Zeche Sterkrade

Zeche Sterkrade is a former coal mine featuring a red brick building from 1903 with rounded arches and tall rectangular window pairs that give it distinctive proportions. The complex also includes a three-legged headframe in Promnitz construction style, which was restored and returned to its original appearance in recent years.

The site began as a ventilation shaft for the nearby Osterfeld mine in 1897, then evolved into an independent coal production facility starting in 1903. This transformation marked the beginning of large-scale mining operations in the region during the industrial boom period.

The name Sterkrada comes from Dutch origins and refers to the settlement that once stood here. Today you can see how the mining operation shaped local identity and remains a point of reference for the community.

Access to the site is typically through guided tours that provide insight into how the mine operated and its role in local history. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for outdoor conditions, as portions of the tour take place outside and weather can change depending on the season.

The headframe underwent major restoration between 2012 and 2015 that revealed and restored its original red color, which had been hidden under decades of grime. This work exposed architectural details that had become nearly invisible to visitors.