Graves, hoards and pile dwellings between the Jura Mountains and the Alps – the development of elitist social structures in the Early Bronze Age of western Switzerland This paper offers a detailed summary of the state of Early Bronze Age research in western Switzerland between the Jura Mountains and the Alps and introduces important grave, hoard and settlement finds (pile dwellings). During the Early Bronze Age an elite takes shape in western Switzerland, which is to be seen in connection with the development of metallurgy and the exploitation of local ore deposits, and which uses trans-European prestige objects as a burial characteristics. The three phases of the Aare Rhône group (pre-phase = Bz A1; classic phase = Bz A2 early; late and final stage = Bz A2 late/Bz B1) are discussed. 1. In the pre-phase, the time between 2200 and 2000 BC, metal finds like oar-headed pins and daggers remain scarce. 2. Only in the classic phase between 2000 and 1750 BC a hierarchization of society and gender distinctions can be recognized from rich grave goods like Thun-Renzenbühl. A spatial extension of the Aare Rhône group can be determined, which is confirmed by felling dates from lakeside settlements. Considerably more graves occur; the first hoard finds – mostly axes of the Neyruz type and loopended neck rings – are deposited at this time. 3. The Aare Rhône group reaches its greatest extent, which includes the lake district in the Swiss midlands, in the late and final stage between 1750 and 1500 BC. The furthermore gender-specific grave assemblages show with males contacts to Central Europe while women's jewellery is made of metal occurring locally. The phenomenon of exceptionally well equipped graves of young men is striking. It is discussed whether these are »young leaders« or assemblages of prosperous families. New are extensive hoards of weapons.