Völklingen in Germany is a great place to visit if you’re looking for somewhere a bit more unheard of.
The country’s biggest ironworks has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site and visitors can tour the industrial relic.
It is also home to a cultural centre which is an atmospheric area often featuring exhibitions and live shows.
Located just an hour away from Trier, you can visit both as part of your trip.
The town is one of the world’s only original and well-preserved industrial ironworks, a unique monument to the area’s history.
No other historic blast-furnace complex that demonstrates the entire process of pig-iron production has survived the passing of time in the same way.
One visitor said: “The Völklinger Hütte is fantastic. Although it is an industrial object, it stands majestically in the river valley of Völklingen.
“I am thrilled by the detailed view of industrial architecture, how nature recovers the plant, and how people lived with it. The story is almost tangible. An absolute must-do.”
Another, who visited in 2020, said: “Don’t miss this. Great location. Impressive. Alas quite simple souvenir shop (no iron artefacts, the statue in steel?)”
A third said: ” Don’t miss it if you are in the vicinity. If you are interested in history, go there. You get an idea of the machinations to get to the Second World War. If you are interested in technology, go there to see the steps to make iron highest degree. And if you are interested in economics, this is a prime example. Without the Montan union, Europe would not exist as it is today. And if you are interested in some awesome photography, go there.”
Away from the industrial aspect of the town, there are lots of other great things to see and do in the area. With picturesque views and natural beauty, there is something to see for everyone.
A great place to visit is the Old Town Hall, called the Altes Rathaus. This historic building can be spotted from afar through the pretty little streets of the town.