Hölloch Parcours

DURATION

about 3.5 hours

COSTS

CHF 58.00 for pupils
CHF 78.00 for young people 16-19 years
CHF 135.00 for adults

HIGHLIGHTS

Adventurous and exciting cave hike in the footsteps of the Hölloch pioneers
From 6 people on your desired date; smaller groups join existing tours
Especially suitable as a company, club or family excursion, for school classes, as a godfather/godmother excursion, for bachelor/bachelorette groups….
For groups: Can be combined with an atmospheric cave aperitif or cave raclette by candlelight and cave music
Can be done all year round, normal fitness is sufficient
Suitable for children aged 9 and over

Adventurous cave hike full of fun & action

This guided cave tour in our natural, underground climbing park in the largest cave in Switzerland begins comfortably in the developed part of the cave. It then leads into impressive side passages, where the first Hölloch explorers explored the mysterious cave passages more than a hundred years ago. The Hölloch Parcours is a small expedition, i.e. you can’t always just walk upright, but there are areas where you have to climb, crawl, climb up or down a ladder or even slip through a narrow passage. But don’t worry, it’s not that narrow! Along the way you will come across fascinating stalactites and impressive rock formations.

Cave experiences

The guide will be able to tell you a lot about the formation of the cave, the rocks and the animals living in the cave. You will hear and experience for yourself what the acoustics in the cave are like. Or what it is like to switch off all the lights and experience what effective darkness is like. You will listen to the sounds and noises of the Hölloch but also enjoy the silence of the cave. In short – an all-round intensive cave experience, but one that is feasible with a normal level of fitness and can be adapted to the needs and abilities of the group.

Depending on the weather conditions, you can also descend into a cave area where you will find beautiful sinter formations. These are places where we only walk barefoot so as not to damage this natural wonder of the Hölloch. Or the cave tour can be supplemented with a short karst hike on the surface of the cave, where the guide will show you the connections between the surface of the cave and its formation.

Great fun for companies, clubs, families, bachelor groups, school classes

…or simply for all outdoor freaks and nature lovers! Dive in and be inspired! And don’t forget: A cave tour is not only – but also – a great bad weather program; you always have a safe roof over your head!

Prices per person in CHF

Adults (aged 20 and over)	135.00
Youths (16 – 19 years)	78.00
Pupils (9 – 15 years)	58.00
Package exclusive private tour up to max. 6 people	810.00
Included: Certified cave guide SSH, cave entrance fee, equipment (helmet, headlamp, rubber boots, caving gloves), participant certificates. Incl. entrance to the Hölloch-Center exhibition during opening hours, excl. parking fees (payable at the Hölloch-Center).
Optional: Hire cave explorer overall Cave aperitif Cave raclette Spectacular fire and fakir show with the Hölloch Devil approx. 20 minutes – flat rate	25.00 15.00 – 35.00 55.00 – 85.00 295.00

Implementation: This tour is available all year round for groups of 6 or more. The start of the morning tour is between approx. 09.00 h and 10.00 h, the start of the afternoon tour is between approx. 13.00 h and 14.00 h

Duration: approx. 3 1/2 hours; with an additional cave aperitif approx. 4 hours, with a cave raclette approx. 5 hours.

Good to know: The cave temperature is 6°C all year round. The humidity is almost 100%.

Reservation: absolutely necessary

Group size: The Hölloch-Parcours can be organized for groups of 6 or more people on your desired date. If you are less than 6 people, you are welcome to join already planned tours (overview of dates/booking under this link). Approx. 6 – 11 people per group/cave guide. If there are fewer than 6 participants, the tour can also be booked as an exclusive tour for a flat rate of CHF 750.00.

Meeting point: Hölloch Center, Stalden 14 in 6436 Muotathal

Requirements: This tour is easily manageable with a normal level of fitness/condition; comparable to a mountain tour with easy crawling and climbing passages. Climbing sections are partly secured with chains and ladders. During the tour there are two narrow shafts (Otterkamin and Teufelswand) Also suitable for children aged 9 and over.

