Geologi center

The Geology Center in Slemmestad has an exhibition in the Trilobox containging fossils, rocks and minerals. A model shows the bedrock of Slemmestad which has a unique geology that we find only 3 places in the world.

In the outdoors, you can find octopus fossils, trilobites and snails that lived over 400 million years ago.

Slemmestad is a central part of the Oslo field and has a particularly complex geology. Next to Kolsås, this is probably the place in Norway most used for geological studies. Here you will find in a small area rich deposits of fossils and a wide variety of rocks from the earth's ancient times.

The fossils, which are perhaps the most fascinating, are found almost everywhere. You just need to know what to look for! The fossils here in the area date from the Cambrian, Ordovician and Silurian periods, a period from 541 million to 419 million years ago. At that time, Slemmestad's seabed was in a relatively shallow sea. Here it was teeming with animals and plants. Some are similar to those we know today, while others look completely foreign.

The most famous fossils from Slemmestad are squid and trilobites. The trilobites were very common arthropods related to shrimp and crayfish. Along with them lived octopuses, snails and sea lilies. Most notable in recent years are the "football pitch fossils" nedt to Slemmestad Ungdomsskole. It is a relatively new and unique discovery: a gigantic petrified seabed that contains thousands of octopus fossils. In retrospect, a smaller part of the same area has been uncovered behind the local gas station. Both surfaces are full of squid and are a fascinating sight.

We recommend going to Slemmestad to see unique world-class stones and fossils. Visit us at the geology center for tips on where to go.

Member of Visit Greater Oslo