The UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein is - of course - the namesake. The railings of what was once the most beautiful colliery in the world are also the starting and finishing point of the 26-kilometre circular tour, which leads right through the north of Essen. Nowhere else in the city can you discover the successful structural change of the once industrial region so close to nature. The highlights, in the truest sense of the word, are the accessible slag heaps, including the Schurenbachhalde, which is crowned with an imposing steel sculpture and offers a sweeping view over the Ruhr region.
Along the way, hikers pass the Rhine-Herne Canal, which was once an important transportation artery for the industry. The route also runs alongside former collieries and coking plants, which are now preserved as monuments and bear witness to the region's rich mining history. The combination of urban flair and natural landscapes makes the ZollvereinSteig a special experience for anyone who wants to experience industrial culture up close.
