All the sights at a glance
There are many different ways to discover EdelSteinLand:
Whether it be a visit to the fascinating exhibitions on show at our museums, a voyage of discovery down the mine in the Fischbach Copper Mine or in the gemstone mines of Steinkaulenberg, through to numerous guided tours, there’s something here to suit every taste. See for yourself – you are warmly invited to a fantastic adventure in EdelSteinLand.
Our tip: With the guest and family card you can enjoy many and varied attractions in EdelSteinLand at reduced admission prices.
Gemstone mines in Steinkaulenberg
Like being in a fairy tale cavern, this is just how you will feel in this gemstone tunnel, the only one of its kind in Europe which is accessible to the public. It’s not just uniquely beautiful agate that can be marvelled at here, but also rock crystals, amethysts, smoky quartz, calcite ... and much more. Furthermore: Gemstone camp, digging areas, geological trail. You can reach the [...]
read onHistoric Herrstein – lively middle ages
The medieval town of Herrstein will entice you into a charming and idyllic setting from the past. Your journey into the past will take you back between 500 and 300 years – far away from the hectic lives we lead today. Explore the enchanted alleyways and marvel at the numerous, wonderfully restored half-timbered houses situated in this beautiful Hunsrück location. Our tour guides will [...]
read onGerman Gemstone Museum
Globally unique and an absolute “must” for sparkling jewel enthusiasts: here, all types of rough and polished gemstones are presented along with an expansive sculpture gallery (a collection of antique stone sculptures). Good to know: Disabled access friendly incl. lift Guided tours, wine tasting and children's workshops upon request. Further information and prices: www.edelsteinmuseum.de
read onThe German Mineral Museum in Idar-Oberstein – fascinating highlights in abundance
One of the smallest cameos in the world, a crystal hall unique throughout the country and an impressive collection of historic diamond replicas: These are just some of the highlights with which the German Mineral Museum is able to inspire countless visitors from all over the world, every single year. Located in the heart of the district of Oberstein, and in the immediate vicinity of the [...]
read on“Jakob Bengel” industrial monument: the historical chain and costume jewellery factory
History is in the air at the historic Jakob Bengel watch chain and jewelry factory dating back to 1873. In the former factory halls you will experience the original chain machines, presses and other jewelry making tools in action. What were the processes like in the factory, what was the typical everyday life of a worker like? The permanent exhibition shows the development of the Idar-Oberstein [...]
read onThe copper mine in Fischbach with barrier-free tunnels – simply marvellous!
Experience mining during medieval times on the Nahe river, thanks to a modern and stimulating tour of the copper mine. Europe’s largest medieval excavation site dug by hand is something everyone should see. You will be able to marvel at the cavities and tunnels – some of which reach as high as 30 metres – as well as all manner of fabulous details. It will then be explained to you [...]
read onHistoric “Weiherschleife” Cutting Mill
The last gemstone mill operated by water wheel on the Idarbach river provides an entertaining spectacle in the form of a gemstone exhibition, along with spectacular multimedia shows, a gemstone handling room, a real gemstone mining site for children and adolescents, and the opportunity to enjoy a leisurely peddle boat trip on the Kallwiesweiher.
read onWildenburg Game Reserve – lively, vivid, unforgettable!
Over 400 local animal species encounter one another at close range in the 42-acre Wildenburg Game Reserve – nestled in the stunning Hunsrück mountain and forest landscape in the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park! Delve into the world of grey wolves, wildcats, forest goats, raccoons, eagle owls, peacocks and many other exciting animals. Unforgettable nature experiences await you: Information [...]
read onSchmidtburg
Schmidtburg is one of the oldest and most important fortress complexes in Hunsrück. Its origins date back to 926 when three Franconian noblemen from the monastery of St. Maximin in Trier exchanged land, in order to build a castle fortress to counteract the Hungarian armies, who at the time represented a major threat to the territory. There is much to suggest that this castle is a reference to [...]
