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Bottrop

Ascent to the Sky: The Alchemy of the Ruhrgebiet

2.4 km71 min4 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Embark on a sweeping, cerebral journey that traces the profound transformation of the Ruhr region. From the heavy, subterranean labor of deep coal mining to the airy, weightless heights of a floating steel pyramid, this tour explores how an industrial wasteland was reclaimed by nature and visionary architecture. You will climb an artificial mountain made of millions of tons of displaced earth, witnessing firsthand the tension between ecological resilience and human engineering.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Malakoffturm Prosper II

The historic winding tower representing the deep mining that produced the artificial mountain.

Malakoffturm Prosper II

Image by Curlyhead-61 on Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

1.32 km • 20 min
2

STOP 2

Alte Zechenbahn

The old mine railway line that transported coal and slag, representing the logistical arteries of the industrial era.

0.96 km • 15 min
3

STOP 3

Gipfelplateau

The barren, lunar-like landscape of the plateau, revealing the raw material of the Halde and the struggle of ecological reclamation.

0.11 km • 2 min
4

END

Tetraeder Base

Standing beneath the architectural marvel, discussing its design, engineering, and the broader transformation of the region.

Tetraeder Base

Image by Ikreis on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Where the tour takes place

Starting point and rough tour area – the exact route unfolds in the app.

Good to know

  • Ideal for Architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, and urban explorers fascinated by the intersection of industrial heritage, ecological rebirth, and structural design.
  • Best time Late afternoon, timing the arrival at the summit with the golden hour and the illumination of the Tetraeder.
  • Footwear Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are an absolute must for the shifting slag paths.
  • Weather Gear Bring a windbreaker; the summit plateau is highly exposed and often very windy.
  • Hydration Carry water with you, as there are no facilities once you begin the ascent.
  • Timing Allow extra time at the top to experience the structure as the sun sets.
  • Accessibility The climb is steep and the terrain is uneven; pace yourself accordingly.
  • Your voucher You can redeem your voucher for two years from purchase. Once redeemed, you have 14 days of access and can enjoy the tour as often as you like during that time.

Your guide

Tom Bennett
Audio sample
0:000:00

Tom Bennett

  • Urbanism, Infrastructure & Innovation
  • Northern England

Architecture and urban planning professional. Explains the city's hidden systems – from mobility to water pipes – clearly and vividly.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the tour after buying?

You see your voucher code right after payment – and you also receive it at the email address you entered at checkout. Redeem that code in the Red Thread app; that's where the tour starts.

When does my access start?

Only when you redeem the code in the app, not at purchase. From redemption you have 14 days of access to the tour.

Do I need the Red Thread app?

Yes. The free Red Thread app turns your tour into a vivid experience: with audio, a map, and thoughtful prompts, it guides you from place to place in an engaging and entertaining way. It's available free for iOS and Android.

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