Zeche Dorstfeld

Zeche Dorstfeld is a coal mine and architectural monument in Dortmund with several industrial buildings from the 19th century. The site preserves mining equipment, engine rooms, and administrative buildings that show how coal was extracted and processed.

The mine was developed through the 19th century and became a major operation in the Ruhr region. A disaster in 1925 resulted in significant loss of life and prompted changes to mining safety rules across Germany.

The name comes from the Dorstfeld neighborhood in Dortmund, reflecting an era when mining shaped daily life here. The preserved structures remind visitors how deeply mining was woven into the lives of workers and their families.

Visiting the site works best with a guided tour arranged through the Dortmund Tourism Office. Wear comfortable shoes since pathways around the grounds can be uneven in places.

Several original mechanical systems remain on site, showing how mining technology evolved from the late 1800s onward. These preserved machines offer insight into what daily work actually looked like for the miners.