The turn of the year in the Ruhr area: New Year's fireworks from the Halde Rungenberg!

The Halde Rungenberg in Gelsenkirchen-Buer is a popular local recreation area that offers visitors an impressive 360-degree view over the Ruhr area. The Veltins-Arena and the support tower of the former Hugo colliery are particularly visible, both of which represent striking points in the area. The heap was created by the overburden material that was left behind in mining, and is now overgrown with a variety of vegetation.

The heap has a height of 115.3 meters above sea level and rises 68 meters above the surrounding area. Its floor space extends over around 56 hectares and it lies between the A2 motorway, Horster Straße and Rungenbergstrasse. Here is the remains of a former coking plant of the Hugo I / IV Zeche as well as streets and fields that once shaped the region.

activities and access to the heap

For the ascent to the Halde, visitors can use the stairs on the street "Zum Rungenberg", which enables the fastest access, or choose the long walks that offer a gentler increase. A visit to New Year's Eve is particularly recommended if the fireworks can be admired at the viewpoint. But even on other days, wonderful sunsets are a popular motif.

In spring, the heap is easy to visit without winter clothing, and the natural environment invites you to various activities. The unique design of the heap, with the two walk-in, steep triangular pyramid halves from the overburden and the rail plateau with rusty railways, also attracts many visitors. These installations were created in 1999 by Klaus Noculak and Hermann Esrichter and are an indication of the industrial history of the region.

The heap is freely accessible at all times. It is best to travel by car via the A2 to exit 6 Gelsenkirchen-Buer, where visitors can follow the signage. Alternatively, there are connections by bus or train to Hugostraße, followed by a walking path to access. For cyclists, a bike path on the Hugobahn leads directly to the heap.

The Halde Rungenberg is not only valued by nature lovers, but also offers the possibility of exciting activities such as llama hikes or excursions to close sights such as the Berge Castle and the Hoheward landscape park. The impressive skyline of Essen and other heaps are also easy to see from the summit.

Further information can be found on wdr and Ruhr area Industrial culture .