Germany – Saarland (Saarbrücken) September 12, 2019
Völklingen Ironworks. This immense smelter was begun in 1881, completed in 1883, and closed in 1986. It was a crucial aspect of Germany’s industrialization during the 20th century. At its peak, 17,000 people worked here. Initially, it produced steel for railway tracks and later developed steel girders for building construction. By-products of iron production, such as fertilizer and tar, were an essential part of the business. During WW II, it was involved in armament production, including helmets, and after the war, it produced much of the steel necessary to rebuild Germany.
In 1994, it became the first industrial site in any country to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is an active museum showcasing the making of iron and offering tours of the production areas, a jungle of pipes, metal tracks, huge silos, chimneys, and metal structures. There are more than 6 kilometres of pathways that can be explored independently, including the sintering shed, burden shed, and coking plant. A must is climbing to the top of the platform. There are also constantly changing art and history exhibits. €17
