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Siegen

Siegen's Concrete Canvas: Unburying the River Sieg

1.3 km73 min6 stops

What awaits you on this Red Thread tour

Discover how a city tore up 5,100 square meters of concrete to bring its buried river back to life. This immersive journey explores Siegen's radical transformation from a car-centric concrete jungle to a vibrant, pedestrian-first urban oasis. You will uncover the engineering marvels, the fierce public debates, and the ecological triumphs that redefined the city's soul.

Itinerary

1

TOUR START

Apollo-Theater & Siegbrücke

The cultural starting point where modern architecture meets the pedestrian-first bridge, symbolizing the city's shift in priorities.

Apollo-Theater & Siegbrücke

Pic by N/A on Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

0.25 km • 4 min
2

STOP 2

Siegtreppen (Sieg Terraces)

The iconic stepped terraces that replaced a massive concrete parking lot, now serving as the city's most popular gathering spot.

0.13 km • 2 min
3

STOP 3

Oberstadtbrücke

A new pedestrian bridge offering the best vantage point to observe the river's ecological restoration, including the vital fish ladders.

0.07 km • 1 min
4

STOP 4

Kölner Tor

Formerly a congested traffic bottleneck, now a redesigned urban plaza connecting the lower and upper city.

Kölner Tor

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

0.36 km • 6 min
5

STOP 5

Bürgerpark Herrengarten

A new green lung for the city, created by demolishing a brutalist shopping center, showcasing the continuation of the river project's ethos.

0.48 km • 7 min
6

END

Campus Unteres Schloss

The historic Lower Castle, now revitalized as the central campus of the University of Siegen, representing the demographic shift in the city's renewal.

Campus Unteres Schloss

Pic by Bob Ionescu on Wikimedia Commons (Attribution)

Where the tour takes place

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

Good to know

  • Ideal for Urban explorers, architecture enthusiasts, environmentalists, and anyone fascinated by city planning and urban renewal.
  • Best time Late afternoon to early evening, when the river terraces come alive with locals and the golden hour light hits the water.
  • Footwear Comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended for navigating the terraces and bridges.
  • Pacing Take your time on the river steps. It is the perfect spot to pause and people-watch.
  • Photography The Oberstadtbrücke offers the best vantage point for capturing the restored riverbed.
  • Accessibility The route is generally accessible, with ramps available near the main terrace steps.
  • 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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