Miners used to mine coal deep down in the earth here. Traces of this time can still be seen all over the Ruhr region today, but they no longer have anything to do with work and instead offer many opportunities for varied leisure activities. We introduce you to six heaps that are crowned with works of art, are landmarks worth seeing, offer beautiful views and are worthwhile excursion destinations. And if you want to know exactly what a heap is, which one is the highest or where you can count a particularly large number of steps: You can find answers to these and other questions in the FAQ below.
Top tips and FAQ
The most beautiful Halden excursions
Excursions with a view
Our top 6
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- Heinrich-Hildebrand-Höhe with Tiger & Turtle
Duisburg Learn moreEven if the word doesn't appear in the name: Heinrich-Hildebrand-Höhe in Duisburg is a heap - and what a spoil tip it is! Crowned by the "Tiger & Turtle" installation, it is definitely a heap highlight that provides magical moments , especially at sunrise and sunset. A walk-on rollercoaster made of steel, on which you climb higher step by step until the view extends far over the Ruhr region, the Rhine and the Sechs-Seen-Platte with its beaches, forest paths and picnic areas. The loop itself is not accessible, but the walk there is worth it. As dusk falls, countless LED lights provide further glimpses of light.
Johannes Höhn, Tourismus NRW e.V., Tiger & Turtle, Duisburg - Halde Beckstraße with "tetraeder"
Bottrop Learn moreYou can combine views and action on a visit to the Beckstraße heap in Bottrop. The "Tetraeder" at the top of the summit plateau consists of steps and walkways that can be accessed. Three platforms at different heights provide starting points for different levels of courage - and offer great views of the Ruhr region. There are two options for the ascent to the slag heap itself: There is either a leisurely ascent via winding serpentine paths or a sporty ascent via a staircase. If you're looking for more action and adrenaline, you can go skiing on the slopes nearby at the Bottrop Alpine Centre or take off in the wind tunnel with indoor skydiving.
Instagram: fotoundvielfalt, Tetraeder auf der Halde Beckstraße in Bottrop mit beleuchteter Spitze
Good to know
Questions and answers about the heaps
These "mountains of the Ruhr" are artificially created mounds of mining spoil, i.e. earth, sand or rocks that were excavated with the coal. Many heaps have since been recultivated and now serve as excursion destinations, photo spots, leisure and nature areas.
The Ruhr Regional Association, an association of independent cities and districts in the Ruhr metropolis, lists 58 heaps in the Ruhr region. It is the owner, designer and manager of most of them.
The Oberscholven heap in Gelsenkirchen may not have a sculpture, just two wind turbines and a radio mast on top, but with its height of 201 metres above sea level, it is still an eye-catcher as the highest heap in the Ruhr region.
The Beckstraße heap with the “Tetraeder” can be climbed via the steep "Direttissima" with around 387 steps (or via a less steep path). The stairway to heaven on the Norddeutschland heap has 359 steps.
Slag heaps are often easy to reach by public transport and there are usually car parks nearby. However, many heaps are also stops on a scenic hike or a varied cycle tour.
