GROTTES DE LA PÉRIODE GLACIAIRE EN JURA SOUABE

If France has some major examples of prehistoric caves, from Lascaux to Chauvet to Cosquer, Germany and the Baden-Württemberg region has some spectacular specimens, six to be exact, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2017. In these caves, which form an impressive ensemble in the middle of the wilderness, traces of human life have been found in excavations carried out since the end of the ^19th century. The remains date from between 43,000 and 33,000 BC, and include sculpted figures of mammoths, horses and deer, as well as ornaments and musical instruments. Other sculptures depict half-human, half-animal figures. In this respect, and because of the wealth of artistic evidence found, these caves are of vital importance in understanding human development. The musical instruments found here are among the oldest in the world.

The Hohle Fels cave, near Schelklingen, is easily accessible. It was here that the Hohle Fels "Venus", the oldest known female figure, was discovered and is on display in the Blaubeuren Museum. In the Blaubeuren Museum, you can marvel at the various figurines and artefacts excavated from the caves. The other caves are more difficult to get to, but it's possible. Contact the museum for details.