The Grotte aux Fées (Fairy Grotto), above Saint-Maurice, is a cavity carved out by water and open to the public since 1863. You follow a tunnel cut into the rock to a small underground lake fed by a waterfall.
Caves & mines
Main highlights
- Underground lake and waterfall at the far end of a natural cavity carved into the rock by water
- Switzerland’s first show cave, explored and opened to the public as early as 1863
- Shaded terrace overlooking the Rhône Valley, with a café-restaurant serving Valais specialities
Closed until 31.12.2026
The Grotto is closed until at least the end of 2026 for major renovation work.
Overview
The Grotte aux Fées lies on the heights of Saint-Maurice, above the Rhône Valley. Known since Antiquity, it served as a refuge for local inhabitants from the early Christian era onwards, particularly during the barbarian invasions.
In 1863, Canon M.-E. Gard, a teacher at the Abbey school, explored the “Trou des Fées” (Fairy Hole) with his philosophy class. The cave opened to the public that same year, making it Switzerland’s first show cave. It took its current name in 1865.
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What to see and do
The visit begins with a tunnel cut into the rock, leading deep inside the mountain. The underground route runs alongside limestone walls highlighted by lighting effects, revealing how erosion has shaped the stone.
At the end of the route, the underground lake is the main attraction. It is fed by a waterfall, and reflections on the water light up the cavity. The concretions, once plentiful in places, have largely been taken by visitors over the years.
At the exit, a shaded terrace offers views over the Rhône Valley. The café-restaurant serves seasonal Valais dishes, such as pesto made with wild garlic picked on site or green fairy ice cream.
Practical information
Access : from the centre of Saint-Maurice, a path climbs up to the cave. There is a car park nearby.
Visit duration : allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the cave, longer if you take a break on the terrace.
On site : café-restaurant and shaded panoramic terrace.
Visitor tips
Wear non-slip shoes : the humidity makes some sections slippery. Bring a light jacket, as the temperature stays cool and constant underground, even in summer. The walk up takes a little effort, but the terrace is the perfect place to recover.
Nearby attractions
- The Abbey of Saint-Maurice, founded in 515 by the Burgundian king Sigismund, is a place of pilgrimage on the Via Francigena.
- The Trient Gorges, near Vernayaz, are narrow, deep gorges spanned by two bridges.
- Fort de Cindey is a fortress carved into the rock between 1941 and 1946.
Closed until 31.12.2026
The Grotto is closed until at least the end of 2026 for major renovation work.
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