Halde Rheinpreußen

Halde Rheinpreußen is a spoil tip created from materials extracted during coal mining operations, rising 103 meters above the surrounding land. At its peak stands the Geleucht installation, a red lamp structure composed of multiple poles that dominates the summit and illuminates during nighttime hours.

This spoil heap formed in 1963 from excavation materials at Zeche Rheinpreußen mine shaft 5/9, representing a significant remnant of the region's industrial past. The Geleucht artistic installation was later added to honor the legacy of coal mining heritage in the area.

The red lamp installation commemorates the coal mining industry that once shaped the region, and observing it helps visitors understand how central that work was to local communities. When lit at night, the structure creates a visible reminder of the labor and industries that defined this area.

The summit is accessible via pathways and stairs from various entry points around the site. From the top, visitors can take in views of the surrounding landscape and the wider North Rhine-Westphalia region stretching beyond.

The red lamp installation at the summit was designed by artist Otto Piene and remains one of the most recognizable artworks in the region today. Visitors often discover that viewing the site at night reveals the full impact of the lighting, when the red glow becomes the most visible feature across the landscape.

GPS coordinates: 51.47855,6.64937

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:48