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Fossilienwelt Weinviertel: A Journey Through Time

Unearth prehistoric wonders at Fossilienwelt Weinviertel: Home to the world's largest oyster reef and a journey back 17 million years.

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Explore the Fossilienwelt Weinviertel in Stetten, Austria, home to the world's largest accessible fossil oyster reef. Discover the prehistoric tropical sea that once covered the region and marvel at the unique fossils unearthed here, including the world's largest fossil pearl.

A brief summary to Fossilienwelt Weinviertel

  • Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-5 pm
  • Friday 10 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking, especially if you plan to explore the outdoor excavation area and adventure playground.
  • Consider visiting on a clear day to fully enjoy the panoramic views from the Turmschnecke observation tower.
  • If you have allergies, be aware that mold spores cannot be ruled out in the oyster hall due to the special indoor climate.
  • Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash and wear a muzzle.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Vienna, take a train to Korneuburg. From Korneuburg Bahnhof (train station), take bus line 857 to Stetten Ortsmitte (town center). From there, it's a short walk to Fossilienwelt Weinviertel. A single bus fare from Korneuburg to Stetten is approximately €3-€6.

  • Car

    Fossilienwelt Weinviertel is located at Austernplatz 1, 2100 Stetten. From Vienna, take the A22 Donauufer Autobahn and then the B4 towards Stockerau/Hollabrunn. Exit at Stetten. Parking is available near the site. Be aware that parking might be limited. There are also charging stations for electric vehicles.

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Discover more about Fossilienwelt Weinviertel

The Fossilienwelt Weinviertel, located in Stetten, Lower Austria, offers a fascinating glimpse into a prehistoric world. This unique attraction centers around a massive fossil oyster reef, the largest of its kind accessible to the public. Dating back approximately 17 million years to the Miocene epoch, the reef provides tangible evidence of a tropical sea that once covered the Weinviertel region. Visitors can explore the 400 m² hall containing roughly 15,000 giant oysters and learn about the diverse marine life that thrived in this ancient sea. The park also features a museum showcasing over 650 documented animal and plant species discovered in the Korneuburg basin. Highlights include the world's largest fossil pearl and a 17-meter-high observation tower shaped like a turritelladae, a fossil snail. Beyond the exhibits, Fossilienwelt Weinviertel offers interactive experiences for all ages. Children can enjoy the adventure playground with a mangrove forest, a water play area, a giant slide, and a climbing wall. Visitors can also try their hand at fossil hunting in the excavation area, sifting through sand to uncover shark teeth and other ancient treasures. A multimedia show transports you into the vanished tropical primeval sea of a long-lost era. Since the middle of the 19th century, fossils have been found in the Korneuburg basin. In 1975, a group of local collectors started documenting the findings. The theme park opened on June 5, 2009.

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