Cave Birseck hermitage, Palaeolithic residential cave / cult place / neolithic burial

The Birseck hermitage cave is a natural limestone cave within a landscape garden near Arlesheim that holds traces of multiple prehistoric periods. The cave with its distinctive rock walls sits embedded within landscaped green areas that connect the archaeological context with modern garden design.

The cave served as a site of human activity over thousands of years, first as a dwelling place during the Palaeolithic period. Later it was used for ceremonies and eventually as a burial location during the Neolithic period.

The name refers to a hermit who once lived here and gave the cave its current designation. The way visitors move through the space and the blend of rock formations with landscaped garden areas shows how different time periods are woven together.

Access is through paths that lead through the garden and connect the cave with surrounding areas. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the ground can be uneven and rock surfaces must be explored on foot.

The cave was not just a dwelling place but also a site of rituals and burials - a rare combination in a single cave. This multiple use across different prehistoric periods makes the site a special window into human history.