The history of the Neanderthal

In 1674 the Neandertal was named after the theologian and poet Joachim Neander, who held services and composed hymns there. At that time, the Düssel valley between Mettmann and Erkrath was a deep gorge and, as an imposing natural backdrop, was already a magnet for travelers at that time.

With industrialization and limestone quarrying, the face of the Neandertal changed fundamentally in the 19th century. But thanks to these changes, it also achieved worldwide fame: early human skeleton parts were found during mining work in 1856. Since then, the “Neanderthal” has been a household name around the world.

In order to protect the Neandertal forest from deforestation, committed citizens of the surrounding towns founded the Naturschutzverein Neandertal e. V. and managed to get the Neandertal designated as the first nature reserve in Prussia in 1920. In this way, the valley was protected from clear-cutting and has been able to develop into a valuable gem to this day. The beech forests are even of European importance, so that the valley received additional legal protection in 1921 and was included as an FFH area (Flora-Fauna Habitat) in the European biotope network "Natura 2001".

After the nature conservation association Neandertal e. V. had obtained the designation of the Neandertal as a nature reserve, he founded the Ice Age Game Reserve in 1935, in which replica breeds of aurochs and tarpans, which have already become extinct throughout Europe, live to this day. Until 1868, the association acted as the operator of the Ice Age game reserve, and it still owns the animals today. The game reserve is now operated by the district of Mettmann.

The finds of the early human skeleton were initially housed in a building near the site of discovery, today's Stone Age workshop, until the Neanderthal Museum opened in 1996. It is one of the most modern museums in Europe. Its permanent multimedia exhibition guides the international public through the prehistory and early history of mankind more than four million years ago to the present day. Every year, more than 160.000 visitors are inspired by the multi-award-winning presentation and the entire facility.

When children immerse themselves in prehistory with all their senses, they also want to move around in it and preferably play in it. The Stone Age playground opened in 2020 directly opposite the Neanderthal Museum makes it possible! In the 2.250 m² adventure world you will find everything a young Neanderthal heart desires: from climbing frames, ropes, climbing nets to the water feature and the bear cave. And even the youngest (up to 6 years) get their money's worth in the "driftwood landscape" with lots of water and a few cozy places to take a break.

A multimedia adventure tower was opened at the end of 2022 directly at the site where the first Neanderthal was found: the "Cave View". The landmark, which can be seen from afar, gives an impression of the importance of the Neandertal and the place where it was found in various installations. State-of-the-art virtual reality technology allows visitors to experience the time of the "hunters and collectors" up close. The adventure tower is another highlight in the Neandertal on the top of which is an oversized Neanderthal skull.