PACT Zollverein
UNESCO World Heritage site Zollverein
With an output of more than 23,000 tonnes of raw coal per day, the Kokerei Zollverein (Zollverein colliery) was once the most efficient colliery in the world. The central shaft XII (1928–1932) is considered a modern technical and aesthetic masterpiece. The Zollverein coking plant was built between 1957 and 1961 adjacent the Zollverein colliery. Approximately 7,500 tonnes of coke could be produced here daily from around 10,000 tonnes of coal. The Salzlager (salt warehouse) where fertiliser – made from ammonia and sulphuric acid – was produced until the 1980s is located on this site. In a separate mixing facility (Mischanlage), different coal qualities were mixed so as to achieve the best possible coal composition for the coking process. Moved on the mixing machine’s conveyer belt system connecting coal shelters and various chutes, coal thus ran from the building’s top floor down five different levels all the way to the coke ovens located in the basement. The plant was shut down in 1993. In 2001, the site was officially listed as Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Address and directions
PACT Zollverein
UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein, Area B
Bullmannaue 20a
45327 Essen
From Essen main station (Essen Hbf) tram 107 until Abzweig Katernberg
or regional train RB 32/35 until Essen Zollverein Nord, approx. 5 min by foot