Ernzen
Knowledge - Experience - Fun
Turning scientific discoveries into exciting experiences—that’s what the Teufelsschlucht Dinosaur Park is all about. Located in the immediate vicinity of Teufelsschlucht, this large theme and adventure park features over 180 life-size reconstructions of primarily extinct species dating back more than 600 million years, as well as special exhibitions on specific topics in paleontology. As a recognized research institution, the park also offers insights into current scientific projects and provides opportunities for citizen science.
A Journey Through Earth’s History
On the nearly 2-kilometer-long loop trail through the park’s expansive grounds, visitors journey through Earth’s history—from the first land-dwelling creatures to modern humans. The life-size models of animals and humans reflect the current state of scientific research. The focus: the dinosaurs. Allosaurus and Stegosaurus, Triceratops and Velociraptor—and, of course, the Tyrannosaurus Rex—can be seen here alongside many other dinosaurs from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. At 45 meters long and more than 8 meters tall, the Seismosaurus, the “earthquake lizard,” surpasses all others in size; the model of this giant is the largest dinosaur model in Europe.
A model of the Eifelosaurus (that really is its name ;-))—a prehistoric reptile whose remains were unearthed near Hillesheim in the Eifel—was created specifically for the Dinopark. And, of course, one of the park’s stars is the Dilophosaurus, the Devil’s Gorge dinosaur : The fossils of this large predatory dinosaur, which lived 200 million years ago, were found in nearby Luxembourg—in the same sandstone that makes up the Devil’s Gorge! You can also meet a “Teufelosaurus” here at the Dinosaur Park in Ernzen—a one-of-a-kind specimen. The park mascot was created by the well-known Trier-based painter and graphic artist Josef Hammen.
Research and Exploration
At the heart of the park are the “PaleoLab,” the center for scientific research in the Dinosaur Park, and the Research Camp, which especially invites children to experiment and explore. At the PaleoLab, visitors can learn about current excavations and research projects. The “Triassic Lab” project has been running since fall 2024; as part of this project, adults and teens in particular can participate in processing finds from an excavation in the region—a true “citizen science” project. The results are regularly published on the park’s website. In the fossil preparation workshop, rocks are brought to life: here, larger fossil finds are prepared for paleontological research, exhibitions, and collections. At the research camp, children can uncover small dinosaur skeletons or real fossils; with a bit of manual dexterity and care, they can open fascinating crystal geodes, extract shiny pyrite cubes from the rock, and split open fossil slabs—perhaps revealing a fossilized fish —activities that fascinate adults, too.
Quiz stations and quick facts featuring the mascot Teo the Teufelosaurus provide easy-to-understand and entertaining information—not just for children. In addition to the Research Camp, the park offers children many other play areas and interactive zones related to the theme of “prehistory.” Picnic areas and a group meeting spot, the outdoor restaurant “Dino’s Diner,” and, last but not least, the Dino Shop with its wide selection round out the park’s offerings.
Free and highly recommended: The audio guide for the Dinopark! Available in German, English, Dutch, and French. Just download it to your smartphone and embark on a journey through time!
For the latest information on opening hours and prices, visit www.dinopark-teufelsschlucht.de
Last entry is one hour before closing.
| Monday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Monday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
All areas relevant for testing meet the quality criteria of the label "Accessibility certified - accessible for people with walking disabilities".
Some information on accessibility are listed below. For detailed information please see the evaluation report.
Dinosaurierpark Teufelsschlucht
Ferschweiler Straße 50
54668 Ernzen