Bremen’s highest peak isn’t a natural wonder. It is the Müllberg. This “mountain” is actually a former landfill. It began operations in 1969 and locals know it as the Müllberg.
Die Bremer Stadtreinigung manages the Blocklanddeponie. Most of Bremen’s household waste is burned. The waste is used to generate energy. So little household waste was dumped here. In the 1970s, it was only used during plant downtime. The Müllberg mainly holds mineral waste. This includes contaminated soil and construction debris. It also contains ash, slag, blasting grit, and asbestos.
The landfill expanded twice. It now covers about 40 hectares. Its highest point is around 51 meters above sea level. The plan is to reach 61 meters. This will solidify the Müllberg as Bremen’s highest point.
The oldest part is now being shut down. An initial 6-hectare section is sealed and restored. Metalhenge sits on this part. It is a viewpoint open to the public. Another 12 hectares should be sealed and restored by 2025.
Newer sections are still active. One section is for more polluted waste. This includes sludge and tar. Another section is for less polluted waste. A new section for this is under construction. The last active section should close in 2030.
The Blocklanddeponie protects groundwater. It uses a technical base seal. Newer sections have this. An older section has a hydraulic system. Collected wastewater is treated. The landfill has a gas collection system. A small power plant uses the gas. It generates power and heat for the buildings. Three wind turbines and a solar plant are also on-site.
In 2010, solar panels were installed on two buildings. They cover 1,000 square meters. They produce 67 kWp. In 2012, a solar plant was added to the south slope. It covers 1 hectare. This plant produces 840 kWp. All solar plants produce 850,000 kWh per year. This powers about 300 homes. The solar plants save about 650 tons of CO2 per year. The Müllberg contributes significantly to renewable energy.
Wind energy is used since 2010. The wind park has four turbines. They have a hub height of 100 meters. Their rotor diameters are 92 or 82 meters. Two turbines stand on the landfill itself. They generate 4 x 2 MW. This produces about 18,800 MWh of power annually. The wind turbine sites are leased to a private operator.
Since July 2021, a viewing platform is here. It offers a panorama of Bremen. On this platform, you will find the Metalhenge monument. The climb is worth it.
Thomas Roth, an artist, created Metalhenge. He got the idea when he saw the city from above. He wanted a viewpoint like Stonehenge. He worked with Bremer Stadtreinigung. It took three years to build Metalhenge. Dieter Vornholz, a physicist, helped with the astronomical alignment.
The paths wind up the hill. They are about one kilometer long. They lead to the top. At about 40 meters high, there is a great view. On a clear day, you can see up to 50 kilometers. In exceptional conditions, you can see up to 280 kilometers.
The stelae are arranged in a 25-meter radius. They are made of recycled harbor walls. They are 2.5 to 4 meters high. They align with astronomical objects.
Standing in the center, you can see the stars. You can follow their paths. Ground markings show where places are on the other side of the world.
Metalhenge’s transformation from landfill to landmark showcases Bremen’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. As you explore this unique space, remember that what was once waste is now a source of energy, art, and breathtaking views.