Schmerling Caves
Cave Prehistoric caves with Ice Age archaeological finds
A limestone cave complex in Wallonia with archaeological significance, the Schmerling Caves attract visitors for guided tours, cave passages and exhibits that interpret early human finds and local geology.
The Schmerling Caves are a set of limestone caves in Wallonia, Belgium, known for early 19th-century Paleolithic human and faunal finds. They are named after the physician and archaeologist Philippe-Charles Schmerling, who explored and published on the caves’ deposits.
Archaeological excavations in the caves in the late 1820s and early 1830s produced human and animal remains from Pleistocene deposits; some of those human remains (the Engis finds) were among the first fossils later associated with Neanderthals. The caves remain important in the history of Paleolithic research.
The caves lie in the Meuse valley area of Wallonia near local villages and are part of a karst landscape with accessible entrances and documented excavation layers. They are sited within a short distance of the city of Liège to the north.
- Early human fossils: Remains recovered in the caves include one of the earliest-discovered human fossils later recognized as Neanderthal (the Engis finds) recovered in the 1829-1830 period by Philippe-Charles Schmerling.
How to Get to Schmerling Caves #
Drive from Liège or Namur into the Walloon countryside toward Engis/Andenne; local signage or the municipal tourist office can provide exact directions to the cave site. Public transport options are limited - a taxi from the nearest train station is usually necessary.
Tips for Visiting Schmerling Caves #
- Bring a flashlight or headlamp; internal cave lighting can be minimal.
- Wear sturdy shoes - paths inside can be uneven and damp.
- If interested in palaeolithic archaeology, ask about local interpretive signs and nearby museum displays.
Best Time to Visit Schmerling Caves #
Caves are cool year-round; spring and autumn combine good weather with fewer visitors.
Weather & Climate near Schmerling Caves #
Schmerling Caves's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 23°C. Moderate rainfall (831 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 82 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with 82 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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