The most beautiful Halden excursions

Even 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.

An oversized miner's lamp is the eye-catcher here by day and night. During the day, an integrated viewing platform gives you a few extra metres of height, while in the dark it bathes the summit in warm light. No matter what time of day: the red landmark is a special photo spot and offers a sweeping panoramic view over Moers and the Lower Rhine. The ascent is short but noticeable - just right for a short "mountain" stage. Our tip for winding down or warming up: There is a forest lake right next door, so you can combine the ascent of the slag heap with a relaxing lake circuit.

You 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.

The Hoheward heap is the highlight of Europe's largest heap landscape. At a good 150 metres high and with the steel arches of the horizon observatory visible from afar, it towers over the Hoheward Landscape Park, which also includes the neighbouring Hoppenbruch heap. Once a year, this special location is celebrated with a festival: The Sunset Picnic combines electronic music and panoramic views over the Ruhr region.

Otherwise, you can explore the area at your own pace; a good starting point is the Hoheward visitor centre in the former Ewald colliery at the foot of the slagheap. The permanent exhibition "New Horizons" explains how the horizon observatory and the sundial, which can also be found there, work. You can also hire e-bikes and e-scooters there or book guided tours - and explore a piece of the Ruhr region from different perspectives.

When it comes to outdoor sports, you can choose between different speeds and disciplines at Halde Norddeutschland near Neukirchen-Vluyn. A serpentine walk or a stairway to heaven with 359 steps lead up to the plateau. At the top, the Hallenhaus installation is open to everyone, around the clock. As dusk falls, the landmark begins to glow for a few hours, as does the handrail of the stairway to heaven, which shows the direct route to the top even in the dark. In daylight and with good visibility, Xanten Cathedral and even the Düsseldorf television tower can be seen from here. All around, hiking, walking and biking trails wind their way through the Lower Rhine region. And when the wind is favourable, paragliders take off from the Halden plateau, especially at weekends, as an additional free show.

On this heap in the very south of Gelsenkirchen, you stand above it all - and look out over a surprisingly green Ruhr region. Islands of trees, parks, winding towers and industrial silhouettes in between. Landmarks such as the Oberhausen gasometer and the winding tower of the Zollverein colliery in Essen can be recognised on a clear day. Aroused a desire to explore? Then let yourself be inspired by our urban hiking tour through the city, which leaves plenty of room for your own explorations and personal experiences. Alternatively, the Mechtenberg nature reserve right next to the slag heap with meadows, hedges and quiet paths offers space for a peaceful walk.