Schmerling Caves

The Schmerling Caves form a system of multiple chambers set into the riverbank of the Awirs stream at different levels. The upper chamber extends roughly 17 meters deep into the rock face, while the lower section has suffered structural damage.

The physician and paleontologist Philippe-Charles Schmerling made his groundbreaking discovery of Neanderthal fossils in 1829 at this site. His finds in these caves became key evidence for understanding early human existence in Europe.

The caves reveal how prehistoric people once lived and hunted in this river valley setting. Visitors can observe the remains of animals that roamed here and the simple tools that early inhabitants created.

Access to the caves is restricted due to structural damage and safety concerns, so visitors should check in advance about what sections are open. The site sits close to an active quarry, which has affected the preservation of parts of this formation.

A stone monument erected in 1989 honors Schmerling's work, but few visitors realize his fossils fundamentally changed our understanding of how long humans have inhabited Europe. His discoveries challenged established beliefs about human prehistory.