The Pluto spoil tip is today a nature reserve, which you can reach via the Erzbahntrasse.

Pluto spoil tip - nature reserve in Herne

The Pluto spoil tip in Herne, or Pluto-Wilhelm to give it its full name, was created from the build-up of waste from the mine of the same name. Large sections of it were subsequently re-forested and re-planted. The region is a nature reserve today and is a butterfly paradise in late spring and summer. You can find it directly on the "Erzbahntrasse" mining railway line Experience Cycle Route that goes from Bochum to Gelsenkirchen.

Industrial nature par excellence

In September 2014, a new five meter high viewing platform was opened, from which you get a fantastic 360 degree view of the region. You have to climb 40 steps to be able to enjoy the view from 75 m high. The direct view is of the Pluto Colliery’s winding tower with the mineshaft hall and two plants. Nature has taken over the barren land once more. You can even find rare plants there today. When the weather is good, you can see as far as the town hall in Essen, the Zeche Consol (Consol Colliery) in Gelsenkirchen, the shaft mine in Ewald and the Hoheward spoil tip in Herten.