Ruhrgebiet Geopark, geopark
The Ruhrgebiet Geopark is a geopark in Germany that displays the geological history of the region through multiple sites, old mines, and rock formations. The area features marked walking and cycling trails plus two visitor centers where people can learn about fossils, rock layers, and how the landscape developed over time.
The Ruhrgebiet Geopark was established in 2004 and officially recognized in 2006 as the world's first geopark in an urban area. The region's story spans millions of years of rock formations reaching back to the Devonian period, combined with mining activities that transformed the landscape starting in the 1800s.
The Geopark reflects the region's deep connection to its mining heritage and how people use the landscape to explore their local history. Visitors walk historical routes and visit old mines to understand how underground work shaped both the community and the terrain.
Visitors can explore the region through two main centers, one at Zeche Nachtigall and one in Ennepetal, both offering informative exhibitions. The area is easy to reach from nearby cities, and many walking and cycling trails suit beginners and families.
A rare fossil named Ichniotherium praesidentis was discovered in Bochum, showing the footprints of an ancient animal from long ago. This find helps scientists better understand how life existed millions of years in the past.
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