In the Footsteps of Krupp and the Golden Madonna

Urban hiking without a skyline or concrete – you can experience that only in Essen. The Kettwiger Panoramasteig takes you on a 34-kilometre route through fields, forests and the beautiful Ruhr Valley. The BaldeneySteig impresses with its 26 km circular route around one of Germany’s largest inner-city recreation areas, Baldeneysee . Here, greenery stretches as far as the eye can see, the lake’s blue waters await, as does the magnificent view from Germany’s largest single-family home – Villa Hügel , the former residence of the Krupp family. Don’t miss a guided tour of the villa! By the way, both hiking trails can easily be split into sections, making them ideal for beginners, too. After a strenuous day of hiking, you can easily take the bus or train back to the city centre – now you’ll see again that you’re in a big city! In the trendy Südviertel, you can ease into the evening at one of the many bars, quirky pubs and small restaurants. The nightlife hotspot Rüttenscheider Straße is also within walking distance or can be reached by tram. You can stay out until late here, too, if you like, before you’re likely to fall into bed completely exhausted.

Once you’ve managed to get your probably tired legs out of bed, it’s time for a change of pace in Essen. After breakfast, head to a true haven of peace in the heart of Essen city centre. On a guided tour of Essen Cathedral and its Cathedral Treasury, you’ll discover works of art that are beyond value. The highlight is the Golden Madonna , the most important work of art in the Ruhr region and the world’s oldest fully three-dimensional image of the Virgin Mary, dating to around 980 AD. For lunch, visit Restaurant Il Mulino or La Grappa , which has one of the region’s largest and most exclusive wine collections. Afterwards, meet your city guide, who will take you on a journey through Essen’s 1,000-year history. If you don’t have to head home afterwards, why not take a stroll through the city centre, with its many shopping opportunities and the “Limbecker Platz” shopping centre . In the evening, let your hotel pamper you – you’ve certainly covered enough kilometres already!