Hiking in Essen

Full of contrasts, exciting and so green: hiking in Essen is a real experience. In Germany’s third-greenest city, surprising views await, from urban scenery to almost alpine landscapes.

The four major circular hiking trails are especially varied and challenging: the BaldeneySteig (approx. 26 km) and the Kettwiger PanoramaSteig (approx. 35 km) in the south of Essen, the ZollvereinSteig (approx. 26 km), opened in 2022, in the north of the city, and the DeilbachSteig (approx. 33 km), opened in 2023, which connects the cities of Essen, Velbert and Hattingen.

Prefer something a little shorter? Further down, you’ll find tour ideas taking you past plenty of greenery, culture and industrial heritage. So, lace up your hiking boots and discover Essen.

Look forward to April 10, 2027: we’ll be welcoming you to the next “Day of the Trails”.

Essen’s hiking trails

Four major circular hiking trails take you around the city’s greenest corners — from 26 to 35 kilometres, from Villa Hügel to the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site.

BaldeneySteig

Approx. 26 km through the south of Essen: around Lake Baldeney, past Villa Hügel and offering sweeping views of the Ruhr.

Kettwiger PanoramaSteig

Approx. 35 km through the south of Essen: the longest trail, featuring half-timbered houses in Kettwig, woodland and panoramic views over the Ruhr Valley.

ZollvereinSteig

Approx. 26 km through the north of Essen: opened in 2022, with industrial heritage, spoil tips and green trails.

DeilbachSteig

Approx. 33 km from Essen through Velbert to Hattingen: opened in 2023 and close to the Deilbach Valley.

Hiking tour ideas

Whether you want to unwind after work, spend a day hiking with your family or show visitors the city from a new perspective — here you’ll find a curated selection of hiking tours.

Lights, camera, action!

Hiking in Essen — brought to life on film.

Essen’s hiking trails Video / YouTube / only loads after clicking

Fancy a trip to Essen?

Hotel and experience in one package — or simply a room for the night after your tour.

Welterbe Zollverein bei der Extraschicht

Package deals in Essen

Book your hotel, travel and experience together.

Top hotel deals in Essen

Accommodation in Essen — places to stay and prices at a glance.

Contact

The staff at the Tourist Information Centre will be happy to answer your questions and provide expert assistance. We look forward to hearing from you.

EMG - Essen Marketing GmbH

Tourist-Information Essen

Kettwiger Str. 35

45127 Essen

+49 201 8872333

touristinfo@essen.de