Schurenbachhalde, Industrial spoil tip in Altenessen-Süd, Germany
Schurenbachhalde is a mining waste mound in the Altenessen-Süd district that covers a large area with woodland paths leading to the top. The summit features an open plateau surfaced with gravel, punctuated by a prominent steel sculpture.
The site accumulated mining waste over decades until extraction stopped in the 1950s, when the heap was artificially formed into its current shape. This transformation marks the transition from resource extraction to public recreation.
A large steel sculpture by Richard Serra sits at the summit and serves as a focal point for understanding the site's industrial past. The artwork transforms the hilltop into a gallery where visitors can reflect on the area's transformation.
The site is accessible via multiple entry points with hiking and cycling routes connecting to nearby areas. Wear sturdy footwear, as paths are partly unpaved and the climb requires some physical effort.
From the summit, visitors gain a panoramic perspective across the Ruhr region showing the industrial landscape that shaped this location. The vantage point creates a direct connection between where you stand and the resource extraction that created it.
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