We reached Essen and went to Zeche Zollverein by tram.
The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex is a large former industrial site in the city of Essen. It has been inscribed into the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since December 2001.
The first coal mine on the premises was founded in 1847, mining activities took place from 1851 until 1986.
The two parts of the site, Zollverein Coal Mine and Zollverein Coking Plant ranked among the largest of their kinds in Europe. The Zollverein Coking Plant was erected in the late 1950's, closed in 1993. Shaft 12, built in Bauhaus style, was opened in 1932 and is considered an architectural and technical masterpiece, called "the most beautiful coal mine in the world". After it had been closed down in late 1986, shaft 12 was declared as a memorial. You can see it on the very first photo.
You can walk in the area everywhere, so we took a walk around.
We decided to visit the coking plant than, we had to walk a few minutes to get there. On our way we saw this gigantic hauling machine.
Soon we reached to coking plant Zollverein.
You cannot imagine how large those tubes are!
Everything is gigantic here - there are screws which are larger than me!
We reached the end of the coking complex. The artificial channel is opened for ice skating in winter.
We walked back on the rear side of the coking plant.
We went to the visitor's center than which is situated in the former coal washing plant. You can see the old machines here. It is quite dark here in this part of the complex.
We found a beer garden on the estate, we all needed refreshing.
When we went back to the central station, we had to wait for our train. We made good use of our time
I am glad that I do not have to work in a coal mine.
Bye
Ceryni