Exactly 16.5 million years ago, massive sharks swam right where the gentle Lower Austrian hills rise today. The Korneuburg Basin was originally a warm tropical sea that left countless traces in the rock. Finally, in 1975, collectors began excavations, allowing us to examine several million years of Earth’s history right on Vienna’s doorstep at Fossilienwelt Stetten.
Oyster Reef and the World’s Largest Pearl
The absolute centerpiece of the facility is the world’s largest fossil oyster reef, which is illustrated in detail through a modern multimedia show. Through this, you’ll learn vividly that a massive natural disaster preserved this 16.5-million-year-old natural monument for eternity. In addition, the interactive museum houses the world’s largest fossilized pearl, which is truly one of a kind on a global scale—even though the expansive open-air grounds have even more to offer visually.
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Dig up shark teeth in the sand yourself
As soon as you enter the outdoor area, an interactive exploration park awaits you; here, you’ll immediately travel back several millennia as you walk through the Prehistoric Trench. There, for example, you can climb through the massive skeleton of the Megalodon shark or slide down a tall snail tower. While the brave climb the bouldering wall, the covered Shark Bay invites you to actively search for traces in the sand; you can then keep the shark teeth you find in your own bag as a souvenir.
Regional Cuisine and 2026 Opening Hours
Since the entire facility underwent extensive modernization in April 2025, all exhibits now shine in new splendor, with full-price tickets for adults costing €24.00 at the box office. The site is open from March 27 through November 1, 2026, though it is closed on Mondays, and a food truck serves tasty regional delicacies. Before you head home, it’s also worth checking out the specialized literature or prehistoric jewelry in the shop. Thanks to the covered walkways, the trip is a guaranteed success in any weather —especially since there’s always something new to discover.
🦕 Fossilienwelt Weinviertel
📍 Address: Stetten in the Korneuburg Basin
💶 Admission: €24 for adults (children receive a discount)
⏰ 2026 Opening Hours: March 27 through Nov. 1 (Tue–Sun 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
