Geissenklösterle

Geissenklösterle is a Paleolithic cave in the Swabian Jura of Baden-Württemberg, Germany, known for Aurignacian archaeological deposits. Excavations there produced carved ivory objects, personal ornaments and some of the oldest known bone flutes.

The finds demonstrate early Upper Paleolithic human symbolic expression and musical instruments dating to roughly 40,000-30,000 years ago. The cave is studied by archaeologists and is part of a cluster of significant Ice Age sites in the Ach Valley.

Excavations began in the 20th century and have documented multiple archaeological layers that preserved organic and worked-bone material from prehistoric occupations.

The site lies in the Ach Valley near the town of Blaubeuren in Baden-Württemberg and is one of several nearby caves that together form a UNESCO World Heritage property.

• Paleolithic art: Contains some of the earliest known examples of Palaeolithic figurative art and bone flutes associated with the Aurignacian culture, dated to roughly 40,000-30,000 years ago.
• UNESCO status: Included in the UNESCO World Heritage serial site 'Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura' that recognizes several nearby caves for early human symbolic behaviour.

What to See #

• Geissenklösterle cave: The cave site where Aurignacian-era deposits yielded carved figurines, personal ornaments and bone flutes dating to the Upper Paleolithic; the site is part of a group of Swabian Jura caves with early Ice Age art.
• Regional museums: Local museums in the Ach Valley display finds from the site including ivory carvings and instruments from the Aurignacian layers.