Landschaftpark Duisburg Nord, Ruhr Valley, Germany
What makes Landschaftpark Duisburg Nord unique is the long industrial history that it honors. In 1901, the site became the home of a large blast furnace for August Thyssen’s ironmaking company. Since the mid 19th century and fueled by the industrial revolution, the Ruhr Valley had become Germany’s industrial center. Endowed with natural deposits of coal, the landscape quickly began to reflect the booming coal, iron and steel industries and Thyssen’s mill was no exception.
The mill closed in 1985 but was saved from demolition by a strong public commitment to preserve the “temples of work” that were a part of the region’s heritage. These included the blast furnace, engine house, blower house complex, cast house, gasholder, offices and a store house all of which stand today in the form of an open air museum.
Many of the buildings have been converted to house new activities. The old switchgear house now houses the park office, information center and a stellar bistro, the Switchgear Restaurant. The Blower House was renovated to a 500 seat concert hall and the Blower House lobby is available for small receptions in an interesting industrial setting. The Pump House holds events ranging from product launches to raves. The Compressor House features a modern full service bar set amid extraordinary old machinery. The old Cast House was once the site of glowing, red hot metal. Now a stage has been installed in front of the old blast furnace complete with a 1000 seat grandstand. The Engine House was once the power center of the mill. The hall now hosts galas, dances and rock concerts accommodating up to 4100 people.
The grounds of Landschaftpark Duisburg Nord have undergone transformation as well. With the end of industrial production on the site, nature has been given time to restore itself. Irises and lilies grow around former water cooling tanks and wild poppies and other flowers have established colonies throughout the park. An area known as the Wilderness is an undisturbed meadow where blackberry bushes and willow trees invite countless songbirds to breed and live.
One of the legacies of industry in the region is water pollution. At Landschaftpark Duisburg Nord. The Old Emscher is a system of canals formerly used as a surface disposal outlet for waster water from industry and homes. The Old Emscher runs through the park but today, wastewater runs through a subsurface pipeline. The Emscher is no longer a conduit for waste. Instead it is fed by clarified or isolated waters. The isolated water runs off of sealed areas in the park or roof tops. The clarified water is part of a wind energy system.
The wind energy tower is left over from the old sintering site. A pump in the tower moves water from the Old Emscher into aqueducts that carry the water throughout the park. In dry times, this water is used to replenish the gardens around Landschaftpark Dusiburg Nord. When the water isn’t needed, it returns to the Emscher from a high water spout. The process enriches the water with oxygen, clarified for return to the canal in an exciting display.
On a visit to Landschaftpark Duisburg Nord, there are countless ways to enjoy the unique park. The grounds are open around the clock and admission is free. There are bike paths through old train track paths, gardens to visit and shady grass to picnic in. For kids, the park has an outdoor jungle gym that incorporates old industry with adventure. There is also a working farm with goats and horses that serves as a nature center. Tours are available by bike, carriage or foot and vary from nature tours to industrial heritage. There is even a tour available at night through the illuminated blast furnace.
For serious recreation, the park has become home to two outdoor enthusiast groups. The German Mountaineering Association has created a climbing garden within the old bunkers formerly used to store coal and ore. They have also created a rock climbing walk, a man made trek through peaks and valleys secured by steel ropes and ladders. The climbing garden is only open to members of the climbing association but for adventurers, Landschaftpark Duisburg Nord offers a guided high wire tour through cables and bridges secured throughout the old buildings. Visitors are always welcome to climb the scaffolding of the Blast Furnace which offers one of the best panoramic views of the Ruhr Valley from 70 meters up as well as a close look at the monstrous old mill.
The other outdoor adventure group to take up residence at Landschaft Duisburg Nord is the Park Diving Club. The gasholder or gasometer for Thyssen’s steel mill is similar to a very large silo. Instead of grain it held the gases for the blast furnace. The gasholder has been drained and residue removed. It was filled with water and has now become one of Germany’s most innovative diving centers. It features a gravel bottom, an artificial reef and a shipwreck.
The long industrial history of Landschaftpark Duisburg Nord is sure to be matched in its new form as one of the most innovative parks in the Ruhr Valley. The park has something for people of all ages and interests. From strolling through gardens, exploring the region’s industrial past, enjoying the bistro or attending a cultural event the park is a haven for recreation. The industrial wasteland once destined for the wrecking ball is today a vibrant park and a vital part of life in the Ruhr Valley.
