Ofnethöhlen, Prehistoric cave complex near Nördlingen, Germany
The Ofnethöhlen is a cave system divided into two sections, the Big Ofnet and Small Ofnet, located on the rim of the Nördlinger Ries crater. The site sits within rocky terrain marked by steep slopes and distinctive rock formations that make it identifiable from the walking path.
The caves were shaped by a meteorite impact approximately 14.5 million years ago that created the surrounding landscape. Scientific investigation began in the 19th century when researchers uncovered stone tools and animal bones within the rock shelter.
The caves served as a burial ground where hunters and gatherers arranged skulls with red ochre and shell ornaments in deliberate patterns. These discoveries reveal how people living here thousands of years ago honored their dead and what materials held meaning for them.
The caves are reached by a 15-minute walk from a parking area near an ancient Roman estate, located approximately 5 kilometers before entering Nördlingen. Sturdy footwear is important because the path crosses rocky and sloping terrain with natural obstacles.
The meteorite impact from approximately 14.7 million years ago not only shaped the caves but also created a massive basin roughly 25 kilometers across, now known as the Nördlinger Ries. This natural formation holds scientific value for understanding how such cosmic events alter landscapes on Earth.
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