Alte Ziegelei Westeregeln: Relikt einer uralten Handwerkskunst

## Brief Description

Brick kiln, clay mixer, and biotope: nestled in a unique natural setting, Alte Ziegelei Westeregeln preserves valuable industrial history.

## Description

Bricks have been among humanity’s most important building materials for thousands of years – on the edge of Westeregeln, visitors to Alte Ziegelei can dive into the fascinating production process of earlier times. The site was established in 1802 on a geological ridge where gypsum, clay, and salt have been mined for centuries. The centerpiece is the Hoffmann ring kiln from 1894, with a 122-meter-long firing channel, the longest in Europe. Millions of bricks were made here until 1991.

At Alte Ziegelei, you experience technology and earth history in a compact space. The huge machines used to mix, draw, and press the clay strands are impressive. The drying sheds, an 18th-century gypsum kiln, and the 600-meter-long circular conveyor have also been preserved. Valuable biotopes have developed in the former mining areas: rare plant species like the sand pansy grow among old gypsum exposures, while fence lizards bask on warm rocks.

## Parking Information

Free parking is available on the Alte Ziegelei premises.

## Arrival Information

On the A14, take the Schönebeck (Elbe) exit. Follow the B246a and B81 to the Westeregeln exit. From there, it is about five kilometers to Alte Ziegelei.

## Public Transport

From Staßfurt train station, take the bus with a transfer at “Egeln, Breiteweg” to “Westeregeln, Ringstraße”. From there, it is about 1.3 kilometers on foot via Schacht 3, Kalkberg, and Ziegelei to Alte Ziegelei.

## Fees

Group tours (price per participant): Children up to 12 years: €1; Adults: €2

Individual visitors and families usually donate €1 per person to help maintain this historic industrial site.