Hohlenstein-Stadel Archaeological Site
Prehistoric cave in Baden-Württemberg, famous Löwenmensch find
Hohlenstein‑Stadel cave in Baden‑Württemberg contains major prehistoric archaeological finds, including the Löwenmensch figurine; researchers and visitors come for guided cave history and nearby museum displays.
Hohlenstein-Stadel at a Glance#
Address: Hohlenstein-Stadel cave, Lone Valley region, Baden-Württemberg, Germany (cave site; access often restricted)
About Hohlenstein-Stadel#
Hohlenstein-Stadel is a limestone cave site in the Lone Valley of the Swabian Jura, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, notable as the findspot of the prehistoric Löwenmensch (Lion-man) figurine.
The site itself is an archaeological locality rather than a large show cave; interpretation of the finds is presented in regional museums and in materials about Ice Age art from the Swabian Jura. The Löwenmensch is a key exhibit in museum displays focused on Paleolithic art and human prehistory.
Excavations at Hohlenstein-Stadel in the 20th century recovered fragments of the Löwenmensch and other Paleolithic material. The figurine, carved from mammoth ivory, is attributed to the Upper Paleolithic Aurignacian and dates to roughly 35,000-40,000 years ago.
The cave lies in the Lone Valley of the Swabian Jura in Baden-Württemberg, in southwest Germany, within the group of caves in the region known for Ice Age archaeological remains.
- UNESCO World Heritage: Part of the group of Paleolithic caves inscribed as “Caves and Ice Age Art in the Swabian Jura” on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Löwenmensch age and significance: The Löwenmensch is an ivory figurine dated to roughly 35,000-40,000 years ago and is among the oldest known zoomorphic sculptures from the European Upper Paleolithic.
What to See#
- Hohlenstein-Stadel cave: A karst cave in the Lone Valley of the Swabian Jura that produced stratified Paleolithic deposits and the fragments of the famous prehistoric figurine known as the Löwenmensch (Lion-man).
How to Get to Hohlenstein-Stadel#
The cave is in the Lone Valley not far from the towns of Blaubeuren and Ulm; visitors typically see the artefacts in local museums (Ulm Museum, for example) and join organized excursions or contact local archaeological centers for access to the cave area.
Tips for Visiting Hohlenstein-Stadel#
- Visit the museum displays in the region that show the 'Lion-man' figurine replica-appointments may be required.
Best Time to Visit Hohlenstein-Stadel#
A karst cave in Baden-Württemberg notable for the discovery of the prehistoric 'Lion‑man' ivory figurine; the original fragments were found in the 20th century and are exhibited as reconstructions in regional museums.
Weather & Climate near Hohlenstein-Stadel#
Hohlenstein-Stadel's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (823 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 2° | -5° | 49 mm | overcast | 92% | 3.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| February | Poor | -3° - 3° | -4° | 48 mm | overcast | 89% | 3.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.0h |
| March | Acceptable | 0° - 8° | 1° | 53 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.6 m/s | 0.5 low | 11.7h |
| April | Good | 3° - 12° | 5° | 58 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 3.3 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Good | 7° - 18° | 12° | 86 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.9 m/s | 1.2 high | 15.0h |
| June | Good | 10° - 21° | 15° | 98 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.8 m/s | 1.5 high | 15.8h |
| July | Very Good | 12° - 23° | 18° | 98 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 2.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 15.5h |
| August | Very Good | 12° - 23° | 17° | 80 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 14.1h |
| September | Good | 8° - 18° | 13° | 65 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 2.7 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 6° | 63 mm | overcast | 86% | 2.9 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | 0° - 6° | 0° | 63 mm | overcast | 91% | 3.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.1h |
| December | Poor | -2° - 3° | -4° | 62 mm | overcast | 93% | 3.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.2h |
