Völklingen Ironworks — Attraction in Völklingen

Industrial revolution at its finest!

Wonderful experience, one of a kind and must see while in Saarland! I was impressed from the moment I entered the ironworks until the time I left.

There is no audio guide available at the Ironworks, only a paper brochure with a map, however there are a lot of interactive screens and story boards all over the place to substitute (available in 3 languages - German, French and English). The only audio guide visitors can obtain is for the exhibition "The World of Music Video" located at the main building.

The self-guided tour takes visitors to 6 major stops (indicated on the map) however I got irritated at the beginning as the sign postings were not really clear and straightforward, sometimes confusing, therefore I got lost a couple of times and suddenly ended up at the totally wrong place. Once I realized this is an old factory and I can wander around as much as I want (only at permitted areas) I forgot about any signs and enjoyed exploring around. Truly fascinating experience!

In the middle of the tour (before entering station 4) there is a rest area with tables and vending machines, but I was unable to get any refreshments as the machines accepted only coins and were not functioning anyway. Visitors also need to pick up a helmet before visiting the blast furnaces - the most interesting part of the tour and the place where the actual transformation of ore and coke into pig iron took place!

Everything is worth visiting! The different parts of the factory each offer something special: The cooking plant - where hard coal was converted into coke. The burden shed - where raw material used to be stored and currently serves as a gallery, which is by the way an excellent place to blend industrial backgrounds with art! Or the Paradise - the ruins of the ironworks where flora and fauna reclaimed their former terrain. The Ferrodrome takes visitors to a learning journey of how steel is made from all the ingredients with a little bit of help from water, fire, soil and air.

Be prepared to spend a lot of time here! I did wander around for approximately 3 hours, but I could easily stretch it to 4 or 5 hours if I wanted to see everything in detail. Price ticket of 17 EUR is adequate for this engineering marvel. The cinema at the visitors center was closed during my visit. I visited during the weekend, and the place was fairly empty. Visited in July 2022.

Tips: Don't forget to climb up to the top of the furnace to see the whole...

2024

The Völklingen Ironworks, a cultural landmark close to Saarbrucken in the Saarlands, has been a UNESCO protected site since 1994. Founded in 1873 and decommissioned in 1986, Völklinger Hütte stands as the first industrial monument of the industrial era.

This location is rock in history, including the Dark ages. I have always been a lover of abandoned industrial areas, aside from other monuments that might have been constructed for different purposes, these areas were a crucial in igniting the industrial revolution.

Google maps indicates where it is, easy find. Students under the age of 25 are admitted free of charge, while others fees apply. Visit official website for information on priceing and opening hours.

You must spend at least three hours here because this location is enormous, with many strata covering history, death survival, and a host of other dubious and irrefutable feelings.

A film exhibit was taking place, and this place doubles as a gallery.

This area has an uncanny aura; if you find dim, cramped spaces uncomfortable, please endure and appreciate the enormity of this site.

One of Germany's must...

The most unique experience we've ever made. Historical, massive, impressive and literally breathtaking. In addition there's currently the 'Urban Art Benniale' and 'Der Deutsche Film' exhibition in the big halls at the start. We bought a one day ticket and took tons of photos. Since we stopped almost every 5 meters to take in the environment, we didn't accomplish seeing everything in the around 5 hours we spent there, so we will definitely swing by for a second visit! The signposting for the route can be a little confusing, but for us it actually became a fun game to spot all the arrows on the way at some points :) We went on a public holiday and it was very pleasant in the morning right after the ironworks opened regarding the crowds. Got fuller in the afternoon hours. Recommend good and flat shoes for the upper platforms, because there are plenty grids including the stairs to walk on. We highly appreciate the fact that we live in a time where locations like this still exist and are open to educate the public. If you have an eye for detail there's LOTS to discover and cherish! 10/10...