Bear cave

The Bear Cave in the Swabian Alb is characterized by stalactites and sinter pools, cave bears and bats. Cave bears? These dangerous hunters are now extinct. But their existence in the "underworld" of the Swabian Jura can be proven by clear bone finds. The bear cave was also home to other predators, such as hyenas and wolves. Eventually, even humans found refuge in the bear cave. Excavations show that they buried their dead here. The bear cave was formed from a small crevice in the rock, which was washed out by water over millions of years. When the river finally seeped away, the huge stalactites began to grow, which we can still marvel at today.

The cave was discovered by a school teacher from Erpfingen who was collecting herbs in the area in the summer of 1834. He first observed a few stones disappearing into the crevice, then, on closer inspection, his tobacco tin slipped out of his pocket and also disappeared into the depths. The following day, he returned to the site with friends and entered the cave - an antechamber of today's Bear Cave - for the first time.

Most of the finds were probably lost during this time, as many visitors took bone fragments with them as souvenirs. It was not until the middle of the 20th century that several citizens of Erpfingen succeeded in reaching the continuation of the first cave chamber. There they found numerous bear and human skeletons. Plundering of the cave was largely prevented, as the rights to enter were immediately transferred to scientific institutes.

In addition to the Ice Age skeletons, tools such as stone blades were also discovered. Parts of ceramic vessels from the Roman occupation period have been preserved, as well as an ivory comb and a sword pommel from the Middle Ages. Even modern finds have been unearthed: up to 50 human skeletons lie in a pile of rubble - probably victims of a plague epidemic during the Thirty Years' War.

Having served as a shelter, dwelling, place of death and nursery, as a burial ground and garbage dump, and finally as a mass grave, the cave now delights visitors from all over the world as a show cave with its sights. The cave can be visited as part of a guided tour.

Opening times

Price:

Adults 4,50 EUR

Children from 6 - 14 years 2,50 EUR

Family ticket 10,00 EUR