Zollverein in Essen is a striking example of the Ruhr area's industrial heritage. Today, visitors can explore both its history and its new role as a cultural destination. Learn about the former colliery, try a Sir Peter Morgan outdoor puzzle trail and combine your visit with Alma Park in Gelsenkirchen.

The history of Zollverein

Founded in 1847, Zollverein developed from a coal mine into one of Europe's most important industrial complexes. Its name refers to the customs union established in 1834, which played a significant role in the region's economic development.

At its peak, Zollverein employed more than 8,000 people and produced over 3.6 million tonnes of coal a year. Its facilities included shafts 1, 2 and 8 and the celebrated Shaft XII complex, whose architecture is now protected.

Coal production at Zollverein ended in 1986. Rather than demolishing the site, it was given a new cultural role that preserves the history of mining and the Ruhr area's industrial heritage.

The Sir Peter Morgan outdoor puzzle trail

The Sir Peter Morgan outdoor puzzle trail offers a different way to explore Zollverein. Follow clues and solve tasks as you make your way around the industrial architecture and discover the site's history. The trail combines a day out with detective work and teamwork.

Zollverein is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Alongside the puzzle trail, visitors can explore museums, exhibitions and guided tours. The Ruhr Museum, Red Dot Design Museum and Portal of Industrial Heritage offer different perspectives on the site's history, technology and culture.

Continue your day at Alma Park in Gelsenkirchen

After exploring Zollverein, you can make the short drive to Alma Park in Gelsenkirchen. Activities include blacklight mini golf, laser tag, escape rooms, paintball, trampolines, Poolball and Bubble Soccer. It's a change of pace after a day of industrial history and culture.

Choose activities that suit the ages and interests of your group. The trampoline park offers a chance to be active, following the staff's instructions, while escape rooms put your observation and teamwork to the test.

For more action, adults can try paintball, while laser tag offers a different team challenge. Blacklight mini golf and Poolball provide a more relaxed option without losing the element of competition.

Alma Park also has event spaces for birthdays, company gatherings and team-building days. The experienced team can help you plan and organise a suitable programme.

Combining Zollverein with Alma Park makes for a varied day of history, culture and leisure. Explore the world of mining, then choose an activity to enjoy together in Gelsenkirchen.

A visit to Zollverein followed by Alma Park combines industrial heritage, culture and leisure in one day. Explore the architecture, follow the Sir Peter Morgan puzzle trail and choose from the park's indoor activities. It's a varied way to discover the Ruhr area together.