Messel Pit is a world-renowned fossil site located in the small town of Messel, Germany. This former quarry is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been recognized for its exceptional preservation of fossils from the Eocene Epoch, which occurred approximately 47 million years ago.
The pit is a large, bowl-shaped depression that was formed by the collapse of an underground lake. The lake was surrounded by lush forests and was home to a diverse array of animals, including early primates, birds, reptiles, and mammals. Over time, the lake became stagnant and the animals that lived in and around it died and sank to the bottom.
The unique geological conditions of the pit allowed for the preservation of these fossils, which are some of the best-preserved examples of Eocene fauna in the world. The fossils are so well-preserved that even the soft tissues of some animals, such as feathers and fur, have been fossilized.
Visitors to Messel Pit can explore the site through guided tours and see the fossils up close in the on-site museum. The museum features a wide range of exhibits that showcase the diversity of life that existed during the Eocene Epoch, as well as the geological processes that led to the formation of the pit.
Overall, Messel Pit is a fascinating and unique destination for anyone interested in paleontology, geology, or natural history. Its exceptional preservation of fossils offers a rare glimpse into the ancient world and the animals that once roamed the earth.
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Hotel Best one offers comfortable rooms in a quiet but central location in Roßdorf at the edge of the Odenwald Forest. Free Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the hotel.
Number of rooms: 70
Arheilger Weg 9, 64380 Roßdorf, Germany
This historic 4-star hotel offers gourmet cuisine and exclusive accommodation in the green and tranquil Kranichstein district of Darmstadt. Rooms are spacious and stylishly furnished.
Number of rooms: 48
Kranichsteiner Str. 261, 64289 Darmstadt, Germany
Situated in Darmstadt, 3.6 km from Congress Centre darmstadtium, Oberwaldhaus features accommodation with a garden, free private parking, a terrace and a restaurant.
Number of rooms: 8
257 Dieburger Straße, 64287 Darmstadt, Germany
3-Zimmer Ferienwohnung nähe Darmstadt is situated in Rossdorf. The apartment offers a balcony and barbecue facilities.
Eichendorfstr. 18, 64380 Roßdorf, Germany
This apartment complex is located in the town of Gross-Zimmern, just 12 km from Darmstadt. It offers well-equipped apartments and excellent links with the B26 main road.
Number of rooms: 39
Röntgenstrasse 16, 64846 Groß-Zimmern, Germany
Located in the heart of Dieburg Old Town, Hotel Mainzer Hof offers comfortable rooms. The hotel is a 35-minute drive from the Frankfurt Trade Fair.
Number of rooms: 30
Markt 22, 64807 Dieburg, Germany
Offering free bikes and garden view, Ferienwohnung Schantz is situated in Roßdorf, 16 km from Messel Pit and 45 km from Abbey and Altenmünster of Lorsch.
Number of rooms: 5
Viehweg 28 2. Etage, 64380 Roßdorf, Germany
Ideally set right in the heart of Roßdorf, Appart Hotel Roßdorf is a recently renovated aparthotel, featuring free Wi-Fi and private parking. There is a private entrance at the aparthotel for the convenience of those who stay.
Number of rooms: 31
In den Leppsteinswiesen 8 , 64380 Roßdorf, Germany
Featuring a children’s playground and free Wi-Fi in public areas, Hessisches Haus offers a quiet location in the scenic town of Roßdorf. A garden with barbecue facilities is also offered.
Number of rooms: 9
Hauptstrasse 25, 64380 Roßdorf, Germany
Located 7 km from Darmstadt, Bessunger Forst offers modern rooms in a quiet location. The hotel offers a terrace and barbecue facilities, with easy access to the surrounding woods.
Number of rooms: 57
Darmstädter Str. 90, 64380 Roßdorf, Germany
A very nice option for those who like to be on the move! Hotel «Charlottenhof» is located in Darmstadt. This hotel is located in 8 km from the city center.
Number of rooms: 15
Dieburger Straße 276, 64409 Messel, Germany, Darmstadt, 64409
A very nice place to stay for a reasonable price - hotel «Bandb Casa20 Dieburg» is located in Dieburg. This hotel is located in walking distance from the city center.
20 Ahornweg, 64807, Dieburg, DE, Dieburg, 64807
Want to save money while travelling? It’s easy: hotel «The Racing House Rooms» is located in Rossdorf. This hotel is located nearby from the city center.
Eichendorffstr. 2, Rossdorf, 64380
If you want to feel like you’re at home no matter where you are, choose this — apartment «Dieburger-Ferienwohnung» is located in Dieburg. This apartment is located in the very center of the city.
5 Groß-Zimmerner Straße, Dieburg, 64807
The best kind of vacation is when you come somewhere new and it feels like home: apartment «Apartment Gerda» is located in Dieburg. This apartment is located 1 km from the city center.
Feldstraße 13a, Dieburg, 64807
