Grotte aux Fées

Grotte aux Fées (Fairy Cave) in Saint-Maurice is a limestone show cave set in the cliffs above the town, in the Swiss canton of Valais. It holds the title of Switzerland's first cave opened to visitors, and its star feature is an underground waterfall of roughly 77 metres.

What will you see inside?

A narrow gallery leads you deep into the rock. At the end you reach a small lake fed by the waterfall, which is billed as the tallest in any show cave. The cave formed as water slowly dissolved the limestone, and you walk along a prepared path, so no caving gear is needed.

Where does the name come from?

According to the Historical Dictionary of Switzerland, "Grotte aux Fées" is a label shared by several caves across Valais, many of them once fortified. The Saint-Maurice one is the best known. It was first called "trou des fayes", meaning "sheep hole", and only later became linked with fairies. In 1863 a canon named Gard set it up for visitors, and in 1865 it passed to the Sisters of Saint-Maurice. It has welcomed tourists for over 150 years.

How do you get there?

Saint-Maurice sits in the Rhône valley on the rail line between Lausanne and Martigny, so the town is easy to reach by train. From the centre, a climb of around half an hour takes you to the entrance. The path is steep, so wear sturdy shoes.

When should you go, and how long does the visit take?

The cave opens seasonally, roughly from March to November. The guided visit lasts a few dozen minutes. Sources quote different route lengths, from about 500 metres to a kilometre, so treat any figure as approximate. Hours and prices change each season, so check the Saint-Maurice tourist office before you set out. The air inside stays cool all year, so bring a jacket even in summer.

What else is nearby?

The cave entrance doubles as the meeting point for summer tours of Fort de Cindey, a fortification built into the rock. In Saint-Maurice itself, the abbey and the castle with its exhibitions are worth a stop. Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) sells day-trip packages that combine the cave with a castle visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an older show cave in Switzerland? No. Grotte aux Fées was the first cave in the country opened to the public.

How tall is the waterfall? About 77 metres, and it is the highlight of the route.

Is it suitable for children? Yes, the route is organised and safe, though the approach to the entrance is steep and the inside is cool and damp.

Can you reach it by public transport? Yes. Trains stop at Saint-Maurice, and from there you walk uphill to the entrance.