Bring along: Please bring old, warm clothes, e.g. jeans, sweater, fiber-fur jacket (these will get dirty and worn). Alternative: hire caving overalls (CHF 25.00 per person). Also necessary: thick socks to avoid cold feet in the boots. If available: Knee pads.
Long thermal underwear (shirt/trousers) is recommended under the cave overall/your clothes; possibly also a turtleneck sweater and a pair of leggings. Please note: As long as you are on the move, you will normally be warm enough. However, for participants who are sensitive to the cold, we generally recommend a combination of thermal underwear AND a thin turtleneck sweater under the cave overall/under your own clothes (for those who are not particularly sensitive to the cold, “either – or” is sufficient).

Hölloch barbecue area: Before or after the cave tour, a barbecue area is also available on request at the Hölloch Warden’s House, which is idyllically situated in a small wood next to the mountain stream. Use of the barbecue area is free of charge for our guests. Please let us know if you would like to use this area so that we can reserve it for you.

Cave aperitif / cave raclette: As a group, you are welcome to round off the cave tour with an atmospheric cave aperitif or a warming cave raclette by candlelight and cave music. Treat yourself to a glass of white wine, enjoy the magical and unique atmosphere and share your cave experiences with each other. An ideal way to round off this adventurous tour!

GENERAL INFORMATION HÖLLOCH

GENERAL INFORMATION
HOW TO GET THERE
FAQ
SAFETY
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK

With more than 210 explored kilometers in length, the Hölloch is one of the world’s largest cave systems.

Discover how the water has carved its way relentlessly through nooks and crannies over close to a million years to finally create the cave we explore today on our various tours.

For people who fear that claustrophobia might be a problem we can reassure to some extend: There are a number of narrow spots, however, for people who fear comfortable travelling in a normal 4 person lift, there shouldn't be any anxiety issues. For the small percentage of people with stronger claustrophobia we refer to our guided short trips.

Fear of heights: You will be adequately secured in all those areas that are a little more exposed. Your guide will also be able to help and assist.

The temperature is a constant 6 degrees Celsius and the humidity is close to 100 %.

The Hölloch cave ist situated in 6436 Muotathal, in the area of Stalden.

Arrival by car: There are parking spaces marked Hölloch next to the bus stop Muotathal, Hölloch. There is an e-charging station directly opposite the Hölloch restaurant. Input for navigation systems: ‘Stalden 14, 6436 Muotathal’ or ‘Restaurant Hölloch, Muotathal’. The road to the Hölloch restaurant can also be reached by large coaches without any problems.

Paid parking spaces (payable at the Hölloch-Center).

Click here for Route Planner

Arrival by public transport: by train to Schwyz and from there take the bus no. 501 to “Hölloch, Muotathal”.

Click here for Swiss Train & Bus Timetable

Can I visit the Hölloch unguided?

No. The Hölloch is not generally open for public and you will need a specialised guide for a tour.

Are there any toilets at the Hölloch?

On longer or multi-day tours there are certain spots that are equipped with a toilet and of course at the Dom bivouac (with limited comfort of course).

Is smoking possible in the Hölloch?

The air at this cave is wonderfully clean. In earlier days there were talks of offering cures for lung patients. It would be a shame to spoil the good and healthy breathing air. We do ask you to refrain from smoking (if possible). On longer tours with overnights at the bivouac some exceptions can be granted if not possible otherwise.

Can I bring my dog on a guided short tour?

No, you cannot bring your dog or pet. Also for the safety of your furred friend.

Are guided short tours possible in a wheelchair or with a stroller?

No, unfortunately not.

Do I need climbing experience to go on a Hölloch tour?

No. All the spots that would involve climbing are equipped with ladders and ropes. So no climbing experience required, however a basic physical fitness is of advantage.

Can I cancel my booking for a Hölloch tour?

As soon as you've made a definite booking and we've confirmed it, the contract is binding and subject to the terms and conditions listed. Cancellations need to be made in written and by indicating the reasons for a cancellation.
The following cancellation fees apply:
29-20 days prior to the tour: 20 % of the full price.
19-14 days prior to the tour: 50 % of the full price.
13-1 days prior to the tour: 80 % of the full price. Same day cancellations will be charged with 100 % of the full tour price.

