UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein
The most important anchor point on the Route of Industrial Heritage is probably the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site in the north of Essen is one of the most impressive monuments to industrial heritage—and vividly demonstrates how nature and culture are reclaiming the former industrial complex. Hard coal was mined here from 1851 until December 1986, with more than 240 million tonnes extracted in total. Zollverein Coal Mine was once the largest hard coal mine in the world and is now a symbol of the Ruhr region’s transformation from an industrial heartland into a cultural hub.
The Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses the mine grounds and the coking plant, once the largest in Europe. Amid the hulks of steel and stone, a diverse plant life has taken root—at first imperceptibly, but now clearly visible. Native trees and exotic plants spread across former wasteland. The contrast between the historic industrial backdrop and experiences of nature creates a truly unique setting.
Good to know
- Address
- Gelsenkirchener Straße 181Show on map
45309 Essen - Opening hours
- The grounds are open at all times.
- Admission
- The site is freely accessible.
Admission prices vary depending on the museum. - Getting there
- With an area of 100 hectares, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein offers a diverse range of experiences. The site can be reached by car, coach and public transport. Restrictions may apply during major events. The following information will help you get here and find your way around the extensive site.
Visitor address
UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein, Essen
Cars
To visit Zollverein Coal Mine, enter “Fritz-Schupp-Allee” in your navigation system. If you wish to visit Zollverein Coking Plant, enter “Arendahls Wiese” instead. Free parking for cars is signposted and available both at the coal mine (A1, A2 and B) and at the coking plant (C).
The Zollverein car park at the coking plant, Im Welterbe 11, is subject to a fee. Cost: €1.80 per hour; day ticket €7.50. Please note: cash payments are not accepted; currently, payment is only possible by EC card. There are four charging points for electric cars here (22 kW fast chargers).
Coaches
Coach bays are available on Fritz-Schupp-Allee. Free parking is available in car park C at the coking plant.
Motorhomes
The nearest motorhome parking spaces are at Revierpark Nienhausen in Gelsenkirchen. The Zollverein World Heritage Site can be reached from there by tram 107 (approx. 10 minutes), by bicycle (approx. 15 minutes) or on foot (approx. 30 minutes).
Electric vehicle charging park
At car park A1, the Zollverein Foundation and charging infrastructure operator Allego offer a fast-charging park with HPC technology and 100% green electricity. Ten charging points are available, seven of which can charge at up to 300 kW. Payment is possible using all major charging cards and apps, as well as by credit card via ad hoc charging.
Public transport
You can reach the site by public transport via the “Zollverein” stop (tram 107, also known as the “Kulturlinie”) and “Zollverein-Nord” stop (tram 107, also known as the “Kulturlinie”, bus 170, bus 183 or regional train RB32), as well as the “Kokerei Zollverein” and “Kohlenwäsche” stops (bus 183).
Location & directions
Gelsenkirchener Straße 181 / 45309 Essen
