The Explorer Pass:
The standard work on the route of industrial culture

Discover the industrial culture of the Ruhr area and all of our 57 highlights

If you want to discover something, you first have to know where there is something to discover. The discovery pass is the ideal companion for this: It offers an overview of the outstanding testimonies to the industrial past of the Ruhr area, which together form the route of industrial culture - 27 anchor points, 17 panoramas of the industrial landscape and 13 important settlements.

The Ruhr area is very dense. Therefore, there are other places and activities in the vicinity of each sight that round off a journey of discovery wonderfully. In the new discovery pass we have listed possible destinations that are within a radius of 5 kilometers and are all part of the themed route locations. It is worth making a detour here!

Reward for active explorers

The passport is not only a guide but also a collector's book: Visitors can collect stamps at numerous locations. Those who have visited at least eight sites receive a reflective industrial heritage route hip bag at the visitor centers at the Zollverein Coal Mine in Essen or the Hoheward spoil tip in Herten – while supplies last.

Digital on the go

The Explorer Pass is now also available in a digital version, making it the perfect companion on your smartphone. It provides information on all locations along the Industrial Heritage Trail and additional tourist offers such as guided tours, events, and restaurants, all with just one click.

The digital explorer pass can be accessed via the button or the QR code.