Germany > North Rhine-Westphalia > Zollverein Mine

Zollverein Mine

Our rating: 8.40

2011-06-11

http://www.zollverein.de

Zollverein coal mine is located in the city of Essen in the Ruhr region, one of Europe's largest metropolitan areas. It was opened in 1834 and throughout its history it has become one of the largest and most productive mines in the region. In 2001, the mine became a World Heritage Site. This is not surprising, because it's difficult to find historical architectural objects in the industrial region. Therefore, the mine became a cultural and creative center of Essen. Сity museums and exhibitions are located in the old workshops.

The mine is huge and divided into three zones. In mines 1-2-8 is a cultural and entertainment center. Coal processing plant (zone 2) remained untouched after closing. Several times a day, you can get in on a tour (in German). The plant even has a swimming pool and a Ferris wheel.

We arrived at the main area - mine 12, with the the tourist center and a variety of museums and art galleries. At the site you can take a couple of tours, but we decided just to walk inside and around the mine, it's also possible. You will pass several workshops and can go up to the roof, which offers excellent views. You can also watch a film about the Ruhr area in a 360-degree theater. We liked the movie.

The territory around the mine 12 looks like an industrial "park".