Wül­frath time tun­nel

In the 160 meter-long time tun­nel in the Bo­chu­mer Bruch site, vis­it­ors can go on a jour­ney through 400 mil­lion years of the Earth’s his­tory.

In an old mining tunnel, a remnant of the days when the site was used as a limestone quarry, visitors can take a trip through different geological eras. Behind colourful “time windows” and between dark tunnel sections, the roars of the predatory dinosaur, the megalosaurus, can be heard. Later on, a film is then shown about the herbivorous iguanodon. For anyone who feels the cold, it's a good idea to bring warm clothing, even in the summer, since the temperature in the time tunnel stays cool all year round. At the end of the tunnel, 70 meter-high rock walls from the former Bochumer Bruch stone quarry tower up towards the sky. On viewing platforms directly above the quarry edge, visitors have a great view out over the Bochumer Bruch.

A paradise for climbers

It may be hard to believe, but 400 million years ago, Wülfrath lay beneath the waves. At that time, the region was home to corals and other marine life. The fossilised lime skeletons later formed the Wülfrath limestone which was mined here until 1958. Today, the rocks are used by rock climbers. On different routes, they can try out their skills on rough, overhanging limestone rock. And always in harmony with nature. The Bochumer Bruch is a nature reserve and is a refuge for natterjack toads and smooth snakes.

Historic industrial sites and local fauna

Visitors wishing to explore all the Wülfrath limestone quarries are advised to do so on foot or by bike. Hiking and cycle paths pass historic industrial sites, rough-hewn rocks and blue water. Individual tours of the works are offered at the Rohdenhaus quarry, the largest active stone quarry. Modern mining facilities, heavy load vehicles and earth movers make an impressive sight. For visitors preferring to explore the local animal life, a guided tour with falconer Uta Wittekind shows eagle owls right up close, while a bat construction kit seminar or a bat birthday party have exciting stories to tell about the small vampires.

www.zeittunnel.com