Entire Geopark
On the occasion of the Day of the Geotope on Sunday, 15 September 2024, a variety of events were again offered at the UNESCO Geopark Thuringia Inselsberg - Drei Gleichen for those interested in geoscience.
It all began on Friday, 13 September, with Rainer Fohlert's presentation of his new book, ‘The Forgotten Mine of Georg Christoph Utterrodt’, at the Local History and Tobacco Pipe Museum in Ruhla. Rainer Fohlert had actually ‘only’ wanted to learn about the beginning of mining in the Wartberge region. However, during his research in the archives, he quickly came across very exciting information about an extensive, yet long-forgotten silver and copper mining company.
‘Research fever’ had broken out and every little piece of new information helped to create a more detailed picture of the old mining industry in Schmerbach. The result is his new book. Around 40 people came to the book launch to hear the lecture and purchase his new book.
Saurierfest in Georgenthal with night hike
The popular and well-known Saurierfest in Georgenthal attracted many families with children to the Geopark community again this year. A colourful children's and family programme including numerous games and handicrafts, children's theatre, a soap bubble and stilt show and a photo box provided plenty of variety and fun. Geopark geologist Stephan Brauner offered a final night walk along the Saurian Discovery Trail. Despite the autumn temperatures, several visitors took the opportunity to discover the saurians and dinosaurs on GeoRoute 6 with an expert guide.
Discovering the Bromacker with a palaeontologist
On Monday, 16 September, Dr. Tom Hübner from the Friedenstein Foundation Gotha gave a guided tour at the primeval dinosaur site of Bromacker between Georgenthal and Tambach-Dietharz. 19 visitors listened to his witty and informative explanations about the quarries at Bromacker. On the basis of the rocks, the passionate palaeontologist vividly explained what can be discovered on closer inspection and what information the rocks reveal to scientists. Dinosaur footprints, desiccation cracks, trace fossils and even petrified raindrops are just a few examples. After visiting the old TRACO quarry and seeing some dinosaur sculptures along the dinosaur adventure trail, the group turned to the current excavation site. Tom Hübner vividly described the discovery of the first bone, the Tambach lovers and many other events from the past summer excavations of the BROMACKER project, which will run until 2025. He emphasised the special scientific significance of the Bromacker: ‘With the Bromacker, Thuringia has a paleontological treasure that is as valuable as the Messel Pit in the neighbouring state of Hesse. It is unique in the world!’
Open-cast mine in Friedrichroda
On Open-cast Mine Day, an estimated 600 guests came to the Marienglashöhle in Friedrichroda to explore the show mine on their own or with a special guided tour by Geopark geologist Stephan Brauner. The special tours were dedicated to the mysterious life underground. Cave butterflies, cave crabs and other creatures, which usually remain hidden from view, could be discovered here, and the crystal grotto invited visitors to marvel at the geological features of the old mine at Büchig.
Bats in the Kittelsthal Dripstone Cave
Special all-day tours were held in the Kittelsthal Dripstone Cave on the topic of ‘Hibernating Bats’. Instead of the regular tours, 85 interested visitors took the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the fascinating world of bats.
The special tours explained how the nocturnal animals spend the cold winter months in the Kittelsthal stalactite cave. In addition, the protection of bats and native species was also discussed. So far, eleven different species have been identified in the Kittelsthal Dripstone Cave. These include, for example, the lesser horseshoe bat, the greater mouse-eared bat and the barbastelle bat.
Cobalt mining in Catterfeld
Hiking guides Rainer Klein and Lars Pracht from the Association for Local History and Archaeology St. Johannes Altenbergen / Catterfeld e.V. and the Catterfeld Mining Settlement Support Association vividly reported on the former cobalt mining in Catterfeld and invited visitors to take a trip to the idyllically situated Kaue on Kirschallee in Catterfeld. Around 100 visitors accepted the invitation and learned about the old mining of cobalt ores at this historic site.
With the help of rock, ore and mineral samples, as well as informative display boards, visitors were able to learn more about the geology of the Ziegelberg near Catterfeld and the history of the former mining industry, as well as the subsequent mining work in the region. ‘Both visitors and day-trippers were able to spend an informative and enjoyable afternoon with us in Catterfeld, enjoying a piece of homemade cake and a cup of coffee in bright sunshine, and we would like to thank everyone for their visit and the interesting conversations," said Lars Pracht from the Catterfeld Mining Settlement Association.
Overall, the events for Geotope Day 2024 were very well attended and many interested people took the opportunity to learn about the natural history of the Geopark.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all those who helped to organise and enrich Geotope Day 2024 and we look forward to a great turnout next year!
The Geopark Management Office