Schnidejoch, Archaeological site at mountain pass in Lenk, Switzerland
Schnidejoch is a mountain pass in the Bernese Alps at about 2,756 meters elevation, sitting between the ridges of Schnidehorn and Wildhorn. The site has revealed rich archaeological remains from multiple periods of use, making it one of Switzerland's most important high-altitude archaeological locations.
Excavations in 2004 and 2005 uncovered more than 400 artifacts dating to between the 29th and 27th centuries BC. These discoveries show that mountain crossings were already established routes during prehistoric times.
The site reveals how early Alpine people moved through high mountain terrain and adapted to life in these elevations. The objects discovered here show the pathways that connected communities across the mountains and shaped how people used the landscape.
The pass is accessible on foot via established hiking routes connecting the valleys on either side. The location requires good weather conditions for a safe visit, as the high elevation makes it exposed to harsh mountain conditions year-round.
In summer 2003, extreme heat caused glacial ice to melt and revealed a Neolithic bow made from yew wood. This bow is among the oldest preserved wooden artifacts in Switzerland and demonstrates the skilled craftsmanship of these early communities.
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