Messel Pit
Grube Messel
A World Heritage fossil pit preserving animal fossils from the Eocene epoch 47 million years ago, famous for the primate “Ida” and early horses.
This abandoned oil shale quarry lies about 10 km northeast of Darmstadt and about 35 km south of Frankfurt. It was inscribed in 1995 as Germany's first natural World Heritage Site. Excavations have uncovered exceptionally well-preserved Eocene fossils, including a primitive horse with a fetus, birds, bats and the primate “Ida”, in which even fur and stomach contents are visible. The visitor centre has exhibits and an observation platform. Entry to the pit floor requires booking a guided tour (about 1.5–3 hours). Driving is the most convenient option, or you can take a bus from Darmstadt. The finest specimens are mainly displayed at the Senckenberg Museum and the Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt.
Opening hours
Visitor center approx. 10:00–17:00 (shorter in winter; check official website); guided tour required to enter the pit
Nearby sights
- Mathildenhöhe Darmstadt
- European Central Bank Headquarters
- Alt-Sachsenhausen
- Liebieghaus Sculpture Museum
- Städel Museum
- Museum Angewandte Kunst
- Deutsches Filmmuseum (DFF)
- Eiserner Steg