Idar-Oberstein Attractions
Attractively situated at the junction of the Idar with the Nahe, with crags of melaphyre (basaltic rock) towering 125 m/410ft above it, Idar-Oberstein is one of Germany's leading centers of the trade in precious stones and the jewelry industry, with well-known gem-cutting establishments.
Edelsteinmine Steinkaulenberg
In the Algenroth district in Idar is the entrance to the precious stone mines in the Steinkaulenberg (conducted visits).
German Precious Stones Route
The Deutsche Edelsteinstrasse (marked by a stylized diamond) runs through the Hunsrück to the north of Idar-Oberstein in a circuit of 58km/36mi, taking in over a dozen places with gem-cutting establishments.
Idar, Germany
(Near Idar-Oberstein)
Idar extends up the Idar valley, with the 22-story Diamond and Precious Stone Exchange (Diamant-und Edelsteinbörse), in which is the fascinating Museum of Precious Stones (Edelsteinmuseum).
Idar - Gem-Cutting Center
On the outskirts of Idar, in Tiefensteiner Strasse, can be found the Wieherschleifferei, an old gem-cutting center where visitors can see the stones being cut and polished.
Oberstein - Museum
In Oberstein is the Idar-Oberstein Museum (precious stones, fossils, fluorescence cabinet; history of the town).
Idar-Oberstein Museum
Haupstrasse 436
D-55743 Idar-Oberstein
Germany
Haupstrasse 436
D-55743 Idar-Oberstein
Germany
Hours
April 1 to October 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
November 1 to March 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
Guides
Guided tour available as optional extra.
Oberstein - Rock Church
Above Oberstein lies the Rock Church, built into a cave on the hillside. The porch dates from the 11th C. (enlarged in 1482). Higher up on the steep-sided crag are two ruined castles (11th and 12th C.).
