Vöcklabruck's seniors experience oyster riff and journey through time through the history of the earth!

Vöcklabruck's seniors experience oyster riff and journey through time through the history of the earth!

On May 30, 2025, 40 members of the Vöcklabruck senior citizens' Association made an exciting journey into the earth's history. This excursion was led by biologist Herbert Weißenbacher and led the participants to the fascinating fossil oyster riff in Stetten near Korneuburg. There can be found there over 15,000 giant oxins, the fossils of which come from the Tethysmeer, which covered the Korneuburger Becken about 17 million years ago, as Tips.at reports. During the visit, the seniors learned that in the Tethysmeer at that time, sharks, rays, dolphins, sea cows and alligators lived. Giant oaths could be up to one meter long and live up to 50 years. The shells of these oysters are more than just fossils; They provide information about age, water quality and climatic changes in the course of the earth's history.

interactive journey of discovery

In addition to the impressive views on site, an interactive component was waiting for the group. A 3D model of the oyster riff is available, which was created using laser technology, which enables a detailed analysis of the oyster frequency and its distribution. This model was created as part of the FWF project "Smart Geology", which has been committed to cooperation between the Natural History Museum Vienna and the Technical University of Vienna. Numerous scientific results of the recording were published in the specialist journal Palaeogography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology (Fossilienwelt.at).

After visiting the oyster riff, the trip continued to the Labyrinthkeller in Herrenbaumgarten. There Bruno Horn took over and led the group through the historical cavities of the wine cellar. A highlight of the visit was the wine tasting, in which the seniors could try different local wines. The journey finally ended with a traditional snack that rounded off the day perfectly.

diverse travel offers in the geopark

For everyone who is interested in geoscientific topics and want to experience similar adventures, the Geopark Nordic Steinreich offers a variety of excursions in small groups. The topics range from earth history and geology to fossils and volcanoes. Interested parties have the opportunity to book individually adapted trips that are tailored to their level of knowledge, as mentioned in geopark-nordisches-steinreich.de

The participants of the excursions also have the option of organizing their arrival on their own, whereby carpooling is available. Group bookings are offered from 7 to 15 people and include an extensive program that includes professional geologists and supports the participants in their sleeping opportunities. This gives the seniors and others the chance to experience the fascinating world of geology up close and to exchange ideas with like -minded people.