Landschaftspark Mechtenberg, Public park in Gelsenkirchen, Germany
Landschaftspark Mechtenberg is a 290 hectare park spanning three cities: Gelsenkirchen, Essen, and Bochum, with meadows, orchards, and walking trails. The grounds feature a restored landfill mound, winding pathways, and a distinctive bridge that connects different sections of the park.
The hill formed during the Ice Age when the Ruhr River flowed approximately 50 meters higher than today, leaving geological layers in the landscape. During the 20th century, the mound was used as a landfill before later being transformed into a public park.
Four basalt sound steles created by artist Thomas Link in 1998 stand in a cross shape at the entrance to the reclaimed landfill site. These installations invite visitors to produce sounds and create an artistic connection with the landscape around them.
The park is accessible from multiple entry points and connects to the regional cycling network for easy arrival. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the trails vary in difficulty and the hill rises steeply in some sections.
A distinctive bridge with fan-shaped iron supports crosses the park, allowing visitors to traverse different areas without taking long detours. This technical design was specifically created to minimize impact on the landscape.
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