The Most Iconic Sites Along Germany's Industrial Heritage Trail

Germany’s Ruhr region played an integral part in the industrial revolution, and over 750 power plants and other industrial sites shaped the region more than anything. The 1998 Industrial Heritage Trail connects hundreds of industrial monuments, museums, vantage points and art installations between Duisburg and Hamm. Here are the most iconic sites along the way.
Zeche Zollverein
No other industrial site represents how much of an impact the industrial revolution had on the Ruhr Metropolis other than the world-renowned Zeche Zollverein complex in Essen. What’s often referred to the ‘world’s most beautiful coal mine’ was converted into a museum and event space after 140 years in operation and now proudly displays a UNESCO World Heritage Site tag. If you want to learn about Essen’s history as a coal mining capital and the colliery, you can join one of 30 different tour formats.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
Jahrhunderthalle Bochum
Initially built as an exhibition hall in the early 20th century, the nearly 9,000 square metres of today’s Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum was used as a gas power station. But since 1993, the site is associated with concerts, galas and art. After elaborate reconstruction work, the prestigious art and performance festival ‘Ruhrtriennale’ was added to the list of annual events in 2003, which now attracts more than 50,000 people every year alone. If you can’t make it for any of the events, you do have the option of booking a tour of the underground tunnel system and production facilities.
Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
Rather than dismantling the disused steel factory, the 180-hectare complex was converted to the Duisburg Landschaftspark. The rail tracks, bunkers, sewage canals, blast furnaces and conveyer bridges have been transformed into a whole range of attractions, including walking trails, observation decks and gardens, and the former gasometer now even houses a scuba diving training facility. From Friday through to Sunday nights, the entire complex is illuminated by colourful neon lights. You can either explore the complex at your own pace free of charge, join a guided tour or book tickets to one of the many events taking place throughout the year.

Lindenbrauerei
If you’re hoping for a cold glass of beer during your visit to the Lindenbrauerei site in Unna, you’ll be disappointed, but it’s worth checking out anyway. The legendary brewery hit a nerve with their iconic Linden Pilsener, but production ceased in 1979. Now, the site houses a cultural centre upstairs with workshops, events and the like, while the former underground cooling chambers are home to surreal art installations by international creators. The highlight is a piece by American light artist James Turrell titled Third Breath.
Tiger & Turtle Magic Mountain
The make-do-and-mend motto also helped convert another Duisburg site. Two German artists, Heike Mutter and Ulrich Genth, took waste from a former zinc-smelting factory and other industrial debris and turned it into a futuristic art installation. Their work goes by the name Tiger & Turtle Magic Mountain and sits just outside of Duisburg. From afar, the steel structure looks like a rollercoaster, but a closer look reveals 240 steps up to the loop which only allows visitors to climb the structure for bird’s-eye views of the area. The whole setting looks even more surreal after dark when the artwork is lit up by LEDs.

Gasometer Oberhausen
The Gasometer in Oberhausen is one of the most important landmarks of the Ruhr region, and its reconstruction in the 1990s put it to good use. Instead of a gas storage facility, the large reservoir now functions as unique exhibition space and event venue. A glass-fronted elevator takes you up to the top floor on the inside, from where you can reach the outdoor observation deck. You can overlook the surrounding region, including the Olga’s Rock venue on the other side of the river.
Maximilianpark
In 1984, the Maximilian colliery in Hamm was redeveloped as a leisure park. The coal preparation plant turned into an artwork in the form of a giant glass elephant which now towers over the site. At his feet are flower beds, vast meadows and gardens with forested areas and playgrounds, as well as a butterfly house. Throughout the year, the park hosts a plethora of events ranging anywhere from live music performances, stand-up comedy and dance to flea markets and children’s festivals.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.