The Devonian was the age of fish. In the former "Schmidt" limestone quarry alone and the wider surroundings of Braunau, a total of 45 species of armored fish, three species of shark and one species of spiny dogfish, as well as five so-called bony fish species have been found. Especially the armored fishes (Placodermi) were protected from predators by bone plates, particularly the head and trunk area. These fish species are among the oldest jaw-bearing vertebrates in the world. The movable jaw allowed them a completely new way of feeding and shows the beginning of the development of tooth structures. Namely, in their jaws the armored fishes carried primitive tooth ridges.
For the Geopark GrenzWelten more than one reason to honor the quarry "Schmidt" and the important fossil finds with the first award as Geotope of the Year 2017.
Due to the high protection category, the quarry may only be visited within the framework of guided tours!