FAQ
General Information
What is the Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden (Holzmaden Primeval Quarry)?
- The Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden is a unique place where you can not only find Jurassic-era fossils with a hammer & chisel, but also visit a comprehensive museum exhibition. In our museum, you'll discover fossils, minerals, petrified wood, meteorites, and dinosaurs from all over the world.
- As experts in unique and high-quality specimens, we offer you the opportunity to admire highlights from around the globe.
- In the gallery & museum shop, you'll find a wide selection of fossils, minerals, and other natural history treasures that will delight collectors, art and design enthusiasts.
- We work according to the highest quality standards and ensure that all export papers and certificates are in place.
Where is the Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden located?
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 driving time:
- Stuttgart: approx. 45 km, 45 minutes driving time
- Ulm: approx. 80 km, 1 hour driving time
- Strasbourg (France): approx. 180 km, 2 hours driving time
- Zurich (Switzerland): approx. 200 km, 2.5 hours driving time
- Basel (Switzerland): approx. 200 km, 2.5 hours driving time
- Munich: approx. 200 km, 2.5 hours driving time
- Frankfurt am Main: approx. 280 km, 3 hours driving time
- Nuremberg: approx. 230 km, 2.5 hours driving time
- Karlsruhe: approx. 170 km, 2 hours driving time
- Mannheim: approx. 200 km, 2.5 hours driving time
Opening Hours and Admission
When is the Urweltsteinbruch open?
- Regular opening hours: Thursday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- On public holidays and during school vacations, Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden is closed in January and February.
How much is admission?
Admission prices are as follows:
- Adults (16 years and older): €9
- Children (4-16 years): €6
- Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children): €28
- Sandpit Treasure Hunt (30 min.): €4.00
- Child group rate (10 people or more): €5.50
- Adult group rate (10 people or more) / Seniors: €8.50
- Hammer & Chisel rental: €1.50 each / €3.00 per set
- Free admission with AlbCard, ErlebnisCard, and Landesfamilienpass
- For larger groups, school classes, or children's birthdays, we are happy to offer special arrangements. Please contact us at info@urweltsteinbruch.de
Visit and Activities
Which fossils can be found at Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden?
At Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden, visitors with luck and patience can find fascinating fossils from the Jurassic period, which are about 180 million years old. These include:
- Ammonites: Fossilized cephalopods with spiral shells.
- Belemnites: Fossil relatives of modern squids.
- Plant fossils: Petrified plant remains from the Jurassic period.
- Parts of fish: A variety of fossil fish species.
- Parts of crocodiles: Various species of prehistoric crocodiles.
- Parts of ichthyosaurs: Marine reptiles that lived in the Jurassic seas.
- Parts of plesiosaurs: Long-necked marine reptiles.
- Parts of pterosaurs: Flying reptiles that dominated the Jurassic skies.
These fossils offer 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 may bring your own tools. However, tools (hammer & chisel) 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?
In our quarry, you will find detailed instructions on splitting techniques and descriptions of finds. Our team is always happy to assist you with further explanations and help. We want to ensure that you have an entertaining and educational experience at Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden.
Are the fossils found the property of the finder?
Finds that are not of scientific significance and do not fall under the Cultural Property Protection Act may be taken home free of charge.
No shale is currently being mined in our quarry. However, you can still split original Posidonia shale 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 splitting material that may contain 180 million-year-old fossils.
Is Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden barrier-free?
The main entrance to our premises with the quarry, gallery, and shop is accessible via stairs. However, for visitors with reduced mobility, barrier-free access is available via the delivery entrance. This allows ground-level access to the exhibition. Please note that access to our shop and gallery is only possible via stairs and is therefore not barrier-free.
The outdoor area is located in a former quarry and is accordingly stony and uneven. We therefore recommend sturdy footwear. Please note that some areas are only partially accessible for wheelchair users or people with walking aids.
Are dogs allowed in the quarry?
Unfortunately, dogs are no longer permitted due to safety and hygiene regulations.
Safety and Facilities
What safety precautions are in place at the quarry?
Entry to the quarry is at your own risk. Your safety is very important to us, so we recommend observing our safety regulations and following the instructions of our staff. Wear sturdy shoes, safety goggles, and gloves. Please also consider the weather conditions and dress appropriately.
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.
What happens in case of a no-show without prior cancellation?
Please note that in case of a no-show without prior cancellation, a fee of 50% of the agreed admission prices for the confirmed number of visitors will be charged. We ask for your understanding, as short-term planning and resource allocation are only possible with a binding registration.
Can I buy tickets in advance?
Yes, you can buy 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 buy tickets directly at the quarry, you will receive the cheaper price.
How can I reach Urweltsteinbruch?
For questions and further information, you can reach us by email at info@urweltsteinbruch.de or by phone at
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 with their corresponding time periods:
- Urweltsteinbruch Holzmaden, Baden-Württemberg - Fossils from the Jurassic period (approx. 180 million years ago)
- Ettling Quarry, Bavaria - Fossils from the Jurassic Sea (approx. 150 million years ago)
- Fossil Cliffs on Rügen Island, Baltic Sea - Fossils from the Cretaceous period (approx. 66 to 145 million years ago)
- UNESCO World Heritage Site Messel Pit, Hesse - Fossils from the Eocene epoch (approx. 48 million years ago)
- UNESCO Global Geopark Harz – Braunschweiger Land – Ostfalen - Fossils from various geological eras, including the Devonian period (approx. 419 to 359 million years ago)
There are also many other sites in Germany where you can find fossils. It is recommended to inquire about the respective rules and regulations before visiting, as some sites are protected and fossil collecting may be restricted or prohibited.