Amethystwelt Maissau

About the museum

As early as around 1845, workers in a quarry near Maissau came across a violet-coloured quartz vein, though the find attracted little attention at the time. Only between 1986 and 1994 did the Krahuletz Society from Eggenburg dig there scientifically and bring impressive amethyst pieces to light. Soil surveys showed how extensive the deposit is: the confirmed length of the vein is about 400 metres, and its age roughly 280 million years.

To make Maissau known as an amethyst town, Maissauer Amethyst GmbH was founded in 1999. After the groundbreaking in May 2002, the Amethyst Welt opened in February 2005. Its centrepiece is the show tunnel, where a band of rare banded amethyst more than 40 metres long is exposed at a depth of about twelve metres – according to the venue, the largest accessible amethyst vein in the world.

In 2012 the Gemstone House was added as a second exhibition building. It displays minerals and gemstones from around the world, including finds from the Waldviertel such as moss opal and a large cut rock crystal, as well as a meteorite room. Since 2019 a covered gold-panning facility has complemented the treasure-digging field, where visitors can dig for amethysts themselves; in 2024 a chakra marble run was opened in the Amethyst Park.

Highlights

• Show tunnel with an amethyst band over 40 metres long at a depth of about 12 metres
• Gemstone House with minerals from around the world and a meteorite room
• Dig for amethysts yourself in the treasure-digging field
• Weatherproof gold-panning facility
• Forest playground and animal adventure forest

Permanent exhibitions

• Amethyst-Schaustollen – Guided walk to the exposed banded amethyst of Maissau, introduced by a show on the cultural history of the stone.
• Edelsteinhaus – Exhibition rooms with minerals and gemstones from around the world and the Waldviertel, including a meteorite room.

Founded

2005

Operated by

Maissauer Amethyst GmbH

Admission & discounts

The single ticket is valid for either the show tunnel or the Gemstone House. With the Niederösterreich-CARD, one free admission to either the show tunnel or the Gemstone House (digging and gold panning not included). Prices valid until 31 December 2026.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Most of the grounds are barrier-free; the show tunnel and Gemstone House are accessible, and the route from the multimedia room into the tunnel is by lift. Wheelchair-accessible toilets inside (by lift) and outdoors. The garden, Amethyst Park and the path to the Gemstone House are on natural paths with slopes – a companion is recommended. Two disabled parking spaces in front of the entrance.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

In the treasure-digging field children dig for amethysts themselves, and there is a covered gold-panning facility. For children aged 9 and over there is the digital detective story "On the Trail of the Violet Thief". Free forest playground with climbing sphere, trampoline and ball pitch; from April to October goats, chickens and rabbits in the animal adventure forest. The garden is difficult to navigate with a pushchair.

Getting there & parking

Satnav address: Horner Straße 36, 3712 Maissau.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Amethyst café with sun terrace (coffee, cake, breakfast, regional dishes, gluten-free pastries on request); Amethyst shop.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit