In the disused quarry where once bituminous shale was mined, there are 50 million year old animals and plants in a unique state of preservation: birds with feathers, mammals with fur and bats complete with the folds of skin used for flying. In Messel, the Eocene (the "dawn of recent life"), a period during the early Neozoic era (Tertiary period), is documented. In this period mammals were beginning to develop after the all-powerful dinosaurs had become extinct. Dating exactly from this time there is a fossil site in Messel in which the animals have literally been preserved with "skin and hair".
Therefore, the Messel pit has been included in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites as the only natural heritage to date in the German-speaking area. In the Messel Museum fish, amphibians, saurians, birds, and, above all, mammals can be seen. The most famous are the Messel prehistoric tiny horses, but all the other animals and plants found are also of immense significance for evolutionary science. The explanations of the exhibits are understandable and offer easy access to the world of the Tertiary Period.
This tour is especially suitable for children. Scientific research is explained to them in an understandable way. The children can carry out experiments and learn about the exciting connections between biology, paleontology and geology. Of course, this tour is also an adventure for adults!
The Messel pit and the fossil sites can be visited only with a guide. The fee for the guide and entrance are 3,- Euro per person. Special tours can be arranged at any time.
We will bring you to the Messel pit, organize a tour for you and let you participate in the "fossil fascination"!
Suitable for all ages between 6−99
It will take around 1 ¼ hour to get there from Heidelberg (ca. 80 km)
The tour is suitable for wheelchair users up to the observation platform.
