So close to heaven: Dumps!

A gigantic steel plate has been placed almost vertically by Richard Serra on the plateau of the Essen Schurenbach dump. At 85, the American sculptor has now passed away. Time for a visit.

Between Herten and Recklinghausen, there is not only an artistically enhanced spoil heap, but also – attention superlative – the largest spoil heap landscape in the region.

It is the perfect place for paragliders, mountain bikers, and anyone who loves to look into the distance: The Halde Norddeutschland in Neukirchen-Vluyn.

This pile must be climbed after sunset. Then it goes from the workers' settlement at the foot of the Rungenberg pile up over 300 steps straight to the center of a unique light sculpture.

Lavender, pines, and conifers - at the Großes Holz dump in Bergkamen, nature lovers get their money's worth.

Where coal was mined until 1979, today there stands a pyramid: The so-called Spurwerkturm on the Brockenscheidt spoil heap immediately catches the eye thanks to its unusual shape.

The spoil tip Rheinelbe in Gelsenkirchen-Ückendorf took its final shape only in 1999, although the Rheinelbe mine had already been closed in 1928.

Wooden sticks that reach into the sky and an unusual timekeeping device – there is special sculpture art to discover at the dump Schwerin in Castrop-Rauxel.

Since 2018, the Prosper-Haniel mine in Bottrop no longer promotes coal. However, the site has not become quiet. The "Halde Haniel" is now a place for art, culture, and religion.

The walk to what is probably the most exciting landmark of the Ruhr area requires overcoming challenges. A freely floating, wind-sensitive staircase leads to the first platform at a height of 18 meters.