Halde Rheinpreussen

Imagine a vast green hill rising above the plain, topped by a shining, giant symbol of the mining era. This is Halde Rheinpreußen—a unique monument of industrial culture located in the city of Moers, Germany. A former coal mine spoil tip about 70 meters high, it has been transformed into one of the most recognizable observation points in the Ruhr region.

Rheinpreussen Heap. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main feature of this site is the monumental art installation "Das Geleucht" ("The Light"), created by artist Otto Piene. It is a colossal replica of a miner's lamp, standing about 30 meters high. This impressive structure, weighing 115 tons, is recognized as the world's largest work of art dedicated to the work of miners. At night, the installation bathes the hilltop in a mystical red light, reminiscent of the glowing furnaces and underground riches of the region.

Today, the spoil tip is part of the popular Ruhr Industrial Heritage Trail. It is not just a historical site, but a vibrant public space where nature is reclaiming the industrial past, creating ideal conditions for walks and contemplating the panoramas of the Lower Rhine.

To plan your visit to this industrial landmark, it's helpful to have the exact coordinates. The site is open to the public, and the basic information is provided below:

The main magnet for visitors is, undoubtedly, the climb to the top to see the "Das Geleucht" installation. You can choose comfortable trails or stairs that lead through dense greenery to the observation deck. From the height, a breathtaking panoramic view opens up: on a clear day, you can see the industrial landscapes of the Ruhr, the bends of the Rhine, and even the silhouettes of neighboring cities.

Photography enthusiasts will find a special pleasure here. It is recommended to visit during the "blue hour"—the time just after sunset. That is when 35 light columns and the giant lamp itself paint the space in a rich crimson color, creating surreal shots against the darkening sky.

The surrounding area of the spoil tip is perfect for hiking and family recreation. At its base lies the Waldsee forest lake, which features walking routes and picnic spots. In the summer, organized tours are often held, during which you can climb to the inner platform of the lamp itself and learn more about the secrets of its construction.

There are several ways to reach this location in Moers. If you are traveling by car, use the address Gutenbergstraße, 47443 Moers. There is convenient parking at the foot of the spoil tip, where the walking trails to the summit begin.

For those who prefer public transport, the route goes through the Moers railway station. The city is conveniently located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, just 8 km from Duisburg and 14 km from Krefeld. From the station, you can reach the destination by local bus or taxi in about 10–15 minutes.

Outdoor enthusiasts often choose to arrive by bicycle. The spoil tip is integrated into the famous Industrial Heritage Trail, which connects the key industrial monuments of the Ruhr. Well-maintained paths lead here from neighboring cities like Oberhausen, making it an excellent option for a weekend bike ride.

The history of this site is inextricably linked to the industrial boom of the Ruhr. The Rheinpreußen mine, founded by industry pioneer Franz Haniel, was the first coal mine on the left bank of the Rhine. The extraction of this valuable resource continued here for over a century—from 1876 to 1990. The spoil tip we see today was formed in 1963 from rock extracted from the mine shafts.

The site gained a second life through art. In 1999, the famous artist Otto Piene, co-founder of the avant-garde group ZERO, proposed turning the gray industrial hill into a monument to mining labor. The idea was to create a giant lamp that would serve as a beacon of memory for the entire region.

The construction of the monument was carried out in several stages: first, a lighting system of 35 poles was installed, and in 2007, the "Lamp" itself crowned the summit. The official opening took place on September 17, 2007. Today, Halde Rheinpreußen serves as a striking example of land reclamation, where a former industrial zone has been transformed into a cultural space and a vital point on the Industrial Heritage Trail map.

For a standard tour of the attraction, 1–2 hours is sufficient for most tourists. This time is enough to leisurely climb the trails to the top, examine the art object in detail, and enjoy the panoramic views from the observation deck.

If you plan a visit in the evening, it is worth setting aside about 3 hours. The magic of this place unfolds gradually: you can catch the sunset, wait for the red illumination to turn on, and take a stroll to the nearby Waldsee lake. This approach allows you to fully experience the contrast between industrial power and the silence of nature.

The spoil tip territory is open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can come here early in the morning to catch the sunrise, or late at night to see the famous illumination in its full glory.

The installation's red lighting turns on every night, transforming the hill into a bright beacon. The stairs leading directly to the "Lamp's" observation platform are also regularly accessible to tourists, making the site convenient for a spontaneous visit on any day of the week.

A visit to "Das Geleucht" can easily be combined with other interesting sights in the area. The city is rich in both industrial monuments and charming historical locations that help you dive deeper into the atmosphere of the Lower Rhine.