Charbonnages, Zeches, Bergwerke, Collieries,… in short: coal mines! I’ve always had a soft spot for this kind of locations. I’ve encountered quite a few of them during my urban exploring travels and in this article I will introduce you to some of the most beautiful ones I’ve seen.
Overview
CHARBONNAGE DU GOUFFRE
During my first real urbex trip in 2015, this “Charbonnage du Gouffre” was on the itinerary. Even though it was already an old location back then, it was love at first sight. The beautiful concrete structures, the decay, the almost tangible history… I was sold immediately!
However impressed I was, it wasn’t exactly a photographic success story. I had only just completed a few modest introductory evening classes on photography, and the few snapshots I took there weren’t exactly masterpieces…
It had always been the plan to return someday, but for some reason, I never got around to it. Until I happened to be in the area early last year and had some time to spare. It is striking how little has changed in all those years, and particularly nice to return after all this time…
CHARBONNAGE DU HASARD CHERATTE
Another golden oldie, and one I also visited for the first time over eight years ago, is the spectacular “Charbonnage du Hasard Cheratte”. For many years, the site was the focal point of a conflict between the owner and the government regarding its heritage protection. After the death of the somewhat stubborn owner, the entire property changed hands and a new purpose was sought. Remediation work started immediately, and this is clearly visible in some places. Entire buildings have since been demolished, while others show the first signs of renovation. Unfortunately, it seems that the renovation has stalled yet again…
Nevertheless, still a beautiful location that continues to capture the imagination…
LAVAGE DE CHARBON
Summer offered the perfect excuse to return to a place that had quietly stayed on my mind. Technically, it wasn’t my first visit—but it certainly felt like the first time seeing what really mattered. On our previous trip, our focus had been the reception building. While searching for a way inside, we passed through the old coal washing plant, giving it little more than a passing glance. At the time, it was simply part of the route. Looking back, that was a mistake.
The towering steelwork, rusting machinery, and endless industrial details deserved far more than a quick walk-through. This time, the coal washing plant wasn’t just an obstacle on the way to another location—it was the destination. And it was finally time to give it the attention it had always deserved.
BERGWERK 1920
Before spring had even settled, we had already left our mark across Wallonia and France. By autumn 2023, our sights were set on Germany.
What followed was one of those explorations you don’t easily forget. Getting inside was anything but easy. A brutal climb stood between us and our goal. But every exhausting step was worth it.
Waiting beyond the entrance was a breathtaking coal washing plant, frozen in time. Miraculously untouched by copper thieves or vandals, it still stood in all its industrial glory. As if that wasn’t enough, the site also featured an impressive reception building that had somehow escaped the decay seen at so many abandoned places.
The adventure wasn’t over once we got in, though. While exploring the complex, we repeatedly had to disappear into the shadows as groups of tourists wandered through the neighboring building. A constant game of hide-and-seek only added to the thrill, making this forgotten giant one of the highlights of our 2023 season.
SURUS FACTORY
Before leaving Germany behind, we made one final stop at the remains of an old coal mine. Time hasn’t been kind to this place. Most of the site has long since disappeared, leaving only echoes of its industrial past.
The undisputed highlight is the striking blue headframe, still proudly standing above the abandoned grounds like a forgotten landmark. Beneath it, the old hoisting building survives, complete with its original machinery; a rare glimpse into the mine’s working days. Off to the side sits a small transformer room, sadly stripped, trashed, and bearing the scars of years of neglect.
Although little remains, the atmosphere of this forgotten mine is undeniable. Sometimes, even the smallest remnants tell the biggest stories.
KRAFTWERK KH
Before I wrap up this German series, there’s one location that stands above them all; my undisputed pièce de résistance.
Hidden within the grounds of an abandoned Zeche lies its former powerhouse, and stepping inside felt like walking into an industrial cathedral. Towering AEG turbines dominated the hall, while the adjoining control room looked as if the operators had simply walked away moments ago. Every gauge, switch and panel remained exactly where it belonged.
The secret? Tight security. Their constant presence has kept vandals and metal thieves at bay, preserving the site in an almost unbelievable state. To reach it, we had to squeeze through a ridiculously small window before carefully scrambling down into the building. A small price to pay for what awaited us.
The moment our feet hit the floor, we knew it had all been worth it. Perfectly preserved, eerily silent, and frozen in time, this powerhouse wasn’t just the highlight of our German trip. It ranks among the finest industrial explorations I’ve ever experienced.
