Halde Hoheward, Summit and former waste dump in Herten-Recklinghausen, Germany
Halde Hoheward is a reclaimed industrial heap between Herten and Recklinghausen that now serves as a viewpoint and art site. At the top, visitors find large-scale steel sculptures, a horizontal sundial, and sweeping views across the region.
The mound formed from waste materials of several coal mines including Recklinghausen II and Ewald, accumulated over decades. After the mines closed, the site was redesigned as a public space with artistic installations.
The site merges industrial heritage with astronomical observation through its art installations and design. Visitors experience how the region's mining past has been transformed into a place for studying the skies.
The site is accessible via several routes, including a 500-step stairway from the north or a gentler path crossing the dragon bridge. Plan your visit for dry weather to safely navigate the paths, and expect clear sightlines in all directions from the top.
The dragon bridge takes its name from local folklore, and the art installations were specifically designed to encourage visitors to observe the sky and horizon. This unusual blend of ground-level experience and celestial focus creates a meditative quality to the visit.
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