Festivals & Highlights

Anything goes in Essen—and all year round. Join the 3rd “Day of the Trails” on the Kettwiger PanoramaSteig, take a ride on the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein, or simply enjoy the sporting action as a spectator at the “Days of the High Flyers” in the city centre. There’s plenty of celebrating and dancing, too—whether at Essen Original, the Stone Techno Festival or SMAG Sundance on Lake Baldeney. And when the darker season sets in, the Essen Light Festival and the traditional Essen Light Weeks make for magical evening strolls and dazzling hours in the city centre. At the end of November, the International Christmas Market Essen then ushers in what may be the most wonderful time of the year. Look forward to festive market stalls and sparkling lights as far as the eye can see. So, as you can see, whether in spring, summer, autumn or winter, Essen is worth a visit on all 365 days of the year.