A comparison of different high-resolution archives, such as tree rings, ice cores and marine varves show high degrees of similarity and reveal significant hemispheric climatic events (Older Dryas, Gerzensee Deviation, onset of Younger Dryas). Even the eruption of the Laachersee volcano (Eifel, Germany) 13 070 years ago is recorded synchronously in all of these archives. Trees from the Zurich area extend the absolute tree-ring chronology back to 12 449 years BP. This extension is relevant for quaternary research as well as for calibrating the ¹⁴C curve and other archives. The recent findings from the Uetliberg may provide further progress in filling the existing gaps in the Lateglacial tree-ring chronologies.