Westphalia Colliery

When they hear the word "colliery", most people first think of the Ruhr region. But there is also one in the Münsterland: the "Westfalen" colliery in Ahlen. The former coal mine is now a monument, leisure area and commercial zone: markets, events, tourist attractions and high-tech companies characterise the image of the disused colliery. Experience one of the highest indoor climbing walls, play football in Germany's first soccerkaue or visit the Grubenwehr Museum. Cafés, picnic areas and long promenades round off the attraction.

Let yourself be inspired

Cyclist at Westfalen Colliery
© Münsterland e.V./ Kai Marc Pel
Construction of the Westfalen colliery began in 1907
© Münsterland e.V./ Kai Marc Pel
Former coal mine, today a monument, commercial and leisure area
© Münsterland e.V./ Kai Marc Pel
Aerial view of the colliery in Ahlen
© Münsterland e.V./ Kai Marc Pel
The winding towers of Westfalen Colliery
© Münsterland e.V./ Kai Marc Pel
The colliery grounds are perfect for a bike tour
© Münsterland e.V./ Kai Marc Pel

From coal and miners to culture and leisure

The construction of the coalfield began in 1907, and the first coal was mined here five years later. A total of seven shafts were subsequently built. The colliery was not only one of the most modern mines of the late Empire, but also the deepest at the time. For in Ahlen the miners had to descend to a previously unattained depth of over 1 km. In the Ruhr area, by contrast, the "black gold" came almost directly to the surface in some places.

In 2000, the colliery was finally shut down. Little by little, the shafts disappeared. All that remains is the double shaft system I/II with the two remaining winding towers, which are listed as historical monuments. In addition, there are various other historic buildings to discover, for example the gatekeeper's building, the workshops or the locomotive shed.

Listen in! Podcast "So oder so" | The colliery in Ahlen

"SO OR SO - your Münsterland". With this podcast from Germany's most beautiful region, you will experience a short acoustic tour of the colliery site in Ahlen. Come along and learn more about a piece of industrial culture in Münsterland in ten minutes:

Map | Ahlen

5 Tips for Westfalen Colliery

  • The WerseRadweg runs for 125 kilometres through the southern Münsterland region. Ahlen is one of the stops along the route. Follow the river through the beautiful landscapes of Münsterland and get to know the interesting places along the way.
  • The cycle tour"Paths full of contrasts" combines industrial culture with gentle landscapes over 49 kilometres.
  • In Ahlen's old town, modern buildings meet historically valuable architecture: buildings such as St Bartholomew's Church and the Old Town Hall on the market square are just some of the important buildings from seven centuries.
  • Visit Ahlen as part of an event: the town festival or the Pöttkes- and Töttkenmarkt are among the absolute highlights of the year.
  • From the town gallery to the art museum to the museum in the goldsmith's house: there is a lot to learn in the centre of Ahlen.

Places of interest around Westfalen Colliery

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