Situated in the heart of the Ruhr region, Essen mixes big city vibes with over 1,000 years of history. Once centered around coal mining and steelworks, today Essen captivates visitors with its growing art and culture scene, redeveloped industrial heritage sites and idyllic parks.
| No. | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tour Zeche Zollverein Coal Mine | Visit a UNESCO-listed site with iconic architecture and museums highlighting mining history. |
| 2 | Take an Altbier Tasting | Sample local Altbier in traditional brewhouse pubs in Old Town. |
| 3 | See the Treasures of Folkwang Museum | Explore fine and applied arts, including Post-Impressionist works, in a notable museum. |
| 4 | Stroll Through Grugapark | Enjoy a large green space with gardens, trails, and various recreational activities. |
| 5 | Ride a Rollercoaster at Movie Park | Experience thrill rides in Germany’s largest movie-themed amusement park. |
| 6 | Cruise on Baldeneysee Lake | Take a boat trip on a scenic lake, with options for dining and water sports. |
| 7 | Marvel at the Golden Madonna | View a historic gilded statue in Essen Minster, along with other artworks. |
| 8 | Explore the UNESCO-Listed Krupp Belt | Discover industrial heritage sites across an 11.25 mile belt, including museums and parks. |
| 9 | Cheer on Rot-Weiss Essen Football | Attend a football match of the local team at Stadion Essen. |
| 10 | Take a Day Trip to Duisburg | Visit nearby Duisburg for modern art, river cruises, and historical sites. |
| 11 | Browse Kunsthandel Simonis | Explore a collection of fine art, jewelry, and antiquities in a historic setting. |
| 12 | Cheer on an Alte Haase Show | Enjoy a traditional tavern show with comedy, music, and local fare. |
| 13 | See the Treasures of Essen Minster | Explore the cathedral’s medieval art, including a notable altarpiece and baptismal font. |
| 14 | Take in the Heights of Halden | Hike for panoramic views on hills formed from mining debris. |
| 15 | Tour Villa Hügel | Visit the historic mansion of an industrialist, with gardens and exhibits on German history. |
| 16 | See Postwar Art at Museum Ostwall | Discover contemporary art in rotating exhibitions at a modern museum. |
| 17 | Try Hausbrauerei Essen for Craft Beers | Sample craft beers in a microbrewery with tours and tastings. |
Whether you’re interested in rollercoasters, beer gardens or UNESCO sites, Essen offers plenty of memorable activities for 2024.
Tour Zeche Zollverein Coal Mine
Name and Location: Zollverein Coal Mine, Gelsenkirchener Str. 181, 45309 Essen
History and Significance: The Zollverein Coal Mine industrial complex in Essen is a UNESCO World Heritage site that gives insight into the development of heavy industry in the Ruhr area. Zollverein was a working coal mine from 1847 until 1986. At its peak, 8,000 miners worked there daily. The site now comprises preserved mine installations and has been converted into a cultural center.
What to Expect: Visitors can take a guided tour (English available) of the mines and installations above ground. The tour covers the coal washing plant, coking plant, and mining equipment. There are also special exhibits, workshops, and cultural events held on site. The distinctive Bauhaus-influenced architecture is striking.
Visitor Information: The Zollverein visitor center is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 6pm (longer hours on summer weekends). Admission charged. Book tours in advance online. Wear sturdy shoes for the industrial site.
The sprawling Zeche Zollverein complex provides an authentic look at Essen’s mining past and ingenious industrial architecture. This UNESCO-listed site includes the iconic striped winding tower, massive ore bunkers and Bauhaus-style mine building designed by Le Corbusier. Excellent museums here explore both the technology and human experience of mining.
Take an Altbier Tasting
Name and Location: Altbier tastings in Essen’s old town pubs
History and Significance: Altbier is a regional German beer style associated with the Ruhr area around Essen. It’s a top-fermented dark lager admired for its complex malty flavors. Many traditional pubs in Essen’s Altstadt (Old Town) serve a range of Altbiers on tap.
