Gutenberger Höhle, Show cave in Lenningen, Germany.
The Gutenberger Höhle stretches about 180 meters into limestone rock and contains six separate chambers connected by lit pathways. The cave system sits at 690 meters (2,260 feet) elevation in the Swabian region.
The cave was discovered in 1889 when the Swabian Cave Club began excavations at the entrance. Those early digs revealed extensive remains of ice-age animals within the chambers.
The cave entrance is known locally as Heppenloch, reflecting its place in the region's geography. The site served as a refuge for both animals and early humans during prehistoric times.
The path to the cave starts from a parking area and involves a short walk of about 15 minutes. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket, as the interior stays quite cool year-round.
Excavations uncovered fossils of a rare monkey species found nowhere else in Germany. These discoveries show that tropical animals could reach the Swabian region during warmer periods in prehistoric times.
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