Name: Messel Pit Fossil Site
Item: Messel Pit Fossil Site
Author: RealGermanExperience

The Messel Pit Fossil Site is an invaluable window to the Eocene epoch, a time in Earth’s history that spanned from 57 million to 36 million years ago. Recognized for its outstanding contribution to understanding the early stages of mammalian evolution, the site has the distinction of being the richest of its kind worldwide. It is here that the most detailed record of middle Eocene age has been preserved, bearing fossil evidence from 47-48 million years ago.

Located in the German region of Hesse, approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Frankfurt am Main, the Messel Pit stretches over a compact yet invaluable area of 42 hectares. Beneath the surface lies a fossiliferous bed of oil shale, nearly 190 meters thick, which has been the source of numerous extraordinary fossil discoveries. Revealed through mining activities, this fossil treasure trove has since been meticulously conserved and has become a pivotal site for paleontological research.

The fossils found at Messel Pit are of an astonishing quality and diversity, showcasing over 1000 different species of plants and animals. The site has yielded a range of exceptionally well-preserved mammal fossils, from fully articulated skeletons to the remnants of stomach contents, revealing insights into the diet and lifestyle of animals from this period. The details of preservation extend to delicate structures such as feathers, skin, and hair, allowing researchers to study these ancient creatures in unparalleled detail.

Messel Pit has been instrumental in enhancing our understanding of the Eocene epoch, a time when mammals became prevalent in all principal terrestrial ecosystems. The site has led to groundbreaking discoveries, including studies of the evolution of echolocation in fossil bats and the provision of crucial new data on the evolution of primates, birds, and insects.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, the Messel Pit continues to contribute to our knowledge of evolutionary history. Visitors to the site can learn more about its remarkable fossils and the Eocene epoch at the visitor center, situated directly at Messel Pit on Roßdörfer Str. 108. Additionally, the Fossil and Heimatmuseum Messel, located in the center of Messel at Langgasse 10, provides further insights into the site’s significance.

In summary, the Messel Pit Fossil Site is an extraordinary testament to the biodiversity and evolutionary processes of the Eocene era. Its exceptional preservation and rich collection of fossils make it a leading destination for paleontological study and a fascinating attraction for those interested in the history of life on Earth.

Please note that our visitor center is located directly at the Messel pit (Roßdörfer Str. 108).
In the center of Messel is the Fossil and Heimatmuseum Messel (Langgasse 10).

Visitor Center:
all year round daily:

10:00 – 17:00 clock
last admission to the exhibition at 16:00 clock

closed:

24.12. – 26.12.
31.12. – 01.01.

Prices

	Admission Visitor Center	Guided Visitor Center (1 hour) (including admission Visitor Center)
Adults	10,00 € / pers.	14.00 € / pers.
Reduced * or groups of 20 or more	8,00 € / pers.	12,00 € / pers.
Familys**	7,00 € / pers.	11,00 € / pers.

	Guided tour 1 hour pit	Guided tour 1h Pit incl. Admission visitor center	Guided tour 2 hrs. Pit
Adults	7,00 € / pers.	14.00 € / pers.	9,00 € / pers.
Reduced * or groups of 20 or more	7,00 € / pers.	12,00 € / pers.	9,00 € / pers.
Familys**	7,00 € / pers.	11,00 € / pers.	9,00 € / pers.

* The reduced prices are valid upon presentation of a valid ID for children between 7 and 18 years, persons over 63 years, handicapped, students, BuFD / FSJ.

** The family price applies if at least 1 child under 18 years is present.

Children under 7 are free.

Further prices for guided tours can be found under the heading “Guided tours” or on request at 06159-717590.

Is it possible to dig fossils in the Messel pit?
The Messel Pit is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is therefore under special protection. Their fossils should be preserved for posterity! The digging for fossils and the entrainment of rocks (oil shale and fossils), animals and plants from the pit Messel is not permitted for private individuals.

Can you go alone in the pit?
For your own safety, it is not permitted to explore the mine on your own, as it is a former open-pit mine and active research mining that presents a multitude of dangers. It is under supervision of the mountain, and thus safety requirements are legally prescribed.

Is the Messel pit barrier-free?
The exhibition rooms of the visitor center “Zeit und Messel Welten” are barrier-free and can be easily visited by guests with handicaps. Disabled parking, an elevator and a handicapped accessible toilet are available.

It is also possible to participate in a one-hour tour into the pit with a wheelchair, provided that an accompanying person helps to overcome the height difference of up to 40m.

Can you participate in a pit tour with a pram?
– One-hour pit tours can be handled without any problems with the stroller.
– For two-hour tours, the stroller must be suitable eg for gravel surfaces (stroller with large wheels).

Do I have to register for public tours?
Yes, so that you have a safe place in the lead because the number of participants is limited.

Where can I park?
Parking is available directly at the visitor center

Can dogs be taken?
Dogs can be leashed on tours in the World Heritage Site, and if no objection is made by other tour participants.

No dogs are allowed in the exhibition!

Is it allowed to take pictures?
Photo without tripod and lamps are for private use only. We ask you to consider other visitors taking pictures. The transfer of such recordings to third parties, for commercial purposes or for Internet presentations is not permitted.

Is there a gastronomic offer?
Our bistro offers a small selection of fresh food and drinks. Our visitors can thus strengthen themselves before a pit tour or relax after a completed tour, for example on the terrace with a fresh cup of coffee and a piece of cake or an ice cream.

Arrival with:

public transport:

– Bus
Take the F-Line bus from Darmstadt Hauptbahnhof to the Oberwaldhaus stop. Change there to the bus line U to the stop “Grube Messel – Visitor Center Grube Messel” on the state road 3317, the footpath to the visitor center is then still about 500 meters.

Timetable bus line F
(Please note that the stop of line F is on the west side of the station.)

Timetable bus line U

– Train
Take the railway line 75:
Wiesbaden / Mainz / Darmstadt / Aschaffenburg to station Messel. From there about 2 km walk to the visitor center of the pit Messel or with the bus line U (see above)

Timetable RB 75

the car
details for a navigation device
Address: Roßdörfer Str. 108 (if necessary 106, our neighbors) 64409 Messel

coordinates
Geographical latitude and longitude: N 49 ° 54’45.9 E 8 ° 45
‘15.0 UTM: 32U 482350 5528959
Gauß-Krüger: R : 3482419.044 H: 5530731.895

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Messel Pit Fossil Site

Messel Pit Fossil Site

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