Fossilienwelt Weinviertel: A Journey Through Time

Fossilienwelt Weinviertel, located in Stetten, Lower Austria, offers a fascinating glimpse into a prehistoric world. The park's centerpiece is the world's largest accessible fossil oyster reef, containing approximately 15,000 giant oysters. Discovered in recent years, this natural monument provides a tangible link to the Miocene epoch when the Weinviertel region was part of a tropical sea.The park showcases the fossil remains of over 650 animal and plant species found in the Korneuburg Basin, allowing scientists to reconstruct the area's appearance 17 million years ago. Visitors can explore the "Oyster Cinema," view the world's largest fossil pearl, and climb a 17-meter-high observation tower shaped like a turitelladae, a fossil snail. An excavation field offers the chance to dig for shark teeth and other fossils.Recent modernizations have enhanced the visitor experience, with new attractions including a basking shark climbing wall, a giant slide, and an expanded adventure playground with water play areas. The park also features a 3D Primeval Ocean app and audio guide for an immersive virtual experience. Fossilienwelt Weinviertel is committed to accessibility, with wheelchair-friendly grounds and facilities.