Please check our Allgemeinen Geschäftsbedingungen

Is the Hölloch Center accessible for wheelchair users?

The ground floor, with its shop, bistro, and part of the exhibition, is easily accessible for wheelchair users. However, the toilet is not wheelchair-accessible. The exhibition on the upper floor can be accessed via a separate side entrance. Wheelchair users must be lifted.

Wheelchair users may park their cars directly in front of the Hölloch Center upon prior notification.

Further information can be found here: Accessibility information

Safety First

Our motto is simply "safety first"! We offer numerous - also adventurous - programmes, but we are not adventurers. This has been the case for the last 35 years of our outdoor activities and will remain so in the future. Trekking Team was the first outdoor company with the "Safety in adventures" certification.

We have set high standards for the quality of our programmes, the training of our guides and especially for safety aspects. The top management - all active guides and instructors - is directly responsible for these central areas. The cave guides are trained at the Swiss School of Caving Hölloch (SSH).

The company's safety policy is based on the following principles and procedures:

The safety of guests and employees is a top priority. It has priority over economic considerations. To prevent accidents during adventure and outdoor activities, everything must be done that is necessary according to experience, feasible according to the state of the art and appropriate to the given conditions.
Safe procedures for all adventure and outdoor activities are ensured through the application of an operational safety concept. With the help of this concept, any inadequacies are systematically identified and improved, thus keeping the safety level constantly high.
Accident prevention and protection of the health of guests and employees are essential to maintain and strengthen competitiveness.
We undertake to comply with all generally recognised national and international standards concerning the practice of adventure and outdoor activities as well as the relevant directives of the competent authorities.
We recognise the safety policy and the protection goals of the "safety in adventures" foundation as the basis for safety planning.
The processes and activities of our adventure and outdoor activities and the infrastructure and support work operated for them are continuously analysed (process analysis).
For all processes and activities of our activities and at all implementation locations, the relevant influencing factors and critical control points (CCP) are clarified with regard to safety (risk analysis).
For all identified critical control points, measures (e.g. controls, fixed procedures to be followed, reserved decisions, etc.) are defined that are suitable for eliminating hazards that exist at this point and minimising risks that arise at this point due to critical influencing factors.

Despite competent and safe implementation of the activities, accidents cannot be completely ruled out. The organiser cannot accept any liability for this; participation is at the participant's own risk. Participants must have sufficient health and accident insurance themselves. For Hölloch expeditions we also recommend membership of a recognised Swiss rescue organisation (e.g. REGA) or the conclusion of special rescue insurance.

Hölloch short tour with aperitif and fire show

Dear Hölloch team
What a great afternoon it was with you! Many thanks for everything, enthusiasm and joy for young and old. We particularly appreciated the fact that you got our youngest children so sensitively in the mood for the fire devil. It is a lasting, positive experience for them too.
Many thanks and all the best to the whole team

Monika and Heinz, April 2024

Hölloch Challenge

Ruedi gave our group an unforgettable cave experience and made this day a highlight with his very engaging manner - not forgetting the great aperitif - thank you 1000! We had a lot of fun and enjoyed some exhilarating and memorable moments surrounded by pure nature. Team and family bonding in its purest form - and all in just over 6 hours!
Bravo & a big thank you from all of us.

Tanja, March 2024

2-Day Expedition

Chrigel and Fredi were a great guide team. Chrigel had the necessary calmness that you simply had to feel at ease with him. Fredi has incredible expertise and cooked probably the best scrambled eggs I've ever eaten. Both were simply excellent. My expectations were exceeded. A big thank you to everyone who made this experience possible. Not least the builders of the bivouac. It was unbelievable what was provided. I will always remember the lovingly designed cave bear, the beautiful clay nautilus, the romantic candles and the excellent catering. I could only marvel at the beauty of the cave in awe and without a word.

