Discover the history of Fossilienwelt and meet the people and partners who make this unique project possible.
Discover the history of Fossilienwelt and meet the people and partners who make this unique project possible.
Since the mid-19th 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.
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.
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
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.
Photo: (from left to right: Christian Gepp, Member of the Lower Austrian Parliament and Mayor of Korneuburg, Werner Star …
Eine Zeitreise in die Erdgeschichte im österreichisch-mährischen Grenzgebiet (GeoTT) EU Interreg project: Geo Time Trav …
Stetten, 20 January 2025 – The groundbreaking marked the start of the renovation and modernization of Fossil World Weinv …
Beginning of 27 March to 1 November 2026
Tue–Sun & public holidays: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Last admission Sand Bay: 3:30 p.m.
Last admission Museum / Explorer Park: 4:00 p.m.
Monday: closed (except public holidays)
Summer holidays: Mon–Sun: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m
Car:
A22 to the exit Korneuburg West, then follow the S1 to the exit Korneuburg Nord in the direction of Stetten. Then follow the Fossilienwelt signs.
By shared taxi:
for the district of Korneuburg (advance booking required!):
0800 22 23 22
Public transport:
Monday – Friday
Railway line S3 to Korneuburg Bahnhof
Bus 858 to Gewerbegebiet Stetten (leaves at 09:08 a.m., arrives at 09:18 a.m.) -> return journey to Korneuburg Bahnhof (leaves at 1:17 p.m. or 5:12 p.m., arrives at 1:28 p.m. or 5:23 p.m.)