The name says it all!
Today, I’m taking you on one of my favorite hikes along the Ruhr: the route between Essen-Steele and Bochum-Dahlhausen. Here, in a relatively small area, you can experience the Ruhr Valley in all its diversity. There are spectacular views, industrial heritage, forests, floodplain landscapes, and challenging ascents and descents that are simply a joy to combine with the natural beauty of the Ruhr. At 11 km long, this route is also perfect for an after-work walk.
Here you’ll find the entire route: GPX file (gpx, 41 kB)
Start at the Kurt-Schumacher-Brücke in Steele and head towards Horst, where you’ll pass under a steel railway bridge. You’ll encounter this type of bridge on this hike and throughout the city, on former and still-active railway lines. These bridges remind me of our past as a coal and steel region and are simply typical of the Ruhr area.
Follow a cycling and hiking trail right through the green Ruhrauen to Essen-Horst. Here, Haus Großjung, built in 1761, invites you to take a little detour. This traditional inn, with its beer garden shaded by lime trees, is right next to the Schwimmbrücke Holtey, which leads to Burgaltendorf.
You can read interesting information about the bridge here: Schwimmbrücke Holtey
Continue along the Ruhr and make a brief stop at an absolute hidden gem for camping fans. At the well-kept “Ruhrcamping” site right by the river, you’ll find a very special “hotel.” Spending the night in one of the eight converted camping wagons, named after Essen’s districts, is a one-of-a-kind experience. The wagons, for example, are called “Kray” and “Werden.” Peter Lustig would definitely have felt at home here. The owners have put a lot of love and attention to detail into bringing their ideas to life throughout the site. There’s also space for caravans, motorhomes, and tents, of course. A brand-new accommodation option is a night in a historic Citroën HY—how cool is that? If you’d prefer a “more conventional” stay, you can also rent the guesthouse, which has a large sun terrace.
All the information: Ruhrcamping
A narrow path through a small wood takes you to the Horster Mühle and the former Wohlverwahrt colliery. Industrial heritage at its finest, now given a new purpose with modern technology. I’m especially fascinated by the colliery’s brick architecture and its towering chimney, which still bears the name of its builder, “Wilhelm Vogelsang.” The former mill, just beyond the weir, is now used as a hydroelectric power station. This historic site has a lasting impact on the Ruhr Valley’s landscape here.
More about the mill: Horster Mühle
Since the path crosses a railway line several times, little tunnels lead you down to the river. The tunnels are pretty spooky! Once you reach the green banks of the Ruhr, you can really take a deep breath.
I like to take a brief detour for a truly outstanding view. Another tunnel and a few steps lead you to a viewpoint facing Bochum. I’ve often photographed wonderful sunrises here, or simply taken a short break. If you have time, you should definitely take this detour.
Back at the riverbank, follow the path to the Dahlhausen railway bridge. Next to the disused railway bridge, cross the newly built pedestrian bridge from Bochum-Dahlhausen to Essen-Burgaltendorf. If you’re interested in railway history, you can visit the Bochum Railway Museum here.
More information: Eisenbahnmuseum Bochum .
On the Burgaltendorf side of the Ruhr, you’ll pass the Horster Schleuse, where you can see and photograph the entire Horster Mühle complex once more. Up on the hill, you can also see Villa Vogelsang. The former home of the Vogelsang family is now a luxury hotel. Further along, the colorful camping wagons at “Ruhrcamping” make a lovely splash of color—and you’ll want to move right in.
Leave the Holteyer Brücke on your right and continue along the Ruhr to a real Instagram hotspot: the “lighthouse”! During an ideas competition for “Capital of Culture 2010,” the power pylon was partially covered with colorful Plexiglas. This creates fascinating effects, especially in the sunshine. The lighthouse is also part of the “Kunstpfad Ruhr” project.
More information: Kunstpfad Ruhr .
At the path junction for Wichteltal, I leave the riverbank and walk through the valley towards the Friedenskapelle, which lies among the trees above the Ruhr. It’s a wonderful, peaceful place where you can linger for a moment and unwind.
Information about the chapel: Friedenskapelle .
Following the ridge, with its wonderful views along the way, you’ll reach another highlight of this hike: Essen’s “Ruhrblick” viewpoint in Überruhr-Hinsel. Here, you’ll enjoy one of the most beautiful views across the wide Ruhr Valley. Take your time and soak up all the details of the view! It’s worth it!
Information about all of Essen’s viewpoints
Green corridors and wooded areas lead you back to the Ruhrauen. The historic railway flood bridge fascinates me every time. Just a little farther on, shortly before we reach our starting point, you can refresh yourself with a cold drink or reward yourself with a delicious currywurst at the Bootshaus Ruhreck beer garden, right on the Ruhr.
I hope you enjoy the variety of this hike as much as I do. Have fun exploring!
Your Blinki
You can download the GPX file here: Wanderung Ruhr-To-Tal (gpx, 41 kB)
Take a look …
Here’s a little preview of the hike:
Video / YouTube / wird erst nach Klick geladen
More impressions
