A recent discovery in the Swiss Alps has intrigued archaeologists and the public alike. A mysterious bamboo cart, resembling a two-wheeled wagon, was found on November 2 by hiker Sergio Veri along a glacier path in Splügen Pass, located in the Canton of Graubünden.
This high-altitude pass connects Switzerland’s Hinterrhein valley with Italy’s Valle San Giacomo. The cart was revealed by the melting of a glacier, one of the many instances where climate change has exposed relics and artifacts previously buried under snow and ice.
The bamboo contraption consists of two large wheels crafted from bamboo poles, tied together with cords. Experts have dated it to the 20th century based on preliminary assessments, but its origins and function remain unclear. Given that bamboo is not native to Switzerland—it only arrived in Europe in the late 1700s or early 1800s—the use of this material adds a layer of mystery to the object.
The Archaeological Service of Graubünden has yet to conduct a full examination, and officials have requested help from the public, encouraging anyone with information about the cart’s purpose or construction to come forward.
Since the Canton of Graubünden posted about the find on social media, speculation has been rife. Comments on the Facebook post suggest the item could have been used as a sled for transporting goods or even as a tool for smuggling supplies. One commenter hypothesized it might have been an early mountaineering device, while another speculated it could have been part of a primitive airplane. The Splügen Pass itself has a rich history; dating back to ancient times, it has long served as a trade route, as shown on historical documents like the Roman Tabula Peutingeriana.
This discovery follows a similar find earlier this year by the Secrets of the Ice project, which uncovered a 20th-century sled on the Cavagnöö Glacier. The exposure of these items has become increasingly common as glaciers continue to recede due to rising global temperatures.
