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Switzerland

Wildkirchli

Interlinked caves with Neanderthal habitation evidence.

Time Periods

Paleolithic

Paleolithic

Mesolithic

Mesolithic

Neolithic

Neolithic

Chalcolithic

Chalcolithic

Bronze Age

Bronze Age

Iron Age

Iron Age

Classical Period

Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Post-Classical Period

Early Modern Period

Early Modern Period

Industrial Period

Industrial Period

Contemporary Period

Contemporary Period

About

The Wildkirchli caves, situated in the Alpstein massif of Switzerland, are a significant archaeological site known for evidence of Paleolithic Neanderthal habitation and an abundance of cave bear bones. These interlinked caves, including the Altarhöhle, Untere Höhle, and Obere Höhle, are located at elevations between 1,477 and 1,500 meters. They offer insights into the Middle to Upper Paleolithic periods, with flint tools identified as Mousterian, marking the presence of Neanderthals in the region around 40,000 BCE. The lower stratigraphic layers reveal a variety of animal remains, suggesting these caves served as seasonal hunting sites. Today, they attract tourists and historians alike, providing a glimpse into prehistoric life and human evolution.

Gallery

Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Wildkirchli

FileWildkirchli.JPG

Archaeological Features

Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

Domestic and Habitation Structures

Caves

Environmental and Natural Features

Modified Caves

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history

Plan Your Visit

Details

Country
Switzerland
Source
Wikipedia