December 14, 2001: The UNESCO World Heritage Committee declares the inscription of the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen on the World Heritage List. The overriding objective: the preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites of mankind, which have an outstanding universal value and are thus both unique and authentic, but are simultaneously sensibly integrated into public life. The conditions at Zollverein were perfect: The Committee acknowledged the ensemble as “representative of the development of traditional heavy industries in Europe” and especially praised the “architecture of the industrial complex in the Bauhaus style, which was for decades exemplary for modern industrial construction”.

Authentic and part of public life: meanwhile, about 1.5 million visitors get inspired by the Zollverein World Heritage Site. Year after year. Preservation through conversion has been the motto to the present day; variety characterises the offerings, which combine history, culture, creativity, entertainment, gastronomy, and recreation.

Be inspired – by cultural highlights and guided tours, by renowned museums, exceptional studios and exquisite cuisine, by an exceptional symphony in red and steel.

Welcome to the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site!

2018 will see the end of the German coal mining industry. The termination of coal production marks the end of an important era not only in Germany but also in European history. For two hundred years, coal minings has determined the economy far beyond the Ruhr area. From 27 April to 11 November 2018, the joint exhibition “The Age of Coal. A European History” of the Ruhr Museum and the German Mining Museum Bochum in the architecturally impressive rooms of the Mixing Plant at the Zollverein Coking Plant presents a fascinating time journey through the historical, technical and cultural dimensions of coal. The exhibition is made possible by the RAG Foundation as part of the initiative “Glückauf Zukunft!”.

For all exhibitions, the Ruhr Museum provides a multi-lingual, comprehensive programme of guided tours and accompanying events comprising lectures, audio guides, film series and excursions.

All services for families, adults, children, and senior citizens are available at

The participants follow the “path of coal” above ground, thereby gaining exciting insights into the work as well as the life of miners and coke workers. Furthermore, the tour guide explains descriptive details on architecture, industrial nature and the change of the Zollverein World Heritage into a modern cultural location. 36 different guided tour formats in 8 languages guarantee unforgettable experiences for all age groups.

Those who prefer to comfortably and quickly explore the entire World Heritage Site simply book the E-Bus! On the one- respectively two-hour Zollverein bus tours, a guide from Denkmalpfad Zollverein imparts interesting information on the history and architecture of the facilities. During the trip, the participants get to know all important buildings at Shaft XII, Shaft 1/2/8 and the Zollverein Coking Plant.

For detailed information please refer to www.denkmalpfad-zollverein.de. (only available in German).