Hohle Fels
Cliff Cave site in Germany with Paleolithic art discoveries
Hohle Fels cave in the Swabian Jura yielded Paleolithic finds such as ivory figurines and bone flutes; archaeology enthusiasts visit the site and nearby museums to study early human art and habitation.
Hohle Fels is a limestone cave in the Ach Valley of the Swabian Jura in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is internationally significant for Paleolithic archaeological finds uncovered there.
The site is best known for Upper Paleolithic artifacts, notably a carved ivory female figurine and the earliest known playable flutes, both dated to the Aurignacian period (around 35,000-40,000 years ago). Excavations have produced a rich sequence of cultural material that demonstrates human occupation during the Ice Age.
Archaeological work at Hohle Fels has been carried out by research teams from German institutions; major discoveries that established its international importance were made in the early 21st century. Finds from the cave have reshaped understanding of early symbolic behavior in Europe.
The cave sits in the Swabian Jura near the town of Schelklingen and is one of several Paleolithic cave sites in the Ach Valley. The landscape around it is karstic limestone typical of the Swabian Alb.
- UNESCO site: Included in the UNESCO World Heritage listing 'Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura' (inscribed 2017).
- Paleolithic finds: Contains some of the oldest known examples of prehistoric figurative art and musical instruments, including an ivory 'Venus' figurine and a prehistoric flute dated to the Upper Paleolithic (Aurignacian, roughly 35,000-40,000 years ago).
How to Get to Hohle Fels #
Hohle Fels lies near Schelklingen in Baden-Württemberg. The nearest larger train stations are in Ulm or Ehingen; local buses or a short taxi ride take visitors to the archaeological area and the visitor centre.
Tips for Visiting Hohle Fels #
- Visit the local museum in Schelklingen to see the Venus of Hohle Fels replica and context displays-don't miss the exacting craftsmanship of the archaeologists' work.
- Cave tours are often guided and seasonal-book in advance during summer months.
- Wear warm layers inside the cave; even on hot days the cavern is cool and humid.
Best Time to Visit Hohle Fels #
Late spring through early autumn for guided tours and visitor facilities.
Weather & Climate near Hohle Fels #
Hohle Fels's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (843 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm).
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (105 mm).
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (96 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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