken and surrounded by benches, planters, trees, a broken stone wall and various works of art. The monument itself consists of a sculptural ensemble in bronze and bluestone with a brick wall next to it with the names of the fallen and the text "VOOR UW VRIJHEID ZIJN MENSEN GESDIVEN". Around the bronze dome with the statues you will find the names of four places from which soil was brought to Tienen in urns: Dachau, Zwickau, Stalag IA and Breendonk. The whole was created by local architect Jacques Piron and sculptor Georges Van de Voorde. Inventory of Immovable Heritage: War Memorial Heldensquare, https://id.erfgoed.net/erfgoedobjecten/214961
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You enter and exit the cave via rather large stairs and see all kinds of thank-you notes from believers who once came here. At the entrance of the cave (on the right) there is also a frame with some explanation about Our Lady of the Pool. According to that sign, the remains of a pious man named Thierry were found around 1050. He came from Campen and was a lecturer at the University of Paris. He had also made a promise of eternal chastity to the Virgin Mary. A chapel was built at the site of the murder with the permission of Jan I, Duke of Brabant. And he was baptized, you guessed it, Our Lady of the Pool. Hundreds of pilgrims would come to Tienen and the chapel every year to venerate the Virgin Mary, who was soon regarded as the Queen of the city and its surroundings. And you can read and experience the rest here, in the immediate vicinity of the church and – literally – in the depths when you go down the stairs.
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No one will stop you from stopping at the cave...
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These column-like shapes are beautifully arranged in a circle, each with a statue attached to it...
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Limit your speed on the descent!!! Blind turn and possible pedestrians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of caves can I expect to find directly around Landen?
Directly around Landen in Flemish Brabant, you'll primarily find smaller grottoes, man-made cave-like structures, and religious grottoes. These offer unique historical and reflective experiences rather than extensive natural subterranean exploration. Examples include the Grotto Chapel in Bois Colau and the Lourdes grotto at Heroes' Square.
Are there any significant natural cave systems near Landen?
For truly immersive and spectacular natural cave experiences, you'll need to venture into the Walloon provinces, particularly the Ardennes, which are a reasonable distance from Landen. These regions host impressive subterranean landscapes with vast chambers and geological formations.
Which are the most famous natural caves in the broader Belgian region?
The most famous natural caves in the broader Belgian region are arguably the Caves of Han-sur-Lesse. They offer a captivating journey through gigantic dripstone formations and echoing chambers, with visitors entering by a historic tram. You can find more information about them on Visit Ardenne.
Can I go on an underground boat trip in a cave near Landen?
Yes, if you travel to the Caves of Remouchamps in the Liège Ardennes, you can experience a unique nearly kilometer-long underground boat trip along the Rubicon River. This cave is known for its vast chambers and colorful limestone formations. More details are available on Atlas Obscura.
Are there any family-friendly cave attractions in the Landen area or nearby regions?
While the local grottoes like the Saint Bartholomew's Church and Lourdes Grotto and Lourdes Chapel with Grotto (Oude Velmseweg, Attenhoven) are accessible for families, for a more extensive family-friendly cave adventure, the Caves of Han-sur-Lesse are highly recommended. They offer an engaging experience with tram rides and impressive formations, and also include a wildlife park.
What historical or man-made cave-like sites are there around Landen?
Around Landen, you can visit several historical and man-made cave-like sites. The Heroes' Square features a Lourdes grotto that serves as a place of reflection with historical explanations. The Grotto Chapel in Bois Colau is a religious building shaped like a cave. Further afield, the Caves of Folx-les-Caves are impressive man-made limestone quarries from the Middle Ages, often used for cultural events.
Are there opportunities for hiking or walking near the caves around Landen?
Yes, there are opportunities for walking and hiking. The Hill path, for instance, is a trail that leads along an inaccessible nature reserve, where you literally walk above an old quarry and caves. For more general outdoor activities, you can explore various running trails around Landen.
What other outdoor activities can I do near Landen's cave sites?
Beyond exploring grottoes, Landen offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for gravel biking and road cycling, allowing you to discover the surrounding landscapes and villages.
What makes the Hotton Caves unique compared to others in Belgium?
The Hotton Caves, located in the province of Luxembourg, are known for maintaining a natural charm due to a limited number of daily visitors. They extend over multiple levels, reaching depths of over sixty meters, and feature impressive stalactites and an underground river, offering an authentic glimpse into the underground world.
What is the significance of the Lourdes grottoes found in the Landen area?
The Lourdes grottoes in the Landen area, such as the one at Heroes' Square or near the Saint Bartholomew's Church, are religious sites. They are often built as replicas of the original in Lourdes, France, and serve as places for reflection and veneration, holding historical and spiritual importance for the local community.
Are there any caves near Landen that are important for wildlife?
While not directly in Landen, the Marl Caves of Vechmaal, located in the broader region, are natural marl caves that serve as important hibernation sites for bats. Visitor access to these caves may be restricted to ensure the bats' undisturbed rest, highlighting their ecological significance.
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