Zeche Osterfeld, Coal mine in Oberhausen, Germany
Zeche Osterfeld is a former coal mine in Oberhausen featuring two vertical shafts with distinctive Malakoff towers reaching approximately 30 meters high. The complex preserves numerous industrial buildings and technical equipment that show different stages of coal extraction technology.
Zeche Osterfeld began operations in 1879 when the first shaft reached coal deposits at significant depth. The mine shaped the industrial development of the Ruhr region and became a major employer for Oberhausen.
The site reflects the working conditions and daily life of miners in the Ruhr region through its preserved structures and industrial layout. Visitors can see how the physical space was organized around the demands of coal extraction.
The site is partially open for walking, allowing visitors to explore the exterior of buildings and structures. Wear sturdy footwear as some areas have uneven ground, and be cautious around older industrial buildings.
A devastating water intrusion in the early years forced miners to completely abandon the initial shaft and relocate elsewhere. This event demonstrates the hazards miners faced and the ingenuity required to overcome them.
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