【World Heritage Site】What is the Völklingen Ironworks?｜Introducing the World’s First Industrial Heritage Site

Located near the German–French border in the state of Saarland, the Völklingen Ironworks is a World Heritage Site that embodies the history of German industry. It is the only ironworks in the world that has been completely preserved in its original state from the time it was operational, and in 1994, it became the first industrial heritage site to be registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Covering an expansive 600,000 square meters, the ironworks allows visitors to trace the entire process of pig iron refining. It is referred to as both an “Icon of Industrial Culture” and a “Cathedral of Labor.” Today, it attracts not only those who come to see the World Heritage Site but also visitors attending concerts, events, and other activities. In this article, we will explain the highlights of Germany’s proud industrial heritage — the Völklingen Ironworks.

What is the Völklingen Ironworks?

The first ironworks along the Saar River in Völklingen was built in 1873. However, due to high tariffs at the time, the plant shut down after only six years. In 1881, entrepreneur Carl Röchling purchased the closed steelworks and, two years later, began operating blast furnaces. Iron ore was procured from the nearby Lorraine region, and Röchling’s steel company grew rapidly.

During World War II, many prisoners of war and forced laborers were said to have been put to work at the Völklingen Ironworks. While most factories in Germany were bombed towards the end of the war, this ironworks survived almost entirely unscathed — a phenomenon still called “The Miracle of Völklingen.” As a result, the plant was able to quickly resume operations, greatly contributing to postwar reconstruction not only in Germany but across Europe.

In 1986, the ironworks ended its role as a steel production facility and ceased operations once again. Soon after, it was designated as an industrial monument and opened to visitors. In 1994, it was registered as the first industrial heritage site on the World Heritage list. Since then, it has become a tourist attraction visited by over 200,000 people annually.

Access to the Völklingen Ironworks

To reach the Völklingen Ironworks, head first to Saarbrücken, the capital of Saarland. The most common routes are by train from Frankfurt Central Station or from Paris Gare de l’Est in France, both taking about two to three hours by express train.

From Saarbrücken Station, Völklingen Station is only a 10-minute local train ride away. From the station, the ironworks is just a five-minute walk.

Recommended Highlights of the Völklingen Ironworks

1. Ironworks Facilities

The Völklingen Ironworks is not only a World Heritage Site but also an important place for understanding Europe’s industrial history. Even as a disused factory, it remains completely intact — something rarely seen — and it is open for tours.

The six massive blast furnaces are particularly impressive when viewed up close. The blower hall, housing large machinery, and the rare inclined elevator are unique features of Völklingen. The furnace mouth, about 30 meters high, represents the pinnacle of industrial technology during the ironworks’ peak years. Visitors can even borrow a helmet and climb up to the furnace mouth. While the atmosphere of the abandoned factory might feel a little intimidating, the view from the top is spectacular.

There are also various other tour routes allowing visitors to enjoy the World Heritage-listed ironworks from different perspectives. At sunset, the facility is illuminated, creating a dramatic nightscape. The towering steel structures, glowing in the dark, exude a mysterious beauty and a powerful presence unmatched elsewhere.

2. Facility Tours and Guided Experiences

The Völklingen Ironworks World Heritage Site has a well-developed visitor route. There aren’t explanatory panels everywhere — instead, you walk along the route, taking in the atmosphere of the past.

For those who want a deeper understanding of the site, guided tours are highly recommended. Especially popular are tours led by former employees who share firsthand accounts of the harsh working conditions. There are also tours tracing the footsteps of women who once worked in the factory, offering a unique perspective on the ironworks’ history.

Audio guides can be downloaded from the official website. If you want to prepare in advance, it’s worth listening to the guide before your visit.

Visitor Guidelines

Eating and drinking are generally prohibited within the World Heritage Site grounds. There are designated snack stands and picnic areas, so if you need to eat, head to those spaces.

Since the town itself isn’t particularly geared toward tourists, it’s recommended to have larger meals in Saarbrücken.

◎ Summary

For over 100 years, the Völklingen Ironworks supported European industry. Although no longer in operation, it serves as a living museum, telling its story to modern generations. Even without understanding German, visitors can enjoy the site simply by exploring it. In recent years, industrial heritage and nightscape tourism have gained popularity. This is the perfect opportunity to visit the world’s first industrial heritage site: the Völklingen Ironworks.

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【World Heritage Site】What is the Völklingen Ironworks?｜Introducing the World’s First Industrial Heritage Site