Kesslerloch

Kesslerloch is a cave in Thayngen covering around 200 square meters with a natural stone pillar dividing the interior into separate chambers. The two sections create distinct spaces within the underground formation that visitors can explore.

Teacher Konrad Merk started the first excavation in 1873 and found stone tools and animal remains from the Upper Paleolithic period. These early discoveries revealed that humans occupied this area for thousands of years.

The cave served as a shelter for hunting and gathering communities who left behind their tools and artistic marks. Visitors can observe traces of their daily presence through the artifacts that reveal how these people lived and worked.

Access is via a short walking path from the B15 road near Thayngen to the entrance. Sturdy footwear and some time to explore the different chambers are recommended.

A dog jawbone found in 1874 is among the oldest evidence of wolf domestication in Central Europe, dating back many thousands of years. This discovery shows that the relationship between humans and animals is far older than commonly believed.

Location: Schaffhausen

Elevation above the sea: 440 m

Part of: list of cultural properties in Thayngen

Address: Kesslerlochstrasse

GPS coordinates: 47.74540,8.69360

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:45