What to Expect: A guided tasting will allow you to sample different Altbiers and learn about their characteristics. Typical pub stops may include Zur Brennerei, Hermann’s, and Gaststätte Zum Alten Markt for their excellent Altbier selections.
Visitor Information: Contact Essen Tourismus or local tour companies to arrange a guided Altbier tasting. Tastings may last 2-3 hours. Prepare to visit at least 3-4 pubs and try 4-5 different Altbiers. Tastings possible any evening.
Essen sits within North Rhine-Westphalia’s Bergisches Land beer region, which brews a coppery style called Altbier. Sample this local specialty at traditional brewhouse pubs like Zum Uerige or Schwan. The historic cobblestoned alleyways of the Old Town set the scene for swirling and sipping the bittersweet Alt. Prost!
See the Treasures of Folkwang Museum
Name and Location: Museum Folkwang, Museumsplatz 1, 45128 Essen
History and Significance: Museum Folkwang houses a leading collection of 19th and 20th century fine and applied arts. Its holdings span paintings, sculptures, photography, prints and drawings. Artists represented include Gauguin, Cézanne, Matisse, Kandinsky, and more.
What to Expect: The museum’s permanent exhibits display highlights from its collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Classical Modern, and contemporary art. Temporary exhibitions also rotate through. An onsite cafe offers refreshments.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm, closed Mondays. Admission charged. Audio guides are available. The museum is accessible by public transport.
Folkwang Museum comprises one of Germany’s finest collections of fine and applied arts. Standouts include the 19th century German Romanticist paintings, sculpture gardens, and extensive Post-Impressionist works by Monet, Gauguin, Van Gogh and Cézanne. Knowledgeable guides provide fascinating context on the masterpieces. Don’t miss the hidden modernist gem of Otto Dix’s triptych The Seven Deadly Sins.
Stroll Through Grugapark
Name and Location: Grugapark, Virchowstr. 167, 45139 Essen
History and Significance: Grugapark is a large recreational green space of 65 hectares in the Rüttenscheid district of Essen. The park was created for a garden exhibition in the 1950s on the grounds of a former steel mill.
What to Expect: Grugapark contains expansive lawns, gardens, playgrounds, and wooded areas. Miles of walking paths wind through the park. Attractions include an animal farm, botanical garden, mini-golf, lakes, and eateries.
Visitor Information: Grugapark is open daily from 7am to dusk. Admission is free. The parks hosts events like concerts and festivals during warmer months. Public transport via tram or bus routes 107, 108.
Covering over 650 acres along the Ruhr River, sprawling Grugapark provides the perfect green space for relaxation or recreation. peoples enjoying its Japanese gardens, rose garden maze, botanical conservatory, sculpture trail, playgrounds and mini-golf courses. Picnicking families and joggers flock here on sunny days. Concerts and festivals liven up Grugapark on summer weekends.
Ride a Rollercoaster at Movie Park Germany
Name and Location: Movie Park Germany, Warner Allee 1, 46244 Bottrop
History and Significance: Movie Park Germany is an entertainment park with rollercoasters and attractions themed around movies and television. Open since 1996, it’s one of the largest theme parks in Germany with over 40 rides and shows.
What to Expect: Thrill rides like the Star Trek: Operation Enterprise rollercoaster. Family friendly attractions like PAW Patrol Adventure Bay. Shows, restaurants, and movie-themed theming throughout the park. Popular with families and coaster enthusiasts.
Visitor Information: Open late March to early November. Hours vary by date. Admission ticket required, with options for single day or multi-day. Easily accessible by car or public transport from Essen.
Germany’s largest movie-themed amusement park located just outside Essen promises thrills with its extensive line-up of rides based on blockbuster films. Adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters like the inverted looping Star Trek: Operation Enterprise will have you screaming. When you need a break, catch live shows or enjoy rides geared towards younger kids like the Blues Brothers car chase show.
