Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Gelsenkirchen, Germany

Situated in the heart of the Ruhr Area, Gelsenkirchen is an industrial city positioned just northeast of Essen. The 19th century saw a surge in population due to coal mining, leading to significant growth, with remnants of this era, including headframes and slag heaps, preserved as monuments along the Ruhr’s Industrial Heritage Trail.

In the wake of the mines and coking plants ceasing operations at the close of the 20th century, Gelsenkirchen has emerged as a promising hub for education and the service sector. Notably, the city is home to FC Schalke 04, Germany’s third most decorated football club, which competes at the cutting-edge Veltins Arena.

Let us delve into the top attractions in Gelsenkirchen:

1. Zoom Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen

The city’s acclaimed zoo, established in 1949 on previously bomb-damaged land adjacent to the Rhine-Herne Canal, is dedicated exclusively to larger wildlife.

As a result, the park hosts around 60 species, each provided with vast, scenic habitats. This includes polar bears, lions, orangutans, giraffes, timberwolves, chimpanzees, and hippopotamuses.

The enclosures are thoughtfully designed, allowing views of the sea lions from an underwater tunnel, while in the safari area, both lions and zebras can be seen together (albeit separated!). Zoo keepers are available throughout the day for feeding sessions and to share insights on animal husbandry and the various species.

2. Schloss Horst

Located in the Horst district, this striking Renaissance palace ranks among the oldest and most significant historical edifices in Westphalia.

Constructed in 1578 in the regional “Liperenaissance” style, it was built upon the site of a medieval predecessor that had succumbed to fire.

At its inception, it was one of the largest palaces situated north of the Alps.

Schloss Horst served as the residence for the Lords of Horst until its sale in the 1700s, leading to its abandonment in the 1800s.

In the 20th century, it functioned as a recreation center and nightclub until Gelsenkirchen acquired the property in the 1980s, initiating restoration efforts with community support.

Visitors can explore a museum exhibit detailing the craftsmen involved in the palace’s construction during the 1500s, including stonemasons, blacksmiths, carpenters, tilers, bricklayers, and plasterers.

3. FC Schalke 04

Schalke ranks as the third most accomplished club in the Bundesliga’s history and was the preeminent team in Germany during the 1930s.

Despite having not secured a title since 1958, the team has approached victory in recent years, finishing as runners-up in 2007 and 2010. The club museum provides insights into the team’s dominance in the 1930s and commemorates their UEFA Cup win in 1997.

The Veltins Arena, the fourth largest stadium in the Bundesliga, accommodates 62,271 spectators for domestic matches and hosted events during the 2006 World Cup. For an exhilarating atmosphere, securing tickets in the Nordkurve, where the loyal supporters continuously sing for the entire match, is highly recommended.

Guided tours are available, providing access to restricted areas such as the tunnel, media room, and chapel, along with explanations of the retractable roof mechanism.

4. Nordsternpark

Situated along the Ruhr’s Industrial Heritage Trail, Nordsternpark is a recreational area developed on the former site of the Zeche Nordstern colliery.

Following its closure in 1993, the site underwent rapid regeneration, culminating in Gelsenkirchen hosting the Bundesgartenschau (Federal Garden Exhibition) in 1997. The former conveyors have been transformed into walking paths, and a 60-meter mining tunnel is now accessible to the public.

Moreover, old industrial components, such as steel frames, have been repurposed into pergolas within the gardens, while the remaining mining tower is topped with a monumental sculpture, the Hercules of Gelsenkirchen, created by Markus Lüpertz. The park also features an amphitheater that hosts the Rock Hard heavy metal festival, featuring major international acts each May.

5. Zeche Zollverein

While technically located within the city limits of Essen, the magnificent industrial park of Zeche Zollverein is merely a ten-minute drive from Schalke.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site serves as a principal landmark along the Route of Industrial Heritage.

Often referred to as “the most beautiful coalmine in the world,” it employed roughly 8,000 miners at the height of its operations, producing 8,000 tons of coke daily.

Both the colliery and coking plant remain preserved, offering tours of the complex to admire features such as the headframe and the iconic Bauhaus-designed boiler house at shaft 12. The coal washery includes a museum dedicated to the entire Ruhr area, while the Bauhaus boiler house functions as an industrial design museum that hosts the highly regarded Red Dot Design Award.

6. Schloss Berge

Nested within expansive grounds, the moated Schloss Berge dates back to the 1200s and was established to safeguard Gelsenkirchen’s Erle district.

Over the centuries, the property has been enhanced, acquiring its present blend of Baroque and Neoclassical styles in the late 18th century.

It was around this time that it became the birthplace of Maria Anna Wilhelmine, later a companion to Ludwig van Beethoven.

Currently, the castle operates as a hotel and restaurant, while the grounds have been transformed into a scenic public park replete with extensive woodlands, formal gardens, topiaries, and various water features like canals and the significant Berger See lake.

In July, the park hosts the Sommerfest Schloss Berge, featuring amusement rides, an art market, food stalls, and musical performances.

7. Musiktheater im Revier (MiR)

As a distinguished example of post-war architecture, the Musiktheater im Revier has been in operation since 1959 and is recognized as a protected German monument.

The venue includes two halls (Großes Haus and Kleines Haus), offering approximately 320 performances annually encompassing ballet, opera, musical theater, and operetta.

