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Leverkusen

The Red Thread of Leverkusen: Shadows and Aspirations of a Company Town

8.2 km195 min7 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Step into the fascinating, contradictory world of Leverkusen, a city literally built by a chemical giant. On this immersive redthread tour, we will explore the deep symbiotic relationship between Bayer AG and the people who lived, worked, and breathed its corporate culture. From the roaring BayArena to the serene but exclusive Japanese Garden, and from idyllic worker colonies to the buried toxic legacy of Neuland-Park, discover the true cost and comfort of corporate paternalism.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

BayArena

The massive stadium of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, representing the company's deep investment in local sports and civic identity.

BayArena

Pic by Arne Müseler on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 de)

1.62 km • 25 min
2

STOP 2

Christuskirche Wiesdorf

A historic church funded by Bayer to provide spiritual infrastructure and attract workers to the growing industrial town.

Christuskirche Wiesdorf

Pic by Michielverbeek on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.84 km • 13 min
3

STOP 3

Erholungshaus

Bayer's dedicated cultural center, built in 1908 to bring high art and theater to the chemical workers.

Erholungshaus

Pic by CarenBayer on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.95 km • 15 min
4

STOP 4

Neuland-Park

A beautiful modern park built directly on top of a highly toxic former chemical waste dump, showcasing environmental remediation.

1.14 km • 18 min
5

STOP 5

Bayer-Kolonie II

A preserved corporate worker housing colony, featuring specific architectural styles and gardens designed to promote loyalty and self-sufficiency.

3.50 km • 54 min
During your walk

Interlude

A reflective interlude discussing the dark history of IG Farben and forced labor during the Nazi era.

6

STOP 6

Japanischer Garten

A stunning Japanese garden that was once the private estate of Bayer's CEO, highlighting the extreme wealth inequality of the company town.

Japanischer Garten

Pic by DiAuras on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

0.16 km • 3 min
7

END

BayKomm

Bayer's modern communication center, representing the contemporary, transparent face of the corporation against the backdrop of the closed chemical plant.

Where the tour takes place

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

Good to know

  • Ideal for History buffs, architecture enthusiasts, urban explorers, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of corporate power, social engineering, and daily life.
  • Best time Daytime, particularly on a weekend when the worker colonies and parks are bustling with local life.
  • Footwear Wear comfortable walking shoes, as we cover diverse terrain from parks to city streets.
  • Weather Bring an umbrella or raincoat; the Rhine weather can be unpredictable.
  • Pacing This is a comprehensive walking tour. Take your time in the parks to rest and reflect.
  • 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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