Cruise on Baldeneysee Lake
Name and Location: Baldeneysee, Essen
History and Significance: Baldeneysee is an artificial lake of about 6km in length located south of Essen city center. Formed in 1933 by damming the River Ruhr, it is used for drinking water and recreation.
What to Expect: Lakeside walking/cycling paths. Boat tours available during warmer months for sightseeing. Lakeside restaurants with terrace dining. Sailing, rowing, and kayaking clubs active on the lake. Relaxing atmosphere near the water.
Visitor Information: The lake is freely accessible year-round. Boat tours and rentals operate seasonally when weather permits. Bike rental and public transport via tram facilitate access.
Escape the city and enjoy a leisurely boat trip on Baldeneysee, a long narrow lake with wooded parks along its banks. Cruise past elegant lakeside villas as you admire the hilly landscapes surrounding Essen. Stop at one of the restaurants dotted around the lake for a lake fish lunch. You can also rent your own sailboat, rowboat or pedal boat.
Marvel at the Golden Madonna
Name and Location: Golden Madonna, Essen Minster Treasury
History and Significance: The Golden Madonna is a nearly life-size medieval sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding the infant Jesus. Crafted around 980 AD, it is a masterpiece of Ottonian art made of gold sheet over a wooden core. It is part of the treasury of Essen Minster.
What to Expect: The Golden Madonna is displayed as part of the Essen Cathedral Treasury exhibit. Admire the fine details in the Romanesque sculpture and its luminous golden color. An audio guide provides background. The treasury contains many other liturgical objects.
Visitor Information: The Cathedral Treasury is open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm. Located at Essen Minster. Admission around €5. Guided tours available on request. Dress respectfully as it’s located within an active church.
The Golden Madonna located in Essen Minster is a stunning example of Ottonian art from 980 AD. Crafted from gilded maple wood, this lifesize Madonna statue is Essen’s oldest and most valuable artifact. Gaze up at her serene face and detailed Byzantine-influenced robe before exploring other works like the vivid Last Supper altarpiece inside the cathedral.
Tour the UNESCO-Listed Zollverein Coal Mine
Name and Location: Zollverein Coal Mine, Gelsenkirchener Str. 181, 45309 Essen
History and Significance: The Zollverein Coal Mine industrial complex in Essen is a UNESCO World Heritage site that gives insight into the development of heavy industry in the Ruhr area. Zollverein was a working coal mine from 1847 until 1986. At its peak, 8,000 miners worked there daily. The site now comprises preserved mine installations and has been converted into a cultural center.
What to Expect: Visitors can take a guided tour (English available) of the mines and installations above ground. The tour covers the coal washing plant, coking plant, and mining equipment. There are also special exhibits, workshops, and cultural events held on site. The distinctive Bauhaus-influenced architecture is striking.
Visitor Information: The Zollverein visitor center is open Tuesday to Sunday 10am – 6pm (longer hours on summer weekends). Admission charged. Book tours in advance online. Wear sturdy shoes for the industrial site.
Once the world’s largest and most modern coal mine, the Zollverein complex near Essen has been ingeniously transformed into a captivating heritage site. Tour the Bauhaus-designed facilities, learn about mining technology in the museum and ride a historical mine train. At night, Zollverein lights up for an unforgettable spectacle celebrating Essen’s industrial legacy.
See Old Masters at Museum Folkwang
Name and Location: Museum Folkwang, Museumsplatz 1, 45128 Essen
History and Significance: Museum Folkwang houses a leading collection of 19th and 20th century fine and applied arts. Its holdings span paintings, sculptures, photography, prints and drawings. Artists represented include Gauguin, Cézanne, Matisse, Kandinsky, and more.
What to Expect: The museum’s permanent exhibits display highlights from its collections of Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Classical Modern, and contemporary art. Temporary exhibitions also rotate through. An onsite cafe offers refreshments.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm, closed Mondays. Admission charged. Audio guides are available. The museum is accessible by public transport.
