Discover the history of Fossilienwelt and the people and partners behind it.

Die Fossilienwelt – History, Partners & Team

Discover the history of Fossilienwelt and meet the people and partners who make this unique project possible.

Researchers carrying out large-scale excavations at Fossilienwelt’s fossil oyster reef.

Team carrying out excavations directly on the fossil-rich oyster reef at Fossilienwelt.

The Discovery Story of Fossilienwelt

Since the mid-19^th century, fossils have been found again and again in the Korneuburg Basin. But it was only in 1975 that a group of local collectors, calling themselves “Freunde der Mineralien und Fossilien” (Friends of Minerals and Fossils), established a systematic and comprehensive documentation system.

The results of their work were analysed in cooperation with 40 international scientists and then published. The fossils were attributed to more than 650 species of animals and plants that used to live in this area. Visitors can look at many of these fossils when participating in one of our guided tours. Our exhibits include, for example, an absolutely unique find: the world’s largest fossil pearl.

It’s probably thanks to a natural disaster that Fossilienwelt’s highlight, the fossil oyster reef, was preserved as we can view it today.

Experts conducting large-scale excavations at the fossil oyster reef in Fossilienwelt.

Team working directly on the fossil-rich oyster reef at Fossilienwelt.

From Excavations to a Modern Adventure World

IAfter years of preparation, the final works to excavate the oyster reef commenced in 2008. In 2009, Fossilienwelt was first opened to visitors.

After comprehensive extension and refurbishment works, Fossilienwelt was reopened in April 2025, offering many new attractions. Many new and exciting play facilities for kids related to the topic of fossils and prehistoric times have made the outdoor area more attractive.

Excavating fossils in the sand has always been very popular and continues to be one of our main attractions. The indoor exhibition has been given a fresh new look and now includes interactive and multimedia elements. An exciting multimedia show brings the oyster reef back to life.

Animation of a prehistoric marine animal in the tropical primeval sea of the Fossilienwelt.

Reconstruction of the head of an ichthyosaur with a long snout and sharp teeth in the ancient sea.

Geo-Time Travel

Eine Zeitreise in die Erdgeschichte im österreichisch-mährischen Grenzgebiet (GeoTT)

EU Interreg project: Geo Time Travel
Project no: ATCZ00013
Project acronym: GeoTT
Interreg AT/CZ thematic priority: education, culture and tourism
Project duration: 1 February 2024 – 31 January 2027
Project partners: Natural History Museum Vienna (NHMW) (lead partner), Fossilienwelt Weinviertel in Stetten, Moravské zemské muzeum (MZM) in Brno

More information

Partner

The 10vorWien region is a cooperation of 11 municipalities to the northwest of Vienna. Together they promote sustainable and interactive development in the region. Fossilienwelt is owned by 10vorWien.

The Natural History Museum Vienna has supported the Fossilienwelt project with its expertise since the very beginning and kindly assists with the organisation of special exhibitions.

Kultruland Niederösterreich

Team

At the Fossilienwelt, a dedicated team works to make your visit special. This includes our operations manager, rangers working in the outdoor areas, staff at the ticket desk, the catering team, and numerous cultural mediators who guide visitors through the Fossilienwelt or host children’s birthday programs.

Michéle

As Operations Manager, Michéle ensures that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. She serves as the central point of contact for all enquiries and oversees organisational processes. She also responds to phone enquiries, offering professional and reliable support to guests, partners and other stakeholders.

Günther

With great dedication, Günther deals with all the tasks that arise during our daily operations. You will often find him in the outdoor area, handing out sifters, looking after the water in the primeval sea, etc. Günther is always at the service of our visitors, ready to assist them whenever they need his help.

Sabine

Sabine is primarily responsible for catering at the Strandheuriger, can also be found in the shop offering her beautifully handcrafted jewelry, and occasionally leads guided tours.

Moritz

Moritz studies paleontology at the University of Vienna. Fascinated by dinosaurs, fossils, and Earth’s history since childhood, he works as a ranger at the Fossilienwelt and leads engaging and educational tours for both children and adults. As the in-house paleontologist, he is always happy to answer visitors’ questions.

Doreen

At the Fossilienwelt, you can meet Doreen at the ticket desk or during guided tours. Alongside her studies in paleobiology, she especially enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for fossils with interested adult groups and fossil collectors.

Monika

As a guide, she offers fascinating insights into Earth’s history. She has a special passion for the youngest visitors, who experience lovingly designed fairy-tale tours full of imagination. You can also meet her at the ticket desk, where she offers friendly and helpful assistance.

Peter

Peter is assistant and the living fossil of the Fossilienwelt 😉. Whether it’s technical issues, deliveries, customer requests or helping out at the ticket desk or in the shop, he supports wherever he is needed. He especially enjoys opening in the morning and closing in the evening, when a glance over the rolling landscape takes him back to the subtropical forests of 16.5 million years ago.

Ines

After completing her bachelor’s degree in biology with a focus on paleobiology, Ines is currently pursuing a master’s degree in geosciences. At the Fossilienwelt, she works at the ticket desk and in visitor services and also leads adult tours with great enthusiasm, guiding guests through the world of deep time.

Vera

Fascinated by stones from an early age, she went on to study mineralogy, earning her PhD at the University of Vienna. She served as a curator at the Natural History Museum Vienna for 33 years and now designs and leads specialist guided tours through the world of fossils.

Karin

As a early childhood educator, Karin combines pedagogical expertise with creative adventures. With experience and passion, she designs children’s birthday programs and workshops that go far beyond simple entertainment. Each child’s individuality is at the center—stress-free for parents and magical for children

Nicolas

Nicolas’ main fields are paleontology and biology. In guided tours and workshops, he presents Earth and evolutionary history in a lively, engaging, and easy-to-understand way. He also lovingly and creatively hosts children’s birthday programs.

Clarissa

Clarissa Reinwein is an artist, author, and cultural mediator. With great enthusiasm, creativity, and a strong sense of storytelling, she combines imagination with Earth’s history and invites school groups and young children on a special journey through time and imagination. In her special program ‘Die Riffbildner’—fairy-tale tours and interactive readings from her book of the same name—she brings the giant oyster to life as a hero of ancient times.

Thomas

Thomas is a geologist and educator as well as a supporter, expert, and networker for the Fossilienwelt. A native of Korneuburg, he discovered his passion for fossil oysters at the Teiritzberg at an early age and later studied Earth sciences together with Dr. M. Harzhauser.

Elke

Elke takes children aged 3 to 13 on a journey through time into the world of fossils and prehistoric creatures. Through playful and curiosity-driven activities, they explore the past together during guided tours, birthday programs, and hands-on ceramic workshops.

Ilse S.

Super Tag! So ein schönes Erlebnis, viele verschiedene Stationen - sehr spannend aufbereitet. Absolutes Highlight: das größte Austernriff der Welt 😉 wir kommen definitiv wieder 😘

Ilse S.

Latest

Representatives of Fossil World Weinviertel holding awards in front of the giant shark attraction.