Völklingen Ironworks in Germany

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
View photos from OUR PLACE the World Heritage collection
UNESCO Commission of Germany
Weltkulturerbe Völklinger Hütte
Völklinger Eisenhütte (Deutsche UNESCO-Kommission)

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 1994
Size of heritage: 6.00 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 6,850°
Latitude: 49,244°

Summary

The ironworks, which cover some 6 ha, dominate the city of Völklingen. Although they have recently gone out of production, they are the only intact example, in the whole of western Europe and North America, of an integrated ironworks that was built and equipped in the 19th and 20th centuries and has remained intact.

Location on Map

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Introduction

The Völklingen Ironworks is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the state of Saarland, Germany. It is an industrial complex that played a significant role in the iron and steel industry during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it stands as a testament to the region's industrial heritage and serves as a museum and cultural center.

History

The Völklingen Ironworks was established in 1873 by Julius Buch, a German industrialist. It quickly grew to become one of the largest iron and steel production facilities in Europe. The ironworks played a crucial role in the industrialization of the Saar region, contributing to its economic growth and development.

During World War II, the ironworks were heavily targeted by Allied bombings due to their strategic importance. However, the complex managed to survive the war with minimal damage. After the war, the ironworks continued its operations and underwent several modernization efforts to keep up with technological advancements.

In the 1980s, the ironworks faced economic challenges due to global shifts in the steel industry. As a result, it ceased production in 1986. However, instead of being demolished, the complex was preserved and transformed into a museum and cultural center, opening its doors to the public in 1994.

Current State

Today, the Völklingen Ironworks is a well-preserved industrial monument that offers visitors a unique insight into the history of iron and steel production. The complex covers an area of 600,000 square meters and consists of numerous buildings, including blast furnaces, workshops, and administrative buildings.

Visitors can explore the ironworks through guided tours, which provide a comprehensive understanding of the site's historical significance and its impact on the region. The museum showcases various exhibitions that highlight the technological advancements and social aspects of the iron and steel industry.

One of the main attractions is the "Giant," a blast furnace that stands 27 meters tall. Visitors can climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The ironworks also hosts cultural events, concerts, and exhibitions, making it a vibrant hub for arts and culture in the region.

The Völklingen Ironworks was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, recognizing its outstanding universal value as an industrial monument. It serves as a symbol of the industrial revolution and the transformation of the Saar region into an industrial powerhouse.

Conclusion

Time Information

Checkout: 11:00 - Checkin: 12:00
Reception
Weekday: 8:00 - 23:00
Weekend: 9:00 - 4:00

Videos from the area

Zahnarztpraxis Dr Bugger - Völklingen

Published: December 02, 2014
Length: 29:00 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Dr. Marius Bugger

http://www.zahnarzt-in-voelklingen.de/ Dr Marius Bugger Fachzahnarzt für Oralchirurgie Bismarckstraße 32 66333 Völklingen IMPRESSUM: http://www.zahnarzt-in-voelklingen.de/about.

Die Kelten - Druiden. Fürsten. Krieger: Ausstellung in der Völklinger Hütte

Published: August 03, 2012
Length: 29:33 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: wwwkunstundfilmde

Impressions of the exhibition "The Celts - Druids. Counts. Warriors." from 20.11.2010 to 22.05.2011 at the Völklinger Hütte (former steel factory), Völklingen (Saarland). Impressionen der...

Landschaft aus Stahl: Völklinger Hütte, UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe

Published: November 19, 2012
Length: 47:12 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: Ulrich Hartmann

Es ist ein beeindurckendes Bauwerk- die "Völklinger Hütte". Im Rahmen der Jahresexkursion 2012 besuchten die Teilnehmer der BWK-Bezirksgruppe Darmstadt dieses Industrie-Denkmal, ...

Mini-Tutorial: Helikopter-Fliegen in SL (Second Life)

Published: October 18, 2011
Length: 29:26 min
Rating: 5 of 5
Author: eisberg

Ein kleines Tutorial über das Fliegen eines Helikopters in der virtuellen Welt von Second Life (tm). Damit ihr das schnell und vor allem günstig nachvollziehen könnt, bezieht sich das Tutorial...

Videos provided by Youtube are under the copyright of their owners.

Near airports

Saarbrücken Airport
Medium airport - 12 mi (20 km)

Zweibrücken Airport
Small airport - 25 mi (41 km)

Metz-Nancy-Lorraine Airport
Medium airport - 33 mi (53 km)

Luxembourg-Findel International Airport
Large airport - 39 mi (63 km)

Nancy-Essey Airport
Medium airport - 47 mi (77 km)

Bitburg Airport
Small airport - 50 mi (81 km)

Frankfurt-Hahn Airport
Medium airport - 52 mi (84 km)

Strasbourg Airport
Medium airport - 60 mi (97 km)

Karlsruhe Baden-Baden Airport
Large airport - 64 mi (104 km)

Frankfurt am Main International Airport
Large airport - 93 mi (150 km)