Photowalks on the Industrial Heritage Trail – Autumn Edition 2026

 

The photo walks along the Industrial Heritage Route are all about discovering very special places together. Always present – the camera, with which the old mines, dumps, and industrial facilities are recreated. The variety is provided not only by the different locations, from the Henrichenburg Ship Lift to the Zollern Colliery to the Bochum Railway Museum, but also by the various photographic themes, which are approached in creative ways depending on the respective location. 

During the photo walks, experienced speaker and photography coach Dirk Böttger offers numerous practical tips on photography. These range from basic settings for mobile phones or cameras to creative ideas such as double exposure or Instagram-style images. 

The old mines and industrial facilities have a special atmosphere and offer many interesting motifs that can be captured with simple, creative means. Whether young or old, professional, amateur, or smartphone photographer – everyone is welcome to join us for a walk with their camera. 

Since the group size is limited to a maximum of 12 people, everyone is welcome to ask questions and share their own photo ideas. The price for each photo walk, which lasts approximately two and a half to three hours, is €25 (including admission). 

Overview and booking of all photo walks:

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Photo Walks 2026

August 21, 2026

UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein Essen: Architecture in the Evening

As daylight fades and the lights of the industrial landscape awaken, the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site unfolds its special charm. On this photo walk, you'll discover spectacular architectural motifs and learn how to capture the atmosphere of the blue hour with a camera or smartphone. Photography instructor Dirk Böttger will demonstrate practical techniques for achieving creative effects using long exposures, multiple exposures, and HDR photography. The workshop is aimed at all photography enthusiasts – no prior knowledge is required. Meeting point: 18 p.m. at the orange escalator to the coal washing plant.
August 22, 2026

Ewald Colliery and Hoheward Slag Heap – Insights and Perspectives in a Double Pack

This photo walk combines impressive industrial architecture with sweeping panoramic views. Together with photography instructor Dirk Böttger, you'll explore the Ewald Colliery and the Hoheward spoil tip – two locations that vividly illustrate the history and transformation of the Ruhr region. The walk begins with an exclusive tour of the former Ewald Colliery grounds, including normally inaccessible areas such as the changing room and the boiler house. Afterwards, you'll ascend the Hoheward spoil tip with its spectacular views, horizon observatory, and sundial – ideal subjects for panoramic and sunset shots. Dirk Böttger will provide practical tips on composition, focus, sharpness and blur, color, ISO, and long exposures. The workshop is suitable for all photography enthusiasts – whether with a camera or smartphone. Meeting point: 16:00 PM at the entrance to the Hoheward Visitor Center. Ends around 19:00 PM.
September 04, 2026

LWL Museum Henrichshütte Hattingen – Exhilaration at the blast furnace

The Henrichshütte Hattingen is one of the Ruhr region's most impressive industrial monuments. Steel structures, pipelines, staircases, conveyor systems, and the blast furnace offer a unique backdrop full of shapes, lines, and perspectives – from panoramas to intricate details. Together with photography instructor Dirk Böttger, you'll discover the architectural features of the former ironworks and learn how to effectively capture them in your photographs. The focus will be on composition, perspective, light and shadow, and the strategic use of focal lengths. This photo walk is for all photography enthusiasts – whether you use a camera or a smartphone. The Henrichshütte is open until 23 p.m. on this evening, and the photo walk ends around 20 p.m. Meeting point: September 04.09th, 17 p.m. in front of the Henrichshütte entrance.
September 12, 2026

Light drawing in the landscape park

As dusk falls over Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park, Jonathan Park's illuminations spectacularly showcase the former industrial site. On this photo walk, you'll learn the art of light painting and create extraordinary visual worlds using long exposures. Together with photography instructor Dirk Böttger, you'll creatively photograph the industrial architecture using flashlights and other light sources. You'll also receive practical tips on long exposures, HDR photography, and camera and smartphone settings. No prior experience is necessary. Please bring a tripod and flashlight, if you have them. Meeting point: 18:00 PM at the gatekeeper's hut at the entrance to Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park. The walk ends around 21:00 PM.
September 25, 2026

Henrichenburg Ship Lift – A Masterpiece of Engineering

The Henrichenburg ship lift is one of Germany's most impressive technical monuments. Together with the 1962 lift and the large shipping lock, it forms the fascinating lock park of the LWL Museum. On this photo walk, you'll discover architecture and technology from exciting perspectives. Photography instructor Dirk Böttger will show you how to effectively capture striking structures, geometric shapes, and details. The focus will be on panoramas, HDR and multiple exposures, as well as black and white photography. You'll also receive practical tips on composition, perspective, light, and shadow. This photo walk is perfect for anyone who wants to rediscover industrial heritage through photography. Meeting point: 15:00 p.m. at the museum entrance. Admission is included in the workshop price. The walk ends around 18:00 p.m.
September 26, 2026