read onWildenburg Castle
Wildenburg Castle was built during the Middle Ages in the year 1330 by the nobleman, Wildgraf Friedrich von Kyrburg. After a long and eventful history of destruction, reconstruction and change of ownership, in 1963 it became the property of the “Hunsrückverein” Association. The landmark of Wildenburg Castle, which can be seen from miles away, is the 22 m high tower situated on top of [...]
read onEdelstein Adventure World and factory outlet for jewellery, gemstones and minerals
In what is a unique and imaginatively designed exhibition landscape in Europe, precious gemstones and minerals are available not just for viewing, but can be experienced with all the senses. Surrounded by shining gemstones and an incredible interplay of light and colour, the adventure world incorporates a variety of replicated natural wonders, animals and mystical creatures. A particularly special [...]
read onThe “Felsenkirche” church – legendary and unique
The town’s famous landmark is the prominent medieval church (built between 1482 and 1484) situated in a prominent location above Idar-Oberstein. Just the ascent is a worthwhile experience: The interior is accessed viaa tunnel that has been carved into the solid rock, which leads you over approx. 220 steps. Please note that the “Felsenkirche” church is closed to visitors [...]
read onHistoric Biehl Water Grinding Mill, Asbacherhütte
The historic, water-powered agate cutting mill is a completely atypical water-powered cutting mill in comparison to the “Weiherschleife”. The reason for this can be traced back to the fact that it is a former gypsum mill, which was converted into a grinding mill in 1880. The Asbach Grinding Mill remains a genuine production site to this day, unlike many historical grinding mills that are [...]
read onCastle Oberstein and Fortress Bosselstein
The Castle of the Lords of Daun-Oberstein, (“Das Schloss der Herren von Daun-Oberstein”), strikingly situated on a spur above the river Nahe, offers an impressive backdrop above Oberstein’s historical town quarter, together with “Bosselstein” castle and the world-famous “Felsenkirche” church. Viewing: When standing in the inner courtyard with its sheltered terrace, you can cast [...]
read onAllenbacher Schloss
Castle Allenbach is, in addition to Fortress Eltz and Castle Gemünden the only inhabitable medieval castle in the Hunsrück region. Today, it is under monument protection. Allenbach was a blossoming industrial area from the Middle Ages through to the end of the 19th century. Two copper smelters have been documented since 1400 and 1450 respectively. They were supplied with ores from the Hosenbach [...]
read onAltburg Celtic settlement
The reconstructed Celtic settlement of ALTBURG is the most well-researched and vivid witness to the lives of people living more than 2,000 years ago to the west of the Rhine. The Celtic settlement of Altburg is accessible as a barrier-free destination. History: Among the most important ancestors of today's Hunsrück inhabitants include the Treverer, a Celtic tribe that dominated Hunsrück before [...]
read onWasserWissensWerk
The WasserWissensWerk is the visitor and information centre for everything to do with drinking water and is located directly at the Steinbach dam (Steinbachtalsperre) near Kempfeld. In the interactive exhibition the visitor learns everything worth knowing on a tour about water production and treatment, water distribution in the region and how worth protecting our limited and valuable resource [...]
read onSternenland
The Sternenland indoor play centre guarantees great family fun for all ages. Jumping, climbing, romping and discovering across 2,500 m². The “Sternenland” playcentre is an unforgettable place for every age group, regardless of what the weather’s up to. In addition to trampolines and bouncy castles, or even the 300 m² play tower, there is also an extra area with a ball pool, slide and [...]
read onBundenbach Fossil Museum
Hunsrück slate and its fossils The fossil museum presents a wonderful selection of roughly 400 million year-old animal and plant fossils taken from the slate of the "Bundenbach” region. Fossils found at this incredible digging site enjoy real international appreciation thanks to their sensationally good condition. That's why they are present in many well-known museums worldwide. [...]
read onJewellery and gemstone town of Idar-Oberstein
The jewellery and gemstone town of Idar-Oberstein is your destination. Discover the secret behind the legendary “Felsenkirche” church, explore Fortress Bosselstein and Castle Oberstein. Lively history and tradition show you the way of the gemstone. Why not visit the gemstone mines in Steinkaulenberg, the only gemstone mine in Europe which is open to the public. Marvel at the cutting [...]
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