Heidenschmiede, Archaeological rock shelter in Heidenheim an der Brenz, Germany.

Heidenschmiede is a rock shelter formed by a natural limestone overhang near Schloss Hellenstein. The protected space beneath the rock face once served as a dwelling for early human groups.

The site shows occupation by Neanderthals during the Ice Age when climate conditions were harsh. Scientists discovered bones of hunted animals like mammoths and reindeer, which reveal early use of this shelter.

The finds include a scraper made for a left-handed user, with the cutting edge on the right side. Most of the roughly 5,000 pieces are grey, brown and white jasper and Tertiary quartzite from the Steinheim Basin, the Stubental and the Brenz gravels, a few kilometres away.

The shelter sits on a sloped position above the Brenz River with good views from higher ground. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear since the ground is uneven and parts of the location are exposed to weather.

Among the roughly 50 Acheuléen pieces from the site is a scraper made for a left-handed user, with the cutting edge on the right side. The assemblage also includes hand axes, cleavers and points of Jurassic chert, plus drills of brown and grey jasper.