For years we have been driving through the city of Baar to either go to the movies, or swimming in the really nice indoor pool they have there. And every time we pass this sign that says "Höllgrotten" with a little arrow pointing in the correct direction. Never gave it much thought, just thought it was some little local attraction. Yes, I admit right here and now that I am not the sharpest pencil in the case. So, as my friend and I were trying to find fun, local and not too expensive things to do with the kids this summer, she mentioned that another mutual friend said there were some cool caves in Baar that we should go see. Ooh, caves are always fun, I'm definitely intrigued.
But since it wasn't listed in my GPS and I didn't have an exact street address to punch in, I asked to follow Jenna since her GPS did have it listed. No problem. We get to Baar and I see the same sign I have driven past at least 40 times before, but instead of driving past, we turn and follow it! Oh, that's what that sign is for. Smacking of forehead follows.
It is down a very long, windy road through the forest. A few times I thought we might have missed it and was tempted to turn around, but Jenna kept on fearlessly driving, so I just followed her. From the official website, I had been expecting an actual guided tour, but we ended up just walking through on our own. It was definitely less "touristy" than the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. There were some stairs and paths mapped out, and a few lights hung up so you could see the different formations, but it definitely had a "mom and pop" feel to it. Still, the kids had a good time, and it was interesting to feel the temperature change from a relatively warm summer day outside, to one where you were glad you had brought a jacket inside the caves. Everything was very wet, as it had rained the day before, and the rain leaks down through the ground into the cave.
There were a few signs pointing out certain formations in the caves. Supposedly, there was one that looked like a bear, an eagle, and a few others I can't remember. Try as we might, we didn't have much luck finding them. Perhaps I just don't have the right perspective. I also have trouble seeing faces in the mountains, that other people can see. Maybe I am just too impatient and don't take the time to really stare in one spot until I "see" it.
Back outside, the kids enjoyed some ice cream and danced around to the music playing in the loudspeakers by the picnic tables. Every one got to choose a postcard to remember the day by, and then we drove home. It was a fun way to spend the afternoon, and it is one more thing we can cross off in our "1001 things to see and do with kids in Switzerland" book. 🙂
