The Mining Town of Bergkamen

From the Mine to the City

The city of Bergkamen looks back on an impressive history of coal mining that is closely linked to the development of the Ruhr region. From the beginning of industrial coal mining and the sinking of the first shaft at the Grimberg 1/2 coal mine in 1890, through the period of economic boom, to the closure of the last coal mine in 2001, mining has had a decisive impact on life in the city —economically, socially, and culturally.

In terms of production volume and the number of employees, Bergkamen grew to become the largest mining town in Europe. In addition, the Neu-Monopol coal mine, one of the most modern mining facilities in Europe, was in operation here during the 1980s. However, with the coal crisis of the 1960s, coal production began its gradual decline. The mines were closed one by one. The winding tower of the Neu-Monopol Mine, as the only surviving structure from that era, stands as a visible landmark of the town’s industrial past.

Bergkamen has changed significantly since then. The city has actively shaped this structural transformation: new industrial parks, recreational facilities, and green spaces have been developed on former coal mine sites. As the visible traces of mining increasingly fade into the background, it becomes all the more important to preserve this heritage.

The bergkamen.erleben.app brings the history of mining to life digitally. It offers information, historical photos, and personal stories, all linked to interactive maps. This gives users insight into significant sites such as former coal mines, winding towers, and spoil heaps. The app combines history, information, and experience in a modern format—a digital gateway for anyone interested in mining history.

Given the very broad scope of the topic, the app focuses on six selected locations to present individual aspects in a clear and understandable way.

The Mining Town of Bergkamen

The History of Mining in the Ruhr Region

The first written records of coal mining in the Ruhr region date back to 1302. At that time, coal was mined only above ground. Miners dug so-called “Pingen”—funnel-shaped holes—until rainwater and groundwater seeped in and prevented further mining.

It was not until around 1800 that the construction of deep mining shafts began, primarily around Bochum. A steam engine was used for the first time at the Vollmond coal mine in 1801. It pumped water out of the shafts, allowing coal to be extracted even at greater depths. By 1808, a depth of 48 meters had already been reached. Starting in the 1840s, coal production rose sharply. Production volumes exceeding one million metric tons were no longer uncommon. Companies such as Krupp required ever-increasing amounts of coal for their steam engines and production facilities. The rise in coal production led to an increased demand for labor, which in turn required immigration and necessitated the construction of new workers’ settlements.

Mining began in Bergkamen in 1890 with the sinkingof the Grimberg 1 and 2 shafts. Since then, additional coal mines have been added. The future city of Bergkamen developed into a major mining center in the region. In 1981, the Neu-Monopol coal mine began operations—at the time, it was considered the most modern coal mine in Europe. The demand for miners had been rising steadily since the 19th century. As new workers and their families moved in, numerous workers’ housing estates, schools, and a vibrant cultural life emerged in the formerly rural communities—characterized by close-knit solidarity and mutual support. The closure of the Haus Aden coal mine in 2001 marked the end of Bergkamen’s long history of coal mining.

The closure of the coal mines presented the city with new challenges. Structural change took its course: New residential areas, business parks with new jobs, and recreational facilities—such as the future Wasserstadt Aden—sprang up on former industrial sites. Former spoil heapswere transformed into nature-oriented recreational areas.

The Mining Town of Bergkamen

History of the City of Bergkamen

Bergkamen is a city with a relatively short history. It was founded in 1966 through the merger of the six formerly independent municipalities of Rünthe, Oberaden, Weddinghofen, Heil, Bergkamen, and Overberge.

Originally, the communities were predominantly rural. People made their living primarily through farming or by working in the trades. With the onset of coal mining toward the end of the 19th century, a profound transformation took place. The development of the Grimberg 1/2 coal mine beginning in 1890 marked the dawn of a new era: industrialization.

The much-needed workers came from various regions of the Kingdom of Prussia and moved to the area. This led to a rapid increase in the population. While only a few thousand people lived in the individual municipalities around 1900, that number rose sharply over the course of the 20th century. Between 1950 and 1970, the population nearly doubled. With over 50,000 residents, Bergkamen is now one of the medium-sized cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. Mining shaped not only the economy but also social life. New workers’ housing developments, schools, churches, and numerous clubs and interest groups sprang up.

The city of Bergkamen was founded on January 1, 1966, as part of the municipal reorganization of North Rhine-Westphalia. With its establishment, administrative structures were centralized, and shared facilities and infrastructure were developed. A new city center with central shopping facilities was also planned for the emerging city. City Hall was built in 1976, and the high school moved into its first building in 1969. At the same time, the cultural diversity and decentralized character of the former municipalities were preserved and continue to shape the city to this day.

Bergkamen

The Mining Town of Bergkamen

Bergkamen

The Mining Town of Bergkamen

The Mining Town of Bergkamen

Glossary