Steele

Situated right on the Ruhr, Steele is a small town in its own right, well connected by its own S-Bahn station and with a small town centre of its own. At its heart is Kaiser-Otto-Platz, with bronze figures of Ötte and Willem, two miners taking a shower, beside the fountain. The square is full of life and lined with shops and cafés. In the shade of St. Laurentius Church, which stands slightly higher up, it forms the heart of Steele’s shopping streets. Along them, you’ll find everything you need for daily life, as well as small boutiques and specialist shops.

If you’re out and about in Steele, there’s one question you can hardly avoid: Where can you get the best ice cream? Two long-established family businesses are vying for the favour of ice cream lovers. The Fabris family has been serving ice cream and waffles in Steele since 1911, while the Kemmerling family has been known for its ice cream creations since 1927 and now offers around 140 flavours.

Which ice cream tastes better? There’s really only one way to find out: a personal taste test.

Another Steele original is the Henscheid pet and sports shop. Since 1956, it has offered an unusual mix of pet supplies, sporting goods and antiques. Whether you need ski equipment for a winter holiday, freshly restrung tennis rackets or sharpened ice skate blades, Henscheid is the kind of shop you rarely find these days.

There’s always something going on in Steele throughout the year. Markets, district festivals and events regularly bring the shopping streets and squares to life.

A particular highlight is the Steeler Christmas Market, which is one of the first Christmas markets in Germany thanks to its early opening date. The Christmas season begins here as early as the end of October and continues into January. Alongside festively decorated stalls and winter treats, a large stage programme featuring well-known Schlager stars draws the crowds. One of its more unusual traditions is a visit from St. Nicholas by helicopter.

Just a few minutes’ walk from the bustling centre, Steele reveals its quieter side. The meadows along the Ruhr are a popular meeting place for walkers, cyclists and anyone looking for a break by the water.

Varied walking and cycling paths run along the Ruhr. Rowers and canoeists are regularly out on the water, while Steeler Freibad offers a refreshing dip in summer. It’s this contrast between city life and nature that makes Steele so special.

Walk uphill from the centre along Laurentiusberg and you’ll discover another side of the district. This is where Fürstin-Franziska-Christine-Stiftung is located. Founded as an orphanage in 1764, it continues to carry out social work to this day.

Further uphill stands the long-established Carl-Humann-Gymnasium. Its namesake became famous as the discoverer of the Pergamon Altar and is also commemorated by a bust on Kaiser-Otto-Platz.

At the top of the climb, you’ll find Steeler Stadtgarten, a historic park with mature trees and lovely paths. An architectural highlight is the assembly hall, built in 1911 in the Art Nouveau style, with its distinctive domed hall. Today, it is used for dining and events.

Exploring Steele reveals a remarkable variety within a relatively short distance: lively shopping streets, long-established family businesses, historic architecture and plenty of Ruhr-area charm.