The Messel Pit fossil deposit has been Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. It offers a unique insight into an ecosystem 47 million years ago. Fine-grained oil shale formed at the bottom of a maar lake, which has preserved fossils in excellent condition and thus allows an exact reconstruction of the living world of that time.

The numerous finds range from the smallest insects to large crocodiles. The variety of species and number of fossils is enormous and new finds are added every year. The mine can be visited all year round as part of a guided tour. The museum right on the edge of the pit provides exciting insights into the history and research of the site. A highlight is the treasure chamber with its excellently preserved fossils.

The pit has a diameter of approx. 1000 metres and is about 60 metres deep. The Messel Pit, a former open-cast oil shale mine, can be visited as part of a guided tour. Visitors to this site will be amazed at the variety of topics covered, which is also reflected in the museum exhibition right on the edge of the pit, which can be explored during opening hours. The topics covered include industrial history, landscape, volcanism, rainforest and evolution. The highlight is probably our treasure chamber with original fossils of prehistoric horses, crocodiles and the like.

Various guided tours of the mine are offered throughout the year during opening hours.

Partner of the DARMSTADT CARD:

2 for 1: two regular tickets for the price of one

15 March - 15 November: Monday - Sunday: 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

16 November - 14 March: Wednesday - Sunday: 10.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.

open on public holidays, except 24-26 December; 31 December and 1 January