This world-class museum in a landmark 1929 building houses masterpieces of fine and applied arts. Standouts include striking 19th century German Romanticist paintings, Post-Impressionist works by Gauguin, Van Gogh and Cézanne, and medieval treasures. The Otto Dix triptych The Seven Deadly Sins is a hidden gem. Temporary exhibitions are always stellar too.
Explore the UNESCO-Listed Krupp Belt
Name and Location: The Krupp Belt, Ruhr Area
History and Significance: The Krupp Belt is a 12km route connecting industrial heritage sites related to the Krupp family’s steel empire in Essen and surrounding Ruhr cities. This was the heart of coal mining and steel production in the region.
What to Expect: Sites along the Belt include Zollverein Coal Mine, the Krupp family’s offers the insightful transition from mining to mordernity.
This 11.25 mile horseshoe-shaped belt connecting industrial heritage sites lets you dig into Ruhr Valley history. Key stops include the Zollverein Coal Mine, Railway Museum, Krupp Park, Industrial Heritage Trail and Ruhr Museum exploring the region’s transition from mining to modernity. Guided bike or bus tours also available.
Hike Through Gruga Park
Name and Location: Grugapark, Virchowstr. 167, 45139 Essen
History and Significance: Grugapark is a large recreational green space of 65 hectares in the Rüttenscheid district of Essen. The park was created for a garden exhibition in the 1950s on the grounds of a former steel mill.
What to Expect: Grugapark contains expansive lawns, gardens, playgrounds, and wooded areas. Miles of walking paths wind through the park. Attractions include an animal farm, botanical garden, mini-golf, lakes, and eateries.
Visitor Information: Grugapark is open daily from 7am to dusk. Admission is free. The parks hosts events like concerts and festivals during warmer months. Public transport via tram or bus routes 107, 108.
Covering over 160 acres between a forest and the Ruhr River, this gorgeous park offers serene escapes from the city. Enjoy its 18th century garden architecture, Japanese garden, maze-like rose garden and conservatory full of exotic plants. Jogging trails, playgrounds, mini-golf and regular concerts (especially in summer) make Gruga Park a year-round delight.
Cheer on Rot-Weiss Essen Football
Name and Location: Rot-Weiss Essen Football Club, Stadion Essen, Hafenstrasse 100a, 45356 Essen
History and Significance: Rot-Weiss Essen is a football club based in Essen, playing home matches at Stadion Essen. Formed in 1907, they were one of Germany’s top clubs in the 1950s-60s and have a dedicated local fanbase.
What to Expect: Catch an exciting match in Germany’s 3. Liga division. Rot-Weiss Essen draws enthusiastic crowds of up to 20,000 spectators. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and cheering fans.
Visitor Information: Matches usually Saturday afternoons or evenings during the season from July to May. Tickets can be purchased online or at the stadium before match day. Take public transport to Stadion Essen stop.
Catching a match of home team Rot-Weiss Essen at Stadion Essen is a must for football fans. The atmosphere crackles with excitement as Essen supporters cheer on their fourth-division team founded in 1907. Stop by the Old Town fanshop for scarves and kits to join in. Matches against rivals Preußen Münster and Wuppertaler SV promise extra thrills!
Take a Day Trip to Duisburg
Name and Location: Day trip to Duisburg, a neighboring city
History and Significance: Duisburg is located about 15km northwest of Essen in the Ruhr region. As a major inland port, Duisburg has significance for industry and transportation. It also offers visitor attractions like museums and parks.
What to Expect: Popular day trips include visiting the Inner Harbor and Rhine promenade, Tiger & Turtle magic loop sculpture, Küppersmühle Museum for modern art, and Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord industrial heritage park.
Visitor Information: Duisburg is easily accessible by regional train from Essen main station, taking about 20 minutes. Or take a bus tour between the two cities. Duisburg offers a contrasting experience as a smaller port city.
