Westfalenhütte, Industrial heritage site in Dortmund, Germany.
The Westfalenhütte is a steelworks in northeast Dortmund that stretches across a large site with production halls, administrative buildings, and supporting infrastructure. The grounds are now partially used by modern surface treatment facilities.
The works was founded in 1871 and grew into one of Germany's largest steel producers, employing thousands of people. In the late 20th century, it underwent major transformations that reduced its role as a primary production hub.
The Hoeschpark, a recreational area from the 1930s, features open green spaces and pathways that once served as respite for steelworkers and their families from factory labor. The park still reflects this social care through its generous layout.
Parts of the site are publicly accessible, particularly the Hoeschpark and some historic areas, while other sections remain active operational zones. It's best to check in advance which areas are open to visitors, as not all zones permit public access.
Notably, substantial portions of the works were dismantled in the 1990s and reconstructed in China, representing an unusual relocation of industrial capacity. This process shows how historic German industrial facilities became integrated into global production networks.
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