Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Discover
Places to see
Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Bergisches Land
Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis
Bergisch Gladbach

Blücher Mine

Highlight • Historical Site

Blücher Mine

Recommended by 263 hikers out of 290

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Naturpark Bergisches Land

Save

Share

  • More

  • Save

    Share

  • More

  • Take Me There

    Routes here

    Best Hikes to Blücher Mine

    4.7

    (198)

    844

    hikers

    1. Bensberg Castle – Grube Cox Lakes loop from Bensberg

    16.0km

    04:20

    230m

    230m

    Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Navigate

    Send to Phone

    Moderate

    Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Hard

    Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Easy

    Tips

    March 17, 2015

    Former mine site, 1847-1893, mining of lead-zinc-ore. Small waters carry iron oxide and thus look red.

    Translated by Google •

      March 24, 2025

      From the bench by the Lerbach stream, you can look out into an idyllic wetland. Supposedly, "special species" live there. But when asked, the authorities declined to reveal which ones exactly. Is this even true?

      The neighboring sand piles, embankments, and embankments are very popular with children for playing. This is permitted because the mine site—unlike the surrounding Hardt Nature Reserve—is exempt from nature conservation.

      nsg.naturschutzinformationen.nrw.de/nsg/de/fachinfo/gebiete/gesamt/GL-066

      Translated by Google •

        July 30, 2024

        Given the high levels of zinc residues in the soil, calamine flora would be expected here, unless arsenic, mercury, and cadmium interfere.
        de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galmeivegetation

        Translated by Google •

          April 15, 2016

          The Blücher Pit is a former non-ferrous metal ore mine in the Bensberg mining district in Bergisch Gladbach. The site is located in the Herkenrath district of Bergisch Gladbach. The main operating point was in the area of the present-day village of Blücher Pit, near the Hardt Nature Friends' House.
          Source: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grube_Bl%C3%BCcher

          Translated by Google •

            September 5, 2020

            In order to prove the building worthiness, the first mining activities began in the Blücher and Katzbach mine fields as early as 1847. Since the year 1850, after the granting of mountain property, one can assume that there has been real mining. However, details are not known about it.

            Translated by Google •

              February 23, 2023

              The Blücher mine was shut down in 1893. Despite the residues (even today lead, zinc, arsenic, mercury and cadmium can still be detected.), a rare animal and plant world has developed in this barren place, which is now protected.

              Translated by Google •

                May 6, 2024

                Interesting "stream" with very ferrous but nicely cool water

                Translated by Google •

                  February 22, 2023

                  The Blücher mine was shut down in 1893. Despite the residues (even today lead, zinc, arsenic, mercury and cadmium can still be detected.), a rare animal and plant world has developed in this barren place, which is now protected.

                  Translated by Google •

                    >

                    "... Historical Development

                    Industrial mining began here when the Blücher mining area was claimed on July 28, 1847. Advances in the zinc industry at that time led to a veritable zinc rush in the Bensberg ore district, in which Belgian businessmen played a significant role. The Blücher Mine was officially awarded to Charles Détilleux, a Belgian entrepreneur living in Paris, on June 28, 1850. At the same time, he was awarded the Napoleon Mine in the western part of the deposit. The mines, named after the Waterloo opponents, were managed jointly from the outset. They received permission to establish an associated ore processing plant in March 1855. All rights and facilities were transferred in 1857 to the Rheinischer Bergwerks-Aktienverein Saturn, which was founded in Cologne in the same year by predominantly Belgian shareholders.

                    In the first years of operation, zinc ore was predominantly extracted from the older, pre-industrial dumps. The previously worthless zinc ore had simply been dumped by the "old men." For example, in 1854, approximately 3,800 quintals of zinc ore concentrate were extracted compared to only 13 quintals of lead ore concentrate. In the following years, this ratio normalized until it reached approximately 1 to 7 in 1862, thus adjusting to the geological conditions of the deposit.

                    The underground mining operations also initially achieved good results, particularly at the 40- and 70-meter levels. In 1861, the machine shaft was modernized with a new steam boiler. The processing plant was expanded to include new crushing and rolling mills, as well as setting machines, and relocated upslope. Neighboring mining areas were acquired to enable permanent operation. In November 1862, the Katzbach and Wahlstatt mines were integrated. For a short time, the Blücher mine became one of the most profitable mines in the region, especially for the Saturn company. The number of employees rose to almost 280. Zinc production, in particular, was of great importance and was surpassed at the time only by the Lüderich mine. In 1869, other neighboring companies were incorporated, including Galvani, Madonna, and Norma. The "Consolidated Blücher Mine" now comprised 13 mining areas, extending across almost the entire Hardt forest area.

                    THE FOLLOWING HISTORY AND FURTHER INFORMATION:

                    kuladig.de/Objektansicht/KLD-267703

                    Translated by Google •

                      In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!

                      Sign up for free

                      Details

                      Informations

                      Elevation 220 m

                      Weather

                      Powered by AerisWeather

                      Today

                      Saturday 15 November

                      14°C

                      11°C

                      20 %

                      If you start your activity now...

                      Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

                      Most visited during

                      January

                      February

                      March

                      April

                      May

                      June

                      July

                      August

                      September

                      October

                      November

                      December

                      Loading

                      Location: Bergisch Gladbach, Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis, Bergisches Land, Cologne District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

                      Other Popular Places to Check Out

                      Bensberger See

                      Explore
                      RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepacking
                      Download the app
                      Follow Us on Socials

                      © komoot GmbH

                      Privacy Policy