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 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 wide selection of fossils, minerals and other treasures of natural history that will delight collectors, art and design lovers.
  • We work according to the highest quality standards and ensure that all export documents and certificates are in place.

Where is the Holzmaden prehistoric quarry located?

The Holzmaden Urweltsteinbruch (primeval quarry) 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 nearest cities, along with approximate distances and travel times by car:

  1. Stuttgart: approx. 45 km, 45 minutes drive
  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

Opening hours and admission

When is the prehistoric quarry open?

  • Regular opening hours: Thursday to Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00
  • On public holidays and during school holidays, the Holzmaden prehistoric quarry is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • 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 (10 people or more): €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 packages for larger groups, school classes, or children's birthday parties. 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 institutions. The Urweltmuseum and the Urweltsteinbruch operate 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 at the Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden is free.

Is the prehistoric quarry accessible with strollers and wheelchairs?

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

What fossils can be found in the Holzmaden prehistoric quarry?

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

  • Ammonites: Fossilized squid with spiral shells.
  • Belemnites: Fossil relatives of modern squid.
  • Plant fossils: Petrified plant remains from the Jurassic period.
  • Fish parts: A variety of fossil fish species.
  • Crocodile parts: Different 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 are allowed to bring your own tools. Tools (hammers and chisels) can also be rented on-site for a fee of €1.50 each. We recommend bringing gloves and safety goggles, as these cannot be rented on-site.

Is there an introduction or guide to fossil hunting?

At our quarry, you'll find detailed instructions on splitting techniques and descriptions of the finds. Our team is always happy to provide further explanations and assistance. We want to ensure your experience at the Holzmaden Prehistoric Quarry is both entertaining and educational.

Are the fossils found the property of the finder?

Finds that are of no scientific importance and are not subject to 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'll always find fresh split material, which may contain 180-million-year-old fossils.

Are dogs allowed in the quarry?

Unfortunately, dogs are no longer allowed in our yard due to safety and hygiene regulations.

Safety and equipment

What safety precautions are in place at 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 staff. Wear sturdy shoes, safety goggles, and gloves. Please also pay attention to the weather conditions and dress accordingly.

Are there sanitary facilities and catering options?

Yes, there are restrooms 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 purchase tickets in advance on our website. These are slightly more expensive than on-site due to the costs of the online booking system. If you purchase tickets directly at the quarry, you'll get a better 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 fossils can be found. Here are some of the most famous sites and their corresponding time periods:

  1. Prehistoric quarry 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 fossils can be found. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the relevant rules and regulations before visiting, as some sites are protected and fossil collecting may be restricted or prohibited.