The Altmühltal — On the Trail of the Prehistoric Bird Archaeoptery
October 9, 2026
At the Munich Show 2026, the Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU), in collaboration with the Altmühltal Nature Park Georegion, will present a new product: the Altmühltal Geotourism Map. It invites visitors to rediscover one of Germany’s most fascinating georegions—from spectacular rock formations and world-famous fossils to significant mineral deposits.
The Altmühl Valley brings together millions of years of Earth’s history within a small area. Striking limestone cliffs, historic quarries, extraordinary fossils, and valuable raw materials tell the story of a tropical Jurassic sea. The new geotourism map brings these connections to life in a clear and accessible way for the first time and guides visitors to the Altmühl Valley’s most significant geological highlights.
In keeping with the theme, the LfU is presenting an exhibition featuring items from its own collection and on loan from other institutions. A key focus is on the world-famous fossils from the Solnhofen limestone slabs. In addition to exceptionally well-preserved original fossils, a replica of the legendary “primitive bird” Archaeopteryx—the most important transitional form between dinosaurs and modern birds—is also on display. A replica of the small predatory dinosaur Compsognathus is also on display.
The raw materials of the Altmühl Valley are also a central focus. The internationally acclaimed Solnhofen limestone and Jurassic marble—which were recognized in 2025 as Heritage Stones of global significance—document the region’s geological richness. The presentation is complemented by other characteristic rocks and raw materials.
A large-format display of the new geotourism map and video footage on an LED wall take visitors on a journey through a landscape where geology, nature, and history are uniquely intertwined. Whether fossil sites, rock formations, historic quarries, castles, palaces, museums, or geological features—the map offers new perspectives on one of Bavaria’s most fascinating regions.
Visit the Bavarian State Office for the Environment at the West Entrance and experience the premiere of the new Altmühltal Geotourism Map, as well as extraordinary fossils and geological highlights from one of Europe’s most significant geological landscapes.
