The blast furnace operated for 84 years, producing pig iron for the Thyssen steel mills until its shutdown.
The structure is part of the 'Route der Industriekultur,' a network of sites documenting the industrial history of the Ruhr area.
Safety modifications for public access were engineered to preserve the original structural aesthetics while installing modern handrails and stair treads.
The furnace complex serves as a habitat for rare flora and fauna that have colonized the porous slag and concrete foundations.
During the night, the entire structure is illuminated by a complex artistic lighting system designed by Jonathan Park.
It is the only blast furnace in the world open to the public that visitors can climb independently without a guided tour.
Hochofen 5 is the primary blast furnace at the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, serving as the park's central architectural focal point. It was part of the former Thyssen ironworks, which ceased production in 1985 before being converted into a public industrial heritage site. Visitors can ascend the furnace's exterior metal staircases to reach a viewing platform located approximately 70 meters above the ground. The structure features preserved industrial machinery, including blast pipes and hot blast stoves, integrated into a modern safety-compliant pathway system. It stands as one of the few decommissioned blast furnaces globally that permits public foot traffic to the top. The surrounding site encompasses 180 hectares of re-cultivated industrial wasteland designed by architect Peter Latz.
The highest viewing platform offers a panoramic view over the Ruhr region and the park's sprawling layout.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear as the path includes metal grates and uneven industrial surfaces.
Bring a windproof jacket, as conditions at the 70-meter summit are significantly windier than at ground level.
Check the wind advisory signs at the base; access to the top is occasionally restricted during high-wind events.
Attempting the climb if you suffer from vertigo, as the staircases are steep and grated with views directly to the ground.
Strictly follow marked paths; do not climb on non-designated industrial railings or equipment.
