The tour leads about 30 meters down into the active research open pit. During the tour you will learn how the oil shale was discovered and used industrially. Furthermore, you will learn how the oil shale have been deposited and why the fossils are so well preserved. You will have a look at how the researchers dig every year and how they preserve these unique fossils. In addition, original fossils will be on display.
- Gain insights into important themes of "Grube Messel"
- Tour into a maar volkano
- Original fossils
| Dauer | 1 Stunde |
|---|---|
| Teilnehmer | The tour takes place from 1 person. |
| Wichtige Informationen | Tickets are not exchangeable or returnable. Sturdy and flat shoes are required for access, the pit is under mining law. |
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The tour takes you back to the time of the Eocene, the cradle of mammals. Via the former landfill road, you will walk about 30 meters in altitude into the Messel Pit. The recent history of the Messel pit is shown. On the way it is explained how the Messel pit was formed geologically, how the landscape has changed in the last 48 million years and why so many fossils are found here in the oil shale. The fossils are very well preserved and provide detailed information about the world at that time. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, the oil shale, can be hold and examined in your own hands.
