Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Essen, Germany

In the Ruhr Valley, Essen is a name that traditionally symbolized German industry and the Krupp family, now ThyssenKrupp. However, visitors arriving with expectations of a post-industrial cityscape may find themselves pleasantly surprised. The tertiary sector has transformed Essen into a city adorned with modern skyscrapers and green spaces, while a UNESCO-listed industrial facility has been meticulously preserved as a historic monument.

The city features prestigious concert halls within repurposed factories, and the Zollverein Mining Complex stands out for its impressive Bauhaus architecture and massive coal washery. Visitors can delve into the history of the Krupp family at their expansive villa and explore the authentic medieval villages surrounding Essen.

Let’s examine the noteworthy attractions in Essen:

1. Museum Folkwang

Essen’s distinguished art museum showcases various European movements, ranging from Romanticism in the 19th century to Abstract Expressionism post-World War II.

Established in 1902 in Hagen, the museum relocated to Essen in 1921 when its collection was transferred to the city.

The museum features a breathtaking collection by famous artists including Caspar David Friedrich, Ferdinand Hodler, Gustave Courbet, Monet, van Gogh, Renoir, Gauguin, Franz Marc, Kirchner, Kandinsky, and Paul Klee.

Museum Folkwang has also integrated the extensive collection of the now-defunct German Poster Museum and hosts temporary exhibitions from its vast collection of 340,000 graphics spanning from the GDR, the Weimar Republic, and contemporary Germany.

2. Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex

This renowned industrial site and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Zollverein Complex, was a significant coal mine and coking plant operational from 1847 until 1993. Its peak occurred during the post-war era when industries such as this catalyzed Germany’s Wirtschaftswunder (Economic Miracle). The complex is noted for its stunning Bauhaus architecture, particularly Shaft 12, completed in 1932. Following its closure, the 100-hectare complex transitioned into a monument and UNESCO site.

Today, it serves as a recreational destination, featuring attractions such as the Ruhr Museum and the Red Dot Design Museum.

Participating in a guided tour provides deeper insights into the mine and coking plant’s history.

3. Ruhr Museum

The Bauhaus Coal Washery within the complex has been transformed into a museum dedicated to the Ruhr industrial area.

The museum’s design is captivating, harmonizing with the existing plant elements, including towers and conveyor belts.

Visitors ascend an external escalator to an upper level before descending through various exhibitions.

The exhibits chronicle the development of the Ruhr, focusing on the lives of those who labored in mines, processing facilities, and offices in the early 20th century.

Additionally, the museum features intriguing information about the geology and chemistry of the coal seams dating back 300 million years.

4. Red Dot Design Museum

The Red Dot Design Award is an international industrial design accolade that attracts tens of thousands of participants globally each year.

This award encompasses numerous product design sectors, such as home appliances, tools, portable electronics, vehicles, and furniture.

The jury typically comprises prominent figures in the design world, including names like Jimmy Choo, Roy Fleetwood, and Kenneth Grange, who have recently been involved.

A showcase of award-winning designs is displayed in the innovative Boiler House at Shaft 12, allowing visitors to appreciate contemporary design alongside previous winners from renowned companies like Porsche, Siemens, Apple, BMW, Bosch, and Lenovo.

5. Villa Hügel

In the early 1870s, Alfred Krupp of the illustrious industrialist family commissioned a 269-room villa spanning 20 hectares overlooking the Ruhr.

Krupp was intricately involved in the design details of this Neoclassical mansion, which, despite its size, features a relatively austere façade.

The villa included modern amenities long before they became standard, such as water heating, an early form of air-conditioning, fire-proofing, and double-glazing.

A guided or audio tour provides valuable insights into the history of the Krupp family, their extensive business operations, and the city of Essen during this historical period.

Noteworthy features include the murals in the main hall, the wood paneling in the lobby, and fascinating snippets from the Krupp family archive, such as correspondence from Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius.

6. Essen Minster

A key highlight at Essen’s principal church is the Golden Madonna of Essen.

Crafted in 980 and enhanced with gold leaf, this artifact constitutes the world’s oldest sculpture of Mary and the most ancient free-standing medieval sculpture north of the Alps.

The church’s monumental western section (westwork) and its crypt also originate from the Ottonian dynasty in the 900s.

The westwork features three octagonal towers and a large central structure, flanked by two smaller towers.

These elements are punctuated by small windows with semi-circular arches, and visitors may observe faint remnants of original Ottonian murals upon entry.

The remainder of the church is from the 13th century and endured extensive damage during a bombing raid in 1943, with the crypt and westwork remaining largely intact.

7. Essen Cathedral Treasury

The treasury chamber within the minster is accessible to the public and is renowned for the significance and antiquity of its liturgical artifacts.

Managed by the cathedral chapter, the treasury functions more as an active collection than a traditional museum, with items retained for practical use whenever feasible.

The treasury is home to an extraordinary selection of treasures from the 10th and 11th centuries, including a golden crown, four processional crosses, and a ceremonial sword in a gold sheath.

Additionally, a lesser-known yet equally captivating collection features 16 Burgundian fibulae (ceremonial brooches) dating back to the 1300s.

8. Grugapark

This attraction is not a conventional city park; rather, it comprises a variety of green spaces and attractions, making it an ideal destination on warm days.

Primarily a botanical garden, Grugapark boasts a pyramid-shaped tropical house, an alpine garden with a waterfall, a Westphalian farmer’s garden, a rose garden, a forested valley featuring bonsai trees, and a rhododendron garden.

The park is also home to aviaries, expansive enclosures for owls, flamingos, and herons, and a highly regarded sculpture garden that displays works by Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, Adolf