Plan a day at the Messel Pit
On site
Messel Pit
The former oil shale quarry is a unique window into the past. Here, fossils are so exceptionally well preserved that, in addition to bones, feathers, skin, hair, and sometimes even the last bite in the stomach remain visible. During the guided tours, you will descend into the pit: learn how the Messel pit and the oil shale were formed, how the rock was later used industrially, and what stories the fossils can tell us. Whether on foot or comfortably in an electric vehicle, the various guided tours bring the 47-million-year-old world back to life.
Access to the pit is only possible as part of a guided tour
MUSEUM & BISTRO
At the museum, you can immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Messel Pit. Numerous original fossils, a film about the history of the fossil deposit, and changing special exhibitions embedded in the permanent exhibition bring the past to life. Afterwards, you can enjoy tarte flambée, small snacks, cakes, ice cream, and hot and cold drinks in the relaxed atmosphere of the adjacent bistro.
Tickets for the museum are always day tickets
The bistro and shop are also accessible without visiting the museum
We ask larger groups to book in advance for the bistro.
Tel.: +49 (0) 6159 71759-0 | E-Mail: service@welterbe-grube-messel.de
Outdoor area
The freely accessible outdoor area of the Messel Pit is a place to marvel, play, and linger. Art installations by the Darmstadt International Forest Art Association, themed play equipment for children, and a sandpit for digging up fossils invite visitors to explore. If you wish, you can split oil shale and search for fossils yourself under supervision at GRAB’MAL. You can also observe beehives or simply relax with a picnic. The viewing platform offers a magnificent view of the pit.
Free admission to the entire outdoor area during opening hours
Good to know
Access to the pit & clothing
- Access only as part of a guided tour.
- Sturdy, flat shoes with treaded soles are mandatory (mining law).
- Shoe rental is only available in limited numbers.
Weatherproof clothing and headgear are recommended.
Food & Climate
- Bring drinks with you on tours or purchase them in our bistro, as it can get warm in the mine.
- Tours take place in almost all weather conditions; cancellations are possible in the event of black ice, storms, or severe weather.
PROTECTION OF WORLD HERITAGE
- No smoking, as it can cause smoldering fires.
- No digging or taking fossils, rocks, plants, or animals.
- Do not leave the paths in the pit.
- The group must stay together during the tour.
Dogs
- On tours, dogs must be kept on a leash and other participants must give their consent.
- In the bistro, dogs are only allowed on the terrace.
- No dogs are allowed in the exhibition, with the exception of certified assistance dogs.
ACCESSIBILITY
- The exhibition rooms are accessible (including elevator, disabled toilet, parking spaces).
- Participation in one-hour pit tours is also possible with a wheelchair if an accompanying person assists with the difference in height.
- The World Heritage Express tours are accessible except for getting on and off the electric vehicle.
STROLLERS & PHOTOGRAPHY
- One-hour pit tours are also possible with strollers.
- For two-hour tours, strollers should be suitable for off-road use.
- Photography is permitted for private purposes without flash.
Offers & Tickets
For adults
Museum tour
World Heritage Express (1h)
World Heritage Express (2h)
Curator’s tour (1h)
Research tour (2h)
GRAB’MAL (0.75h)
Long pit tour (2h)
Short Pit Tour (1h)
For children
For families
World Heritage Express (1h)
World Heritage Express (2h)
Curator’s tour (1h)
Research tour (2h)
GRAB’MAL (0.75h)
Long pit tour (2h)
Short Pit Tour (1h)
Family tour (2h)
For seniors
Gift certificates
Are you looking for a special gift? Our gift certificates can be used for guided tours, in the bistro, and in our museum shop.
Online gift certificate
Gift certificates with fixed amounts can be purchased online and printed out directly.
You can place your order online here.
Gift certificate by mail
Gift certificates with individual amounts can be ordered by mail as a gift card.
Orders can be placed by emailing service@welterbe-grube-messel.de for a processing fee of €5.
Please include your address, phone number, and the desired gift certificate amount.
Price list
public tours
Short pit tour (1h)
Adults: 10 €
Reduced rate* or groups of 20 or more: 8 €
Families**: 24 €
long pit tour (2h)
Adults: 14 €
Reduced rate* or groups of 20 or more: 11 €
Families**: 35 €
World Heritage Express (1h)
Per personen: 25 €
World Heritage Express (2h)
Per personen: 35 €
GRAB'MAL (0,75H)
Adults: 5 €
Reduced rate*: 3,50 €
Family TOUR (2h)
Adults: 14 €
Reduced rate* or groups of 20 or more: 11 €
Families**: 35 €
Research TOUR (2h)
Adults: 14 €
Reduced rate* or groups of 20 or more: 11 €
Families**: 35 €
GEOWorkshop (2,5H)
Children: 9 €
MUSEUM
Museum admission
Adults: 7 €
Reduced rate* or groups of 20 or more: 5 €
Families**: 17 €
Museum tour (1h)
Museum admission per persion: plus 4 €
combined tickets
short pit tour (1H) + museum admission
Adults: 14 €
Reduced rate* or groups of 20 or more: 11 €
Families**: 35 €
* Children aged 6 to 17, students, trainees, BFD/FSJ/FÖJ, people with severe disabilities, with a museum pass from the German Museum Association (Deutscher Museumsbund e.V.).
** Up to 5 people (1–2 adults and 1–4 children up to 17 years of age).
Children under 6 years of age and accompanying persons of people with a “B” mark on their disability card are free of charge.
Some tours can also be booked for private groups for a minimum flat fee. For more information, see the descriptions under Offers & Tickets or contact us at +49 (0) 6159 71759-0 or service@welterbe-grube-messel.de.
Opening hours
November 16 – March 14
Wednesday – Sunday
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. *
March 15 – November 15
Monday – Sunday
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. *
* Open on public holidays, except
December 24 – 26
December 31 – January 1
Getting here
Adress
By public transport
Bus
The nearest bus stop is “Messel – Grube Messel Besucherzentrum Abzweig.” From there, it is about a 600-meter walk to the museum at the Messel Pit.
Train
The nearest train station is Messel. From there, it is about a 2-kilometer walk to the museum at the Messel Pit.
Timetable information
Note: This timetable information is provided by the RMV. The current data from the Rhine-Main Transport Association applies. We accept no liability for any timetable changes or disruptions.
By car
Please note: make sure that your navigation device does not use the district of Grube Messel as your destination!
There are free parking spaces at the museum, including some reserved for people with disabilities. Free parking spaces are also available for coaches.
Welterbe Grube Messel GGmbH
Rossdörfer Str. 108
64409 Messel
Mail: service@welterbe-grube-messel.de
Phone: +49 (0) 6159 71759 – 0