Sirgenstein Cave - Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura
Blaubeuren, Germany
25.06.2018
The Sirgensteinhöhle is a magnificent natural wonder located in the charming town of Blaubeuren in Germany. This stunning cave system has been an attraction for nature enthusiasts and adventurers for centuries, and for good reason.
The cave itself is a whopping 1,000 meters long and consists of various chambers, passages, and breathtaking rock formations. It is believed to have been formed over millions of years, making it a true geological marvel. The Sirgensteinhöhle is also home to a subterranean river, which adds to its mystical and enchanting atmosphere.
Visitors to the cave can embark on a guided tour, which takes them deep into the heart of the earth. As you make your way through the labyrinth of tunnels, you will be awestruck by the natural beauty that surrounds you. The stalactites and stalagmites, formed by dripping water over centuries, create a mesmerizing sight. The various chambers within the cave also offer a glimpse into the rich history of the region, with evidence of prehistoric human settlements found within.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the Sirgensteinhöhle is the discovery of a fossilized mammoth, which is estimated to be over 30,000 years old. This discovery further highlights the importance and significance of this cave system.
Aside from its natural wonders, the Sirgensteinhöhle also offers visitors a chance to learn about the delicate ecosystem that exists within the cave. The cave is home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including rare bats, making it a valuable site for conservation efforts.
Overall, the Sirgensteinhöhle is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to witness the incredible forces of nature and learn about the fascinating history of this region. So, lace up your hiking boots and get ready to explore the depths of this spectacular cave in Blaubeuren, Germany.
Modern humans first arrived in Europe 43,000 years ago during the last ice age. One of the areas where they took up residence was the Swabian Jura in southern Germany. Excavated from the 1860s, six caves have revealed items dating from 43,000 to 33,000 years ago. Among them are carved figurines of animals (including cave lions, mammoths, horses and bovids), musical instruments and items of personal adornment. Other figurines depict creatures that are half animal, half human and there is one statuette of a woman. These archaeological sites feature some of the oldest figurative art worldwide and help shed light on the origins of human artistic development.
The small Sirgenstein Cave, German: Sirgensteinhöhle is situated 565 m (1,854 ft) above sea level inside the 20 m (66 ft) high Sirgenstein, a limestone rock. The cave sits 35 m (115 ft) above the Ach River valley bottom in the central Swabian Jura, southern Germany. Archaeologist R. R. Schmidt excavated the site in 1906 during which he identified indices of prehistoric human presence. He recorded the complete stratigraphic sequence of Palaeolithic and Neolithic origin. In his 1910 analysis Schmidt inspired future archaeologists with his pioneering concept of including the excavation site within its geographic region, contextualizing it within a wide scientific spectrum and demonstrated valuable results as he correlated the Sirgenstein layer structure to those of prehistoric sites in France. Mammoth ivory beads dating from 39,000 to 35,000 years ago have been uncovered at the cave. Because of its historical and cultural significance and its testimony to the development of Paleolithic art, the cave was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura site in 2017.
The Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura are a collection of six caves in southern Germany which were used by Ice Age humans for shelter about 33,000 to 43,000 years ago. Within the caves were found the oldest non-stationary works of human art yet discovered, in the form of carved animal and humanoid figurines, in addition to the oldest musical instruments ever found. One statuette of a female form, carved figurines of animals (including cave lions, mammoths, horses and cattle), musical instruments and items of personal adornment have been discovered. Some of the figurines depict creatures that are half animal, half human. Because of their testimony to the development of Paleolithic art and culture, the six caves were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2017.The caves are seen as the first centre of human art, were named "cradle of art" and "cradle of civilization", with a continuous cultural heritage over 6000 years, and are among the first settlements of modern humans in Europe.Bone flute from the Geissenklösterle cave, dated around c. 43,150–39,370 BP, are the oldest musical instruments ever found. The 41,000 to 39,000-year-old Lion Man and the 42,000 to 41,000-year-old Venus of Hohle Fels are the oldest confirmed sculptures in the world.
