Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex
Zeche Zollverein
A World Heritage Site where the Bauhaus-style Shaft 12 is hailed as the “world's most beautiful coal mine” and a symbol of the Ruhr's industrial heritage.
The Zollverein coal mine closed in 1986. In 2001 it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site together with its coking plant. The red double-column headframe of Shaft 12, designed by Bauhaus architects, is the Ruhr's most famous landmark. Entry to the site is free. Guided tours take you into the coal preparation plant and the coking plant. The grounds also contain the Ruhr Museum, the Red Dot Design Museum and restaurants. In summer, you can swim in the coking plant, and in winter there is an ice rink. Tram 107 from Essen Central Station takes about 15 minutes.
Opening hours
Park open all day; exhibition halls about 10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Red Dot Design Museum
- Ruhr Museum
- Old Synagogue (Essen)
- Essen Minster
- Museum Folkwang
- Veltins-Arena
- Grugapark
- Lake Baldeney