Just a quick 15 minutes away, the port city of Duisburg makes an easy and worthwhile day trip from Essen. Must-sees include the striking steel spider of Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, Museum Küppersmühle for modern art, Rhine River cruises and the colorful Tiger and Turtle sculpture. Duisburg’s shocking modern history also fascinates at sites like the Bunker.
Browse Kunsthandel Simonis
Name and Location: Kunsthandel Simonis, Kettwiger Str. 36, 45127 Essen
History and Significance: Kunsthandel Simonis is a renowned art gallery in Essen exhibiting works spanning medieval to contemporary pieces. Founded in 1908, it has one of Germany’s important privately owned art collections.
What to Expect: View rotating exhibits which may include Old Master paintings, antique maps, Renaissance sculptures, and graphics by 20th century German artists. The gallery holds events and auctions.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday – Friday 10am – 6pm, Saturdays 11am – 4pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays. Free admission. Trams and buses stop nearby the gallery in the southern part of Essen.
For exquisite fine art, jewelry and antiquities in a lavish Rococo mansion, Kunsthandel Simonis is unmissable. Their collection spans old master paintings, Art Deco figures, ornate cabinets, antique books, jewelry from top designers and unique objets d’art for the home. Even just window browsing this Essen institution since 1870 is a treat. The cafe is perfect for resting your feet.
Cheer on an Alte Haase Show
Name and Location: Alte Haase music hall, Huyssenallee 53, 45128 Essen
History and Significance: Alte Haase is a concert and variety venue located in the cultural center of Essen. Opened in the 1950s, it hosts musicals, live bands, comedy acts and more. The striking architecture has award-winning acoustics.
What to Expect: A fun evening taking in a show at this historic hall. Program ranges from big band concerts to avant-garde theater. Bars offer drinks before the performance and at intermission.
Visitor Information: Box office open M-F Noon – 6:30pm for tickets. Evening and weekend shows year-round. Reach by walking or transit via lines U11 or 101 from central Essen.
Alte Haase pubs are to Essen what cabaret variety shows are to Berlin. These traditional tavern shows blend comedy, satire, music and audience interaction for a hilarious night out. Alte Haase at Zum Uerige serves hearty local fare alongside the laughs. With singers, slapstick comedy and regional jokes, the shows embody classic Ruhr District charm.
See the Treasures of Essen Minster
Name and Location: Halde Hoheward, Huestraße 299, 45149 Essen
History and Significance: Halde Hoheward is a man-made mining hill on the north edge of Essen offering panoramic views from 161 meters high. Formed from piled up mining debris, it was landscaped into a recreational spot.
What to Expect: Hike trails leading up the hill for scenic vistas across Essen and the Ruhr valley. Cycling paths, plus a sledding hill and play areas. A relaxing natural area with a cafe.
Visitor Information: Free access daily from dawn to dusk. About 4km north of the city center. Reach via car or bus 156 from Essen Hbf.
Essen’s beautiful cathedral contains medieval art treasures like the 10th century Golden Madonna statue, intricate stone sarcophagi and the elaborate Last Supper altarpiece by Johann Karl Ludwig Tüshaus. The octagonal baptismal font dates back to 946 AD. Concerts performed on the grand organ enhance the cathedral’s soaring Gothic architecture and spiritual ambiance. A must-visit!
Take in the Heights of Halden
Name and Location: Halde Hoheward, Huestraße 299, 45149 Essen
History and Significance: Halde Hoheward is a man-made mining hill on the north edge of Essen offering panoramic views from 161 meters high. Formed from piled up mining debris, it was landscaped into a recreational spot.
What to Expect: Hike trails leading up the hill for scenic vistas across Essen and the Ruhr valley. Cycling paths, plus a sledding hill and play areas. A relaxing natural area with a cafe.
