Podcast Tour Bochum: Steel, Sweat and Solidarity

Six stops through the coal mines and steelworks that built a region

A self-guided podcast tour of Bochum covering 6.1 km and six stations in 2.4 hours, following the industrial heritage and working-class solidarity that shaped Germany's Ruhr Valley. Audio guides in English and German deliver expert commentary and local voices. An interactive app provides navigation and answers questions about the history and sites along the route. Suitable for ages 13 and up. No guide required.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Bochum's industrial heritage

• Visit square under iconic headframe
• Explore historic Ruhrpott pub culture
• Walk through community-supported street
• Try iconic currywurst dish
• See former Krupp steelworks park
• Visit mining workers' settlement Stahlhausen

The experience

The tour starts at the iconic headframe above a former coal mine, where the sheer scale of the mining industry becomes clear. From there, you move through a historic Ruhrpott pub where the local dialect thrives, then to a community-supported street that embodies modern solidarity. The route takes in the currywurst stand (the egalitarian dish of the working class) before reaching the Krupp steelworks, now a public park where industrial brownfields have been reclaimed. The final stop is the miners' settlement of Stahlhausen, where the architecture itself tells the story of the region's enduring identity.

The audio content is structured like a podcast, with experts and locals speaking directly about identity, migration, globalization and everyday life in the Ruhr. The app guides you between stops with turn-by-turn navigation and lets you ask questions about what you're seeing. You move at your own pace. There's no fixed schedule or group to keep up with, and the whole route covers 6.1 km over roughly two and a half hours.

What’s included

• Exciting audio content in podcast style with experts and locals.
• interactive guide in the app for questions about history and surroundings.
• point-to-point navigation between all six stops.
• verified historical facts woven into the storytelling.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Under 13: can't be booked

Audio guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Red Thread

Is this one for you?This self-guided format suits anyone who wants to explore Bochum's industrial past without a scheduled group departure. The podcast-style audio and app navigation mean you move at your own pace and can linger at stops that interest you most, making it ideal for travelers who prefer flexibility over a fixed itinerary.

Top questions

What is the currywurst stop, and why does it matter to this tour?

Currywurst was the iconic, egalitarian dish of Bochum's working class, and the tour stops at a place where it's still served. It anchors the culinary side of the labor and solidarity story the route tells.

Can I take this tour in English?

Yes. The audio guide is available in both English and German, so you can follow the experts and local voices in whichever language you prefer.

How does the app work during the tour?

The app provides point-to-point navigation between the six stops and includes an interactive guide where you can ask questions about the history and surroundings as you walk. It's built into the self-guided format so you stay oriented without a live guide.

What is the miners' settlement of Stahlhausen, and where do I meet the group?

Stahlhausen is a historical housing settlement built for mining workers. Its architecture reflects the solidarity and values of the region. The meeting point for this final stop is at Halbachstraße in the neighborhood.

How physically demanding is 6.1 km over 2.4 hours?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. You set your own pace and can take breaks at any stop, so the distance and time are flexible depending on how long you spend at each site.