FAQ

General information

What is the Holzmaden prehistoric quarry?

  • The Holzmaden prehistoric quarry is a unique place where you can not only find fossils from the Jurassic period with a hammer and chisel, but also visit a comprehensive museum exhibition. Fossils, minerals, petrified wood, meteorites and dinosaurs from all over the world await you in our museum.
  • As experts for unique and high-quality specimens, we offer you the opportunity to admire highlights from all over the world.
  • In the gallery and museum shop you will find a large selection of fossils, minerals and other treasures of natural history that will delight collectors, art and design lovers.
  • We work to the highest quality standards and ensure that all export documents and certificates are available.

Where is the Holzmaden prehistoric quarry?

The Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden is located at Aichelberger Str. 75, 73271 Holzmaden, Germany, and is easily accessible from several major cities in Germany, France and Switzerland. Here are the nine closest cities with approximate distance and travel time by car:

  1. Stuttgart: approx. 45 km, 45 minutes drive time
  2. Ulm: approx. 80 km, 1 hour drive
  3. Strasbourg (France): approx. 180 km, 2 hours drive
  4. Zurich (Switzerland): approx. 200 km, 2.5 hours drive
  5. Basel (Switzerland): approx. 200 km, 2.5 hours drive
  6. Munich: approx. 200 km, 2.5 hours drive
  7. Frankfurt am Main: approx. 280 km, 3 hours drive
  8. Nuremberg: approx. 230 km, 2.5 hours drive
  9. Karlsruhe: approx. 170 km, 2 hours drive
  10. Mannheim: approx. 200 km, 2.5 hours drive time

opening hours and admission

When is the primeval quarry open?

  • Regular opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • On public holidays and during school holidays, the Holzmaden prehistoric quarry is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Monday: Closed (outside of holiday season or public holidays)
  • The Holzmaden prehistoric quarry is closed in January and February.

How much does the entrance fee cost?

The entrance prices are as follows:

  • Adults (16 years and older): 9 €
  • Children (4-16 years): 6 €
  • Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): 28 €
  • Child group rate (from 10 people): 5.50 €
  • Adult group rate (10 people or more) / seniors: €8.50
  • Rental of hammer & chisel: € 1.50 each / €3.00 per set
  • Free admission with AlbCard, ErlebnisCard and Landesfamilienpass

We are happy to offer special offers for larger groups, school classes or children's birthdays. Please contact us at the following email address: info@urweltsteinbruch.de

Visit and Activities

Do the Hauff Prehistoric Museum and the Holzmaden Prehistoric Quarry belong together?

No, the Urweltmuseum Hauff and the Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden are two separate facilities. The Urweltmuseum and the Urweltsteinbruch work independently of each other and have different operators. Please note that tickets and events for the Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden are not available at the Urweltmuseum Hauff and vice versa. Admission to the gallery and shop in the Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden is free.

Is the primeval quarry accessible with strollers and wheelchairs?

The main entrance is accessible via steps. If required, barrier-free access is possible via the delivery entrance. Please note, however, that the terrain is very bumpy.

Which fossils can be found in the Holzmaden prehistoric quarry?

In the Holzmaden prehistoric quarry, visitors with luck and patience can find fascinating fossils from the Jurassic period that are around 180 million years old. These include:

  • Ammonites: Fossilized squid with spiral shells.
  • Belemnites: Fossil relatives of today's squid.
  • Plant fossils: petrified plant remains from the Jurassic period.
  • Fish parts: A variety of fossil fish species.
  • Crocodile Parts: Various species of prehistoric crocodiles.
  • Parts of ichthyosaurs: marine dinosaurs that lived in the Jurassic seas.
  • Parts of plesiosaurs: long-necked marine dinosaurs.
  • Parts of pterosaurs: flying reptiles that dominated the skies of the Jurassic period.

These fossils provide a fascinating insight into life millions of years ago and are of great interest to both amateur researchers and professional paleontologists.

Can I bring my own tools?

Yes, you can bring your own tools. Tools (hammer & chisel) can also be rented on site for a fee of €1.50 each. We recommend that you bring gloves and safety glasses with you, as these cannot be rented on site.

Is there an introduction or guide to fossil hunting?

In our quarry you will find detailed instructions on the splitting technique and descriptions of finds. Our team is always available to give you further explanations and assistance. We want to ensure that you have an entertaining and educational experience at the Holzmaden prehistoric quarry.

Are the fossils found the property of the finder?

Finds that are of no scientific importance and are not covered by the Cultural Property Protection Act may be taken home free of charge.

Is slate still actively mined in the Urweltsteinquarry?

No slate is currently being mined in our quarry. However, you can still split original Posidonia slate from the Jurassic Sea here. This material comes from a nearby active quarry. Material is regularly delivered to us from there, so you will always find fresh split material in which 180 million year old fossils can be hidden.

Are dogs allowed in the quarry?

Yes, dogs are allowed. However, we ask that you always keep your dog on a leash and do not stay directly on the knocking area with him.

Safety and Equipment

What safety precautions are there in the quarry?

Access to the quarry is at your own risk. Your safety is very important to us, so we recommend that you follow our safety regulations and pay attention to the instructions of our employees. Wear sturdy shoes, safety glasses and gloves. Please also pay attention to the weather conditions and dress accordingly.

Are there sanitary facilities and catering options?

Yes, there are toilets and a vending machine with snacks and drinks.

Contact and reservation

How can I register a group?

For group registrations and guided tours please contact us in advance by phone (+49 (0)7023 2991) or by email: info@urweltsteinbruch.de .

May I buy tickets in advance?

Yes, you can buy tickets in advance on our website. They are slightly more expensive than on site due to the costs of the online booking system. If you buy the tickets directly at the quarry you will get the cheaper price.

How can I reach the Primeval Quarry?

For questions and further information, please contact us by email at info@urweltsteinbruch.de or by phone at +49 (0)7023 2991 ) .

Fossils in Germany

Where can you find fossils in Germany?

There are many places in Germany where you can find fossils. Here are some of the most famous sites and the corresponding time period:

  1. Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden, Baden-Württemberg - Fossils from the Jurassic period (about 180 million years ago)
  2. Ettling Quarry, Bavaria - Fossils from the Jurassic Sea (about 150 million years ago)
  3. Fossil cliffs on the island of Rügen, Baltic Sea - fossils from the Cretaceous period (about 66 to 145 million years ago)
  4. UNESCO World Heritage Site Messel Pit, Hesse - Fossils from the Eocene (about 48 million years ago)
  5. UNESCO World Heritage Geopark Harz – Braunschweiger Land – Ostfalen - Fossils from various geological eras, including the Devonian period (about 419 to 359 million years ago)

There are also many other sites in Germany where you can find fossils. It is recommended to check the rules and regulations before visiting, as some sites are protected and fossil collecting may be restricted or prohibited.