Experience the world of coal, coke, art, and culture in the Zeche Zollverein -
a historic colliery in the heart of the Ruhr Area.

The central shaft system, which went into service in 1932 after being built by Fritz Schupp and Martin Kremmer in the style of the new objectivity, was the largest and most productive hard coal mine in Europe until it was closed down in 1986. Zollverein Shaft XII has been renovated by stages since 1990, and in 2001 both it and the coking plant were declared by UNESCO to be a World Heritage site, together with shaft system 1/2/8.

Varied cultural activities provide a range of attractions around the "Eiffel Tower of the Ruhr", drawing 1,500,000 visitors a year to the site. Visitors of all ages can not just choose between numerous exhibitions, concerts and dance performances every day - they can even explore the "story of coal" between gigantic machines on the ZOLLVEREIN heritage route, discover the impressive architecture from the past to the present day and listen to the mining stories of the pit foremen.

https://www.zollverein.de/zollverein-unesco-world-heritage-site/

Guided tours*:

Monday to Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m

Fee: 10 €

Meeting point:

Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visitorcenter (Besucherzentrum)
Area A [Shaft XII], Coal Washery [A14]
Gelsenkirchener Str. 181, 45309 Essen

How to get there:

From RUB: U35 to Bochum Hbf, then regional transport to Essen Hbf, then STR 107 towards Hanielstr. Schleife, stop "Zollverein" stop (approx. 1 hour).

*The tours can be booked as part of the registration for the conference. If you are already registered, you can book this additionaly in your account.The tours only take place if at least 8 people register for each tour. The maximum group size is 20 people.

Experience the historic and picturesque old town of Hattingen with its lovingly restored half-timbered houses and architectural monuments.

It is the old town of the Ruhr area: Hattingen. The pearl of the Ruhr stands for the best quality of life with its historic, picturesque old town, the romantic Ruhr Valley, its three castles and the green hills. Around 56,000 people from Hattingen cannot be wrong.

Medieval flair surrounds the church square with St. George's Church and an ensemble of around 150 half-timbered houses and monuments, right behind the most magnificent half-timbered building - the Old Town Hall. Quaint restaurants, cafés, pubs and bistros invite you to relax and enjoy.

https://www.hattingen-tourismus.de/en/

Guided tours*:

Monday to Friday, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m

Tuesday and Friday, 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Fee: 10 €

Meeting point:

Altes Rathaus, Hattingen

How to get there:

From RUB: U35 to Bochum main station, then STR 308 to Hattingen(Ruhr), stop "Mitte", walk to the "Altes Rathaus"  (approx. 60 minutes in total).

*The tours can be booked as part of the registration for the conference. If you are already registered, you can book this additionaly in your account.The tours only take place if at least 8 people register for each tour. The maximum group size is 20 people.

Sources and photos: Hattingen Tourismus; Zeche Zollverein