Holzmaden: Fossils, Dino Park and Local History

Holzmaden combines a fossil site with local history and the landscape of the Seebach Valley. The town’s Lower Jurassic geology includes Posidonia Shale and marine fossils around 180 million years old. There are several ways to explore the subject: at the Hauff Prehistoric Museum, in its adjacent Dino Park and by looking for fossils at the Prehistoric Quarry.

Discover fossils – at the museum and quarry

Holzmaden’s fossil history dates back to the 1860s. Marine fossils were discovered during the search for shale oil. Since then, finds have been prepared, scientifically studied and exhibited. Fossils from Holzmaden can also be seen in major natural history museums around the world.

The Hauff Prehistoric Museum is located in the heart of Holzmaden’s fossil site and displays fossils from the Posidonia Shale. It has around 1,000 square metres of exhibition space and is one of Germany’s largest private natural history museums. The outdoor area features eight life-size dinosaurs in the Dino Park. On a designated excavation site, children can dig up dinosaur bones – a different way to engage with the subject than viewing fossils in the museum.

At the Holzmaden Prehistoric Quarry, visitors can search for fossils around 180 million years old themselves. Luck and patience are part of the process. Tips on splitting techniques and descriptions of the finds support the search; staff are on hand to explain and help. Visitor conditions and services may change, so check the latest information before your trip.

Townscape, history and landscape

The Prehistoric Quarry and the museum are independent facilities run by different operators. Tickets and events are not interchangeable. Plan your visits separately and check the visitor information for each venue. The quarry grounds are stony and uneven. Step-free access to the exhibition is available via the delivery entrance; check the current access conditions in advance.

Holzmaden lies in the Seebach Valley, surrounded by a cultural landscape with traditional orchards. The area’s geological features shape the view of the town, while the meadows offer another perspective on its landscape. A local speciality is also part of the region’s character: Bätscher, also called Dätscher, is made with yeast dough and a sour cream topping.

Holzmaden was first mentioned in a document in 1148, in connection with a donation to St. Peter’s Abbey in the Black Forest. The old St. Stephen’s Church was built in 1669. The rectory and town hall date from 1684 and 1687 and are considered the town’s oldest buildings; both have been preserved. These historic buildings thus complement the much older fossil history with evidence from various centuries.

Holzmaden calls itself a “prehistoric town” and is associated with dinosaurs and fossils. Its clubs and events also encompass sporting and cultural activities. For a trip with children, the Dino Park and excavation site offer different points of interest; those primarily interested in geological history can focus on the museum and fossil site. You can tailor the themes to your travel interests without limiting your visit to just one way of exploring.

Which accommodation suits your stay?

When looking for accommodation in Holzmaden, you can first decide what you’d like to focus on: viewing fossils in the museum, seeing life-size dinosaurs in the Dino Park, searching for fossils yourself at the quarry, or exploring the townscape and landscape alongside geological history. If you’re travelling with children, you can include the excavation site as a separate activity. For a stay with more of a cultural and historical focus, the old St. Stephen’s Church, rectory and town hall offer a different perspective on the town.

Discover more destinations: Weilheim an der Teck, Leinfelden-Echterdingen, Nellingen, Beuren, Neuenhaus, Wernau, Ostfildern, Kirchheim unter Teck.

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