Essen, in the heart of the Ruhr region, is a modern, vibrant and diverse city where there’s so much to experience and discover—making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable getaway for two. We’ve put together a few tips to help you plan the perfect trip to Essen.
Day 1
UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein – experience history and the present
In Essen, a visit to Zeche Zollverein—a UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known by Essen residents as the “most beautiful colliery in the world” or the “Eiffel Tower of the Ruhr region”—definitely belongs on your to-do list. Where people once worked hard underground, you can now discover what is arguably the most fascinating place in industrial history: mining, design, architecture, culture and nature.
Our tip if you have a little extra time or the weather isn’t cooperating: visit the Red Dot Design Museumon the Zollverein World Heritage Site grounds. Set amid historic industrial architecture, the museum presents the world’s largest exhibition of contemporary design across five floors. Featuring innovative objects from around 45 countries, the museum ranks among the world’s top 8 design museums.
The trendy Rüttenscheid district – shop, browse and enjoy
Just 20 minutes away by tram is the trendy district of Rüttenscheid. You’ll definitely want to spend some time here. The district thrives on its individuality: hip cafés, numerous bars, trendy restaurants, and small shops and boutiques. Shop, browse, feast and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this young district. Rüttenscheider Straße, also known as the “Rü,” is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, whatever the season. Tip: Don’t overlook the side streets—they’re well worth exploring!
Within walking distance of the “Rü” is the Grugapark, the city’s green lung. Covering around 60 hectares, it is one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful urban parks, welcoming more than 1 million visitors each year. A stroll through its many themed gardens is practically a must on your trip to Essen.
Day 2
On the water – pure relaxation at Lake Baldeney
Lake Baldeneyseein the south of the city is ideal for a canoe tour.Simply rent a canoe—the station in Essen-Kupferdreh opens at 10:00 a.m. Whether you’re on the water or by the shore, the area around Baldeneysee offers a varied and charming landscape combining nature and industrial heritage. A bird sanctuary home to cormorants and kingfishers, the historic Hespertalbahn railway, the Haus Scheppenbikers’ meeting place, or the former Carl Funke colliery—only Baldeneysee offers such variety along its nearly 14 km circuit. From the heights, you can also see and visit Villa Hügel. Villa Hügel was the former residence of the industrialist Alfred Krupp’s family and, with 269 rooms, is Germany’s largest single-family home.
Seaside Beach Baldeney – sunny hours at the beach
After your tour around the lake, you can relax at the Seaside Beach Baldeney relax with a refreshing cocktail in hand and sand between your toes. At 250 metres long and 35 metres wide, this dream beach, with more than 100 real palm trees and a stunning view of Lake Baldeney, brings summer vibes all year round. You can chill out on the sun loungers or at one of the many bars. Fancy getting a little more active? No problem! You can hire surfboards, play volleyball or try out the high-ropes course right here.
Day 3
A hiking paradise in the Ruhr region – close to nature
Enjoying long hikes in a large city like Essen? Absolutely! As Germany’s third-greenest city, Essen is practically an Eldorado for nature lovers. Our tip: the BaldeneySteig, a 26.7 km circular trail around Lake Baldeney. With its well-marked hiking trails, the route offers a unique experience in nature. The landscape along the trail is wonderfully varied. While steep woodlands, narrow paths and magnificent views dominate the northern shore of the lake, the southern side is characterised by wide-open fields and traces of mining history.
Is 26.7 km too long for you? Thanks to the boats operated by Weiße Flotte Baldeney GmbH, the Hespertalbahn and public transport, you can also hike just part of the BaldeneySteig. This also means you can choose your starting point freely.
Important: Even though we’re not in the Alps, a good pair of hiking boots is an advantage.
Download the hiking map for the BaldeneySteig (PDF, 8 MB)
You can find more hikes in Essen, including shorter ones, here (PDF, 1 MB)
Day 4
Sightseeing on an adventure tour – all aboard!