Designed by Werner Ruhnaus, the building features a striking cube-shaped facade with glass cylinders encasing the performance halls.

The venue also showcases remarkable modern art, including two sculptures by Yves Klein and a mobile by Jean Tinguely. Recently, the MiR has earned accolades for its ballet productions helmed by the renowned choreographer Bridget Breiner.

8. Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen

This prestigious art museum is housed in an elegant Neo-Baroque villa augmented by a modern glass extension, specializing in artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Founded in the 1950s, the museum swiftly began acquiring pieces from notable artists such as Expressionist Lovis Corinth, Dadaist Max Ernst, and Bauhaus educator László Moholy-Nagy.

The focal point of the collection is kinetic art, notably produced by the Zero group, which had a residency at the museum during the 1960s.

Works by artists such as Heinz Mack, Hartmut Böhm, and Rolf Glasmeier feature prominently, with many kinetic pieces being electrically operated and exploring themes of movement, light, and sound.

9. Halde Rheinelbe

In Gelsenkirchen’s southernmost district of Ückendorf, visitors will find a mountainous slag heap, marking the site of the now-defunct Zeche Rheinelbe colliery.

The mine ceased operations in 1928, well before the conclusion of many others in the region.

However, it was not until 1999 that the waste material was restructured into this remarkable summit.

The peak rises just over 100 meters above sea level, presenting a surreal scene devoid of vegetation at its higher elevations.

At the apex stands a 10-meter monument created by contemporary sculptor Herman Prigann, titled “Himmelstreppe” (Ladder to Heaven).

10. Halde Rungenberg

This 110-meter slag tip serves as a poignant tribute to Gelsenkirchen’s industrial past.

It embodies over a century’s worth of mining waste, arranged into two pyramidal structures.

While nature is gradually reclaiming the area, the upper sections remain largely bare.

A total of 300 steps can be climbed from the charming worker settlement of Schüngelberg to access one of the summits.

Each summit features two rusted spotlights, installed in 1992, that resemble oversized telescopes. At night, their beams intersect, creating a visually striking sight visible from afar.

11. Zeche Consolidation

The town’s industrial legacy persists at this former colliery located in the city’s southern region.

Zeche Consolidation derives its name from the collaboration of seven mining companies in 1862, a common practice during the Ruhr’s industrial rise to minimize financial risk.

Operations ended at the mine in 1993, and the area is now a public park.

Prior to its closure, the impressive headframe above shaft nine was designated as a listed monument.

This 53-meter structure, along with its conveyor system and steel shed, stands as a tribute to the mining era.

The northern machine house presently showcases an exhibition by local artist Werner Thiel, who incorporated industrial materials into his collages and installations.

12. Mining Settlements

Those with an interest in industrial history will find it fascinating to observe how Gelsenkirchen’s collieries adapted to accommodate the massive influx of workers during the 19th century.

Two notable settlements exist along the Ruhr’s Industrial Heritage Trail: Siedlung Flöz Dickebank was planned in the 1860s for workers employed at the Holland, Alma, and Rheinelbe collieries.

This neighborhood was preserved in the 1970s when residents successfully resisted relocation amidst scheduled demolitions.

Located beneath the imposing Rungenberg slagheap, Siedlung Schüngelberg stands out as the more impressive of the two.

This settlement originated in 1897, characterized by charming rows of homes adorned with mansard roofs.

To cultivate a healthy living environment for its residents, the community includes seven hectares of green space.

13. Movie Park Germany

Located a short drive from Scholven in northern Gelsenkirchen, this theme park draws inspiration from the film industry.

The park is organized into seven themed zones, featuring attractions based on iconic movies and television series.

For example, visitors can enjoy a 4D cinema experience based on the animated film Ice Age, embark on a time travel adventure alongside John Cleese, or navigate a maze themed on The Walking Dead, which utilizes real sets from the show.

Each zone boasts distinct designs reflecting cinema, exemplified by the Santa Monica Pier, the streets of New York, the Old West, or a Hollywood studio set.

Movie Park is also renowned for its engaging live performances suitable for all ages, ranging from cop-themed stunt shows to character performances featuring Nick Toons.

14. Freizeitpark Schloss Beck

For families with young children, another theme park is conveniently located adjacent to Movie Park, situated within the grounds of a Baroque stately home.

Constructed in the 1760s for a high-ranking official in the Electorate of Cologne, Schloss Beck was designed by Johann Conrad Schlaun, the region’s most esteemed architect of the era.

This protected historic site sets the stage for an amusement park tailored for younger guests, featuring a ferris wheel, carousels, a miniature train, and an array of playgrounds and obstacles.

Since 2012, the park includes a suspended walkway integrated into the treetops.

The castle itself contains dioramas, adding an element of intrigue, particularly within the cellar.

15. Propsteikirche St. Urbanus

While in the Buer district, it is essential to visit the main Catholic church.

Although the current Neo-Gothic structure was completed in the 1890s, its legacy traces back to the 11th century.

The building was necessitated due to a population surge during the industrial era, which prompted updates by the end of the 19th century.

Inside, visitors can admire an array of art from the Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque periods, with works spanning over 800 years.

A Romanesque carving of a guardian lion and column capital on display dates back to 1200, while the northern chapel showcases a Pietà (Mary cradling Jesus’ body) from the early 16th century.

Additionally, numerous colorful post-war windows were crafted by renowned glassmaker Nikolaus Bette and painter Hans-Günther van Look.