Pumpwerk Alte Emscher

Pumpwerk Alte Emscher is a pumping station featuring a distinctive reinforced concrete dome approximately 41 meters (135 feet) in diameter and 24.5 meters (80 feet) tall. The structure was designed to collect wastewater from a large industrial area and lift it into a main collector pipe that carries it toward the Rhine River.

The station was built between 1912 and 1914 when ground subsidence in the Ruhr region made natural water drainage impossible. This sinking was caused by intensive mining activities that had altered the land and created the need for a technical solution to manage water flow.

The building shows how engineering and artistic design were combined, created by Alfred Fischer who later led the Folkwang School of Design in Essen. Visitors can see how a purely practical structure was given aesthetic care and attention.

Access to the site depends on current visiting rules, so it is best to check ahead before arriving. The location sits in an industrial area, so plan travel time accordingly and consider exploring the surrounding neighborhood as part of your visit.

The structure received designation as the first Historic Landmark of Civil Engineering in North Rhine-Westphalia in 2013. This recognition honors its value as a rare early example of industrial architecture with genuine design quality.

Location: Duisburg

GPS coordinates: 51.47990,6.72802

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:06