Šipka, Prehistoric cave in Štramberk, Czech Republic.
Šipka is a limestone cave at 440 meters elevation in Štramberk, featuring two main sections: the Badger Hole and the Dripstone Corridor. The passages wind through Kotouč hill and connect to marked trails leading to other local monuments.
Archaeologist Karel Jaroslav Maška conducted excavations between 1879 and 1893, uncovering evidence of Neanderthal presence. A jawbone discovered in 1880 confirmed that early humans inhabited this location.
The site reflects ancient hunting practices, with remains of cave bears, lions, and hyenas revealing how early people used this space. Today visitors can observe these clues about prehistoric life scattered throughout the passages.
The cave is accessible via well-marked trails on Kotouč hill and can be visited year-round. Wear sturdy shoes since some paths are steep and can be slippery, especially after rain.
The skeletal remains of over 80,000 animals found within this cave comprise one of the most significant paleontological collections from that era. This exceptionally large accumulation of bones makes it a globally important site for understanding Ice Age life.
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