Opens in a new tab
See & Experience

Activities in Essen

Essen is green, full of contrasts and closer to the water than many people think. Between Zollverein World Heritage Site in the north and Lake Baldeney in the south lies a city best discovered on the move.

Whether hiking one of the four major circular trails, cycling by the lake, strolling along the Rü or taking a guided themed tour through its industrial heritage — there’s a programme for every mood and every kind of weather.

Here you’ll find an overview of the loveliest things to do. Choose a theme and plan your next day in Essen.

Get out and about

From cycling and hiking to browsing the shop windows — ten ways to experience Essen actively.

Cycling

From the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route to a loop around Lake Baldeney: rides for after work, with the family or for whole days in the saddle.

Hiking

Four major circular hiking trails and shorter after-work walks: trails, viewpoints and green routes across the city.

Shopping

From the Rü in Rüttenscheid and the city centre to small, independently run shops in the neighbourhoods.

Tips for Kids

Places to visit, play spots and ideas for a weekend with the whole family.

Kinder im Phänomania Erfahrungsfeld

Family holidays

Water sports, beach, museums and the Middle Ages: ideas to keep children in Essen from getting bored any time soon.

Themed Tours

Guided walks exploring industrial heritage, neighbourhoods and the city’s history, curated by local experts.

Wandernde am Wegzeichen des ZollvereinSteigs, ein Dritter fotografiert sie

Tour suggestions

A day, a weekend or a whole week: suggestions right across Essen, with stages and matching places to stay.

Food & Drink

Ruhrpott classics, modern cuisine and great cafés: hand-picked places for everyone who enjoys eating out.

Der Wirt - Henning Baum

Essen 1887

With a mixed-reality headset and Bluetooth headphones, we’ll take you on a journey through time in Essen city centre.

Mit dem Motion Seat wird Aufwind zum besonderen Erlebnis

Aufwind VR

“Aufwind” takes you on a virtual-reality journey through time to meet the German pioneers of aviation.