Visitor Information: Free access daily from dawn to dusk. About 4km north of the city center. Reach via car or bus 156 from Essen Hbf.
For Essen’s best views, head to the sixty Halden, forested hills formed from mining debris. Panoramic viewpoints like Alpine Coaster Tetraeder and Tetraeder low-energy house perch atop the peaks. Hiking trails weave through the Halden; a scenic 7-mile route connects Zollverein to Villa Hügel mansion. Pack a lunch and soak in the vistas!
Tour Villa Hügel
Name and Location: Villa Hügel, Hügel 15, 45128 Essen
History and Significance: Villa Hügel is the lavish former residence of the Krupp family, Germany’s steel barons. Built 1869-1873, the palace and gardens reflect the family’s wealth and status. It houses a museum about the Krupps.
What to Expect: Tour the ornate staterooms with period decor. See exhibits about the Krupp dynasty, the company, and everyday life in the villa. Stroll through the formal gardens. There is a cafe on site.
Visitor Information: Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 6pm. Admission charged. Located 3km south of central Essen, accessible via bus or taxi. Guided tours available in English.
This elegant mansion in Bredeney Park was built in 1873 as the lavish residence of industrialist Alfred Krupp. Wander through the historic rooms with ornate woodwork, paintings and porcelain collections from the Krupp family’s heyday. The terraced gardens and exhibit on the family dynasty provide a fascinating glimpse into German history from the Kaiser era to WWII.
See Postwar Art at Museum Ostwall
Name and Location: Museum Ostwall, Ostwall 2, 45127 Essen
History and Significance: Museum Ostwall houses Essen’s collection of modern and contemporary art in a landmark building designed by Zaha Hadid. Exhibits span Expressionism, Bauhaus, postwar abstraction, and new media.
What to Expect: Changing exhibits juxtapose modern masters like Picasso with emerging artists. The unusual architecture provides a striking backdrop. Programs often tie in with shows.
Visitor Information: Open Tues – Sun 11am – 6pm. Closed Mondays. Admission charged. Located in downtown Essen next to the Philharmonie hall. Accessible by public transportation.
Cutting-edge temporary exhibitions focusing on contemporary art make Museum Ostwall a must for art lovers. Recent shows have spotlighted Chinese modernist art, painter Gerhard Richter and conceptual new media works. The striking glass-walled building set in the Ostwall World Cultural Heritage area provides a serene minimalist space for viewing the stellar rotating collections.
Try Hausbrauerei Essen for Craft Beers
Name and Location: Hausbrauerei Zum Alten Markt, Am Alten Markt 6, 45127 Essen
History and Significance: Hausbrauerei Zum Alten Markt is a traditional brewpub located in a historic half-timbered house in Essen’s Old Town. They brew their own beers on site in the classic Altbier style.
What to Expect: Fresh Altbier and seasonal beers brewed on the premises. Hearty German pub fare like schweinshaxe. Cozy historic interior with an outdoor terrace. Lively ambiance popular with locals.
Visitor Information: Open daily 11am – 1am. No reservations needed. Located right on main Marktplatz square. Accessible by foot, transit, bike around Essen’s Altstadt.
Join locals quaffing craft beers at Hausbrauerei Essen, a cozy microbrewery pouring IPAs, stouts, Belgian-style ales and more. Sip your beer in the beechwood-paneled taproom or leafy biergarten while snacking on pretzels. Stop by for tours and tastings on Saturdays or book a customized brewing experience. Prost to Essen’s thriving beer scene!
Conclusion
With its scenic parks, excellent museums, enticing food and drink scene, and wealth of attractions honoring its rich industrial heritage, Essen makes for an engaging German city break. The spirit of innovation that fueled Essen’s past echoes through cultural institutions like Museum Folkwang and Zeche Zollverein, now an international landmark. Beyond the heritage sites, Essen’s tree-lined squares, beer halls and verdant hillsides beckon you to slow down and savor this multifaceted Ruhr Valley anchor.