Some of the caves on the “Sieben Hengste” have been known for many generations, including the Seefeld Cave and the “Martismurerloch”. They were not only explored, but also partially documented. The oldest known map of the Seefeld Cave dates back to 1877, as does the map of the “Mundenloch” at the foot of the “Hohgant”. From the 1960s onwards, underground research intensified. Groups from various regions of Switzerland became aware of the Karren field and were enthusiastic about the large number of entrances. Many caves were discovered during this period and groups from England joined in, as did cave explorers from Belgium later on. Cave exploration has changed over the decades. On the one hand, the various groups coordinated their efforts so that documentation could be exchanged, and on the other hand, equipment such as ropes, ascenders and LED lamps was optimised. Cartographic material also improved, with laser surveying being added, among other things.

Bit by bit, new passages were measured and mapped. Some caves prove to be impassable after just a few metres of exploration, while others are significantly longer or even forming a large system of interconnected entrances. Currently, the main system is 171 km long with a height difference of 1,340 m. It has 50 entrances and stretches across an area from “Innerbergli” via the “Sieben Hengsten” to “Chromatte” above Habkern. It is the second-longest cave system in Switzerland and was therefore famous worldwide for a long time. In addition to the main system, there are many individual caves on the “Sieben Hengsten”, including more than 600 entrances. Research continues today, although the results are less striking – the overview map shows the already advanced exploration of the area.

Most hikers have a lot of respect for caves – and rightly so, as this helps to prevent serious accidents. The dangers in caves vary greatly: weather-dependent underground waterfalls, deep shafts, slippery steep clay ramps, rockfalls and more. Every cave is different, so detailed knowledge of the specific conditions is absolutely essential for safe exploration. Some caves are relatively harmless, such as the Seefeld Cave. Incidentally, it is not possible to get lost there for too long, so ropes and other trail markings are unnecessary and sometimes even counterproductive. Conversely, humans are also a danger to caves. Rubbish and other items left behind, as well as trail markings, pollute the caves and the water that flows through them. Tiny animals hide in the countless crevices and suffer from the disturbance caused by frequent visits. Stalactites are broken off by some groups and sometimes even taken away. This is a shame, because stalactites are disappointingly unattractive when they dry out or turn grey from sunlight. Caves fascinate people, and this fascination cannot be conveyed in any other way than through photos and stories. 

Photos:

• Overview map of the caves between “Hohgant” and Lake Thun on the surface relief. Hohgant Region Speleological Society HRH
• Example of a detailed cave map. Alex Hof
• Drawing maps in the cave. Florian Hof
• A team taking measurements. Florian Hof
• Water and vertical section with rope. Florian Hof
• Meander beneath the Sieben Hengste. Florian Hof
• Entrance in the rock face, accessed with rope. Florian Hof