Essen is always worth a visit! This year, numerous major events are attracting people from all over the world to the Ruhr metropolis. Dance to electronic beats in the sunshine on the beach or in front of the industrial backdrop of the Zollverein coking plant. Experience top international sport at the "FISU World University Games", the Olympic Games for university athletes, or at Germany's biggest cycling race, the "Deutschland Tour". Or discover the incomparable glow of lights that makes Essen so unique in the dark season. This year, for example, the top 10 light art festival "Essen Light Festival" is celebrating its 10th anniversary. After that, the "Essen Light Weeks" begin, bathing the city center in a magical glow, and then the "Essen International Christmas Market" heralds the most beautiful time of the year. Incidentally, the Christmas market has been voted the most beautiful Christmas market in Germany three times in a row by the travel portal "European Best Destinations" and most recently the most sustainable Christmas market in Europe. So, whether it's spring, summer, fall or winter... Essen got it all!
Our tips for 2025
