Eckfelder Maar Fossil Excavation Site

The Eckfelder Maar has blown up a volcano 44 million years ago into the rock. It used to be a volcanic lake, but then the maar is dry. Archaeologists have found numerous fossils here, including a pregnant primal horse mare, whose fossilized bones are now in the Museum Manderscheid to visit (worth the visit). The horse could have drowned, or suffocated by being surprised by a carbon dioxide bubble from the ground while drinking. Such bubbles kept coming to the surface, as we know from fish carcasses that had died at the same time. In addition, the remains of four crocodile species have been found in Eckfelder Maar, including a land crocodile. And a petrified bee. Entering the excavation field is prohibited. Because every now and then archaeologists stop by. Maybe one day they will provide a more appealing information board and a bench for a picnic.

Dry maar and fossil dig site. A fossil of the primeval horse was even found.

At 44 million years old, the Maarfelder Maar is the oldest maar in the entire Eifel region. It was once tropical, humid, and hot here. Archaeological excavations have been conducted here since 1987. In addition to the pregnant prehistoric horse mare, 27 different mammal species have been found here, including prehistoric tapirs and four different types of primates, as well as the oldest fossilized honeybee.Source: 111 Must-See Places in the EifelInformation on the spectacular fossil finds can also be found at de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eckfelder_Maar