Zollern Colliery: The jewel

Zollern Colliery is one of Germany's most beautiful industrial monuments. With its richly decorated brick facades, magnificent gables, and impressive Art Nouveau portal, it resembles a castle more than a former coal mine – it's not without reason that it's also known as the "Castle of Labor." On this photo walk, you'll discover the extraordinary architecture of the LWL Industrial Museum from ever-changing perspectives. Together with photography instructor Dirk Böttger, you'll learn how to capture striking buildings, fascinating details, and the unique atmosphere of the historic colliery. The focus will be on various creative photographic techniques. You'll learn how to create successful HDR and panoramic shots and how double exposures lead to exceptional image compositions. You'll also discover the power of black and white photography to consciously emphasize structures, contrasts, and the interplay of light and shadow. The targeted use of focus and blur also opens up new possibilities for creatively showcasing architecture. The workshop is open to everyone – regardless of whether you use a camera or a smartphone. Meeting point: 15:00 p.m. at the museum entrance. The photo walk lasts until approximately 18:00 PM. Museum admission is included in the workshop price.

03 October 2026

Friedrich Heinrich Colliery Park – Highs and Lows

The Friedrich Heinrich Colliery Park in Kamp-Lintfort combines mining history with modern parkland. Where coal was once mined, a new anchor point on the Industrial Heritage Trail was created after the 2020 State Garden Show. The photo walk begins in the training mine of the former colliery. Machines, tunnels, and technical details offer exceptional subjects. Photography instructor Dirk Böttger demonstrates how to create atmospheric shots even in challenging lighting conditions using exposure, additional lighting, and flash. Afterward, the group ascends the approximately 70-meter-high winding tower. From there, impressive views open up over the colliery park, the miners' settlement, and the Lower Rhine region. The focus is on panoramic and wide-angle shots, composition, perspective, and appropriate camera settings. The workshop is suitable for all photography enthusiasts – whether with a camera or smartphone. Meeting point: 14:00 p.m. at the training mine, Friedrich-Heinrich-Allee 80, 47475 Kamp-Lintfort. Admission to the training mine and winding tower is included. The workshop ends around 17:00 p.m.
16 October 2026

Gasometer Oberhausen - Cathedral of Industrial Culture

The Oberhausen Gasometer, standing at 117,5 meters tall, is one of the Ruhr region's most striking landmarks. On this photo walk, you'll discover this imposing structure from unique perspectives – from the rooftop with its sweeping panoramic views to the atmospheric evening light surrounding the Gasometer. Photography instructor and industrial heritage expert Dirk Böttger will demonstrate how to capture these expansive vistas in stunning detail. The focus will be on panorama and HDR photography, as well as the creative use of filters. After visiting the viewing platform, the illuminated Gasometer itself will become the subject of your own photographs. Along the Rhine-Herne Canal, you'll capture images of the monumental architecture, the Kaisergarten (Emperor's Garden), and the illuminated Slinky Springs to Fame Bridge. Meeting point: 17:30 p.m. at the InfoLounge/ticket office of the Oberhausen Gasometer. The walk concludes around 20:30 p.m. Bonus: On October 16.10th, participants can also visit the "Mythos Wald" (Myth of the Forest) exhibition. Admission is included in the participation fee; the sign-up sheet is available at the ticket office.
17 October 2026

Jahrhunderthalle Bochum: Architecture in the evening and a trip into the underworld

The Jahrhunderthalle, a listed historical monument, is one of the Ruhr region's most famous industrial heritage sites. Once a gas power plant, now an impressive event venue, it combines historic architecture with modern use. On this photo walk, you'll discover the hall's architecture and its hidden underworld: former supply shafts that once connected production facilities in Bochum. Photographer and photography instructor Dirk Böttger will show you how to effectively stage special subjects. After the tour through the underground, we'll continue through the grounds as darkness falls to capture the atmospheric lighting. The focus will be on lines, shapes, colors, and composition. No prior knowledge is required. Start: 17:30 p.m., end: around 20:00 p.m. Meeting point: in front of the visitor information center in the pump house (BIP). Admission included.
23 October 2026

Bochum Railway Museum: Railway Treasures

Immerse yourself in the world of railways: The Bochum Railway Museum, with its more than 50 historic locomotives, railcars, carriages, and other exceptional railway vehicles, offers a unique backdrop for expressive photographs. Together with photography instructor Dirk Böttger, you'll discover fascinating subjects and learn how to effectively showcase historical technology. The focus will be on composition, perspective, details, and appropriate camera settings – from monumental locomotives to weathered surfaces. Black and white photography will also be covered, highlighting shapes, structures, and contrasts with particular impact. This workshop is suitable for all photography enthusiasts, regardless of prior experience. Meeting point: 14:00 p.m. at the Bochum Railway Museum ticket office. Museum admission is included. The workshop concludes around 17:00 p.m.