Roman, February 2024

Team experience with aperitif

We booked a team experience followed by an aperitif riche for our company. The whole team was thrilled! On the one hand by the breathtakingly impressive beauty of the underworld, but also by the passionate stories and explanations of the guides. The team tasks we had to complete were exciting and challenging at the same time, but certainly contributed greatly to fostering team spirit. The subsequent aperitif in a mystical setting was sumptuous and to everyone's complete satisfaction. I can definitely recommend the experience!

Florian, January 2024

3-Day Expedition

Thank you so much for organising this 3-day tour with so few participants. It was perfect! Tobias, our guide, was excellent both personally and professionally!

Raphael and Yannis, January 2024

Hölloch Challenge

Third tour with Thomas and he was even better than before. The adventure tour is very different from the other two I've done but equally impressive, and given the group, perhaps better suited in some ways. The physical nature of the adventure tour is well-matched for eager young students. No one was disappointed at the end. Thomas did a great job managing the group, keeping us on schedule, but also maximizing our fun above and beyond. Everyone saw how competent he was, knowledgable about the cave, and about the science of the cave. Well done, again! We'll be back!

Brian, November 2023

Short Tour with cave raclette and fire show

We can only recommend everything and are super happy that we had such a great tour, apero & fire show despite our delay. Thank you very much!

Jacqueline, September 2023

Short Tour with cave raclette and fire show

Great departmental event. Super guided tour, mega interesting and informative. Sweet ambience with raclette and cool fire show. Thanks for the great evening!

Celine, June 2023

Short Tour

It was simply a fantastic experience under the extremely competent and friendly guidance of Richi. Congratulations!

Richard Hensel, May 2023

Expedition Glitzertor

Our guide was a great treasure!
We had a lot of fun with him, as he himself is a wonderful person who takes and solves possible difficulties with humour. The pace was just right for all of us participants. He even had a good time with our son: it was a unique day in our lives without grumbling 🙂

Anemone, January 2023

Expedition Innominata

A Hölloch tour is always a super experience. Hans is a very experienced guide with a lot of background knowledge. We felt very well looked after with him. Despite the circumstances that the planned Innominata tour could not be carried out due to the water level (which we were informed of in advance), we were offered an interesting and challenging alternative tour. Everything was perfectly organised and we had a lot of fun!

Guido, December 2022

We loved our cave short expedition!! Fabian was such a great guide, and made sure he repeated everything in English for us. We felt well taken care of. You could sense his love for being there as well. Thanks

Peter, November 2022

Beginners Tour

I am thrilled and my ideas and expectations were exceeded by far!

Marcella, August 2022

Expedition Glitzertor

Good morning dear trekking team!

I am not a fan of questionnaires, so I prefer to answer with personal words. We drove back to Munich yesterday after our 9h tour, it was a long day that we will certainly not forget for the rest of our lives. Everything was super organised and ready for us in advance. The best decision was to rent the overalls, what would we have done "without" them!

A thousand thanks to Urs and Tobias, who accompanied and guided us safely in every situation and made this day an unforgettable one, a mama-sons experience in a class of its own! Thank you for letting us do this with you! We had incredible fun, certainly reached our limits a bit in terms of fitness, the sporting challenges such as the ladders, rope sections and sliding on the seat of our trousers were a lot of fun without stressing us out. This tour was the highlight of 2021.

Thanks to all of you! We will be back, for sure, maybe for one of the shorter tours. I've already got a few ideas from the guides!

We wish you a wonderful 4th Advent, a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2022. Stay healthy and we look forward to seeing you again!

Best wishes from Upper Bavaria to Switzerland!

Your family K. December 2021

2-Day Expedition

Martin adapted the programme to our needs and wishes without us even having to express them. He knows the corridors inside out and can tell us a lot of interesting things about the cave and everything else. Although he is about 40 years older than us, he seemed to have taken the whole tour more easily than we did, impressive!

M. H., February 2020

Short Tour

The feedback from my work colleagues was all very good! The enthusiasm of the tour was very great. Many thanks for the great insight into the enormous cave system.

KKS Ultraschall AG, February 2020