The best way to travel through Essen’s history and visit its most important sights is on the double-decker convertible bus operated by Ruhrgebiets Stadtrundfahrten. The tour takes two hours and passes, among other places, UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein, the Margarethenhöhe Garden City and Villa Hügelpast.
MUSEUM FOLKWANG, MUSEUM OF THE YEAR – VAN GOGH, MONET & PICASSO
Four works by Van Gogh, plus free admission – you’ll find that only at the Museum Folkwang, one of Germany’s most important art museums and definitely a must on your to-do list when you’re in Essen. Its outstanding collection, featuring works by Van Gogh as well as Monet, Cézanne, Picasso, Klee, Rodin and Rothko, is a cultural highlight. In addition to art from the 19th century through classical modernism, the museum regularly presents major exhibitions and special exhibitions.
Day 5
Cycling in Essen – I want to ride my bicycle
Ride around 260 km across Essen – with its extensive network of cycle paths, it’s no problem at all. Industrial heritage, parks, forests and fields, as well as a vibrant city life – you can explore all of this perfectly by bike. Many of the cycle paths were built on disused railway lines, which until a few decades ago were used to transport coal and steel. These routes are also a great way to explore the Ruhr region around Essen, as the cycle paths don’t stop at city boundaries!
Our tips for a day trip: Northern beer garden tour: 43 km, railway trail tour: 40 km, colliery tour: 38 km, Krupp tour: 31 km
Find more tours, including shorter ones, here
You can rent bicycles here
Curtain up – you can’t get more cinema variety than this
Essen boasts an outstanding cinema culture. This includes arthouse cinemas such as the Astra Theater , the Filmstudio Glückauf , the Eulenspiegel , the Galerie Cinema and the legendary Lichtburg Essen , Germany’s largest cinema with 1,250 seats and a popular venue for premieres featuring international stars. In this listed film palace dating from the 1920s, one of Germany’s most popular cinemas, concerts, readings, cabaret and theatre performances are often held alongside film screenings. So it’s the perfect place to round off an evening in Essen.
Would you like something even more unusual? Then visit the Essen drive-in cinema – retro charm guaranteed!
Day 6
Hiking holiday for enthusiasts – Kettwiger Panoramasteig
At around 35 kilometres, the Kettwiger PanoramaSteig, north and south of the Ruhr, is a little longer than the BaldeneySteig and also requires a bit more stamina. The stunning landscape along the trail is characterised by hilly, sometimes steep woodland, fields and small, almost rural settlements. Along the hiking trail, you’ll find plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat, such as beer gardens and restaurants.
You should definitely set aside a full day for the trail and wear hiking boots for secure footing.
Our tip: The Kettwiger PanoramaSteig can be combined with the BaldeneySteig—in total, you’ll cover around 60 kilometres on foot through Essen’s beautiful south.
Download the hiking maps: Kettwiger PanoramaSteig (pdf, 17 MB) and BaldeneySteig (pdf, 8 MB)
You can find more hikes in Essen, including shorter ones, here (pdf, 1 MB)
A culinary taste of Essen – end the day in style
After a full day of hiking, you’ve more than earned a really good meal. The city’s multicultural character—more than 100 nationalities have made their home in Essen—is also reflected in its culinary scene. The choice ranges from local to Oriental dishes, from currywurst and chips to caviar, and from a quick snack to a multi-course meal at one of the three Michelin-starred restaurants.
Day 7
Margarethenhöhe Garden City – like another world
On the last day of your trip, we recommend taking a stroll through the listed Margarethenhöhe Garden City. This idyllic district, which was built between 1909 and 1938, is considered the finest example of the German garden city movement. Although the settlement forms a harmonious whole, hardly any two houses are alike; there’s something new to discover around every corner. Be curious!
Our tip: Visit a show apartment furnished in the historical style. You can only see it as part of guided tours.
An overnight stay in a double room, including breakfast, from just €69.00