Tetraeder viewing terrace in Bottrop

The Tetraeder in Bottrop is more than just a landmark – it’s a true experience. This spectacular steel structure rises majestically atop the Beckstraße spoil heap, one of the largest of its kind in the Ruhr area. As part of the Emscher Landscape Park, the Tetraeder has become an iconic cultural symbol and an unmistakable landmark.

With a height of around 50 meters, perched atop the spoil heap, the steel pyramid appears to float above the landscape Especially at night, the Tetraeder transforms into a radiant work of art when artist Jürgen LIT Fischer’s lighting installation illuminates its peak – a magical sight that attracts visitors from afar. However, those who make the journey can enjoy an experience that goes far beyond just a view, and it’s available free of charge 24/7.

The Beckstraße spoil heap is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the adventure. Visitors can ascend to the summit via gentle paths or climb the 387 steps of a steep steel staircase. Even the climb offers stunning views, but the real thrill begins at the top: a freely suspended staircase leads to the first platform, 18 meters above ground, offering breathtaking views of the Ruhr area in all its diversity. For the brave, the adventure continues – a steep ladder takes you to the 38-meter-high platform, and finally, a spiral staircase leads to the inclined peak of the Tetraeder. This view is not for the faint-hearted but rewards visitors with a unique perspective of the region. On a clear day, you can see beyond Bottrop to Duisburg, Gelsenkirchen, and other iconic landmarks of the Ruhr area.

The Beckstraße spoil heap is a remnant of the region’s mining past and belongs to a generation of terraced table mountains. Between 1969 and 1993, it was built from overburden – material extracted during coal mining that couldn’t be reused. Once a symbol of industrial heritage, the heap has been transformed through thoughtful landscape design and the addition of the striking Tetraeder into a symbol of the structural transformation in the Ruhr area.

The impressive construction was realized in 1995 as part of the International Building Exhibition Emscher Park (IBA). The design came from Professor Wolfgang Christ, an architect from Darmstadt, while the technical execution was carried out by Bollinger and Grohmann Engineers from Frankfurt. The landscaping of the heap was also carefully planned: the Bottrop-based Drecker office created a space that has since become a popular recreational area.

The Tetraeder itself rests on four steel supports, creating the illusion of floating above the ground – a technical masterpiece that perfectly fulfills the vision of a visible landmark. Especially at night, the spectacular lighting installation by artist Jürgen LIT Fischer draws all eyes. This lighting system was extensively renewed in 2021 by the Regionalverband Ruhr (RVR), which also ensures the maintenance and quality of the entire Emscher Landscape Park area.

The Tetraeder is easily accessible and well-connected. Visitors can arrive by train or bus, with Bottrop Central Station located just 2.3 kilometers away and Bottrop-Boy Station only 2 kilometers from the site. For the most convenient access, the “Tetraeder” bus stop is just 50 meters from the entrance to the spoil heap.

By car, you can reach Bottrop via the A42 or A2 highways. From the Bottrop-Süd or Bottrop-Zentrum exits, follow the signs to the Beckstraße parking lot, which serves as the starting point for your ascent to the Tetraeder.