Thanks to the World Cup that took me back to Germany again. Zollverein was on my list to visit for a long time, but going to Germany for just to see this industrial complex was quite worthless in my idea. This world cup opportunity made me decided to visit the Ruhr area in the morning before the match in the evening and Essen was my prime target.

Ruhr area is an industrial powerhouse of Germany for a long time, but I really surprised to find out this region is very nice and very green despite of many factories and densely population. Essen or "Stahlstadt" by many Germans was famous for coal and Steal production and Krupp family with few tourist attractions, and the most popular sight is Zeche Zollverein coal mine complex.

The complex is very big and has many buildings built in Bauhaus inspired style making this mine looks very stylish and modern. I have to admit that this mine complex is really unique and its buildings are worthwhile to see. Unfortunately, the main buildings were closed for restoration during my trip so I did not have opportunity to see the mining museum. But the complex is not just a museum; many buildings in the complex have been transformed to be contemporary art museum, conference hall, cinema, restaurant, and even casino.

So far Zollverein is nice and should be the place to visit when you are in Essen. I also recommend you to go to this complex before it will transform to something strange. The development of this site is quite a hot issue in German news as some development devalued the significance of Zollverein which put it on world heritage list. (I think casino is a first step of bad development) The complex is just outside the town centre and from Essen Hbf takes tram no. 107 to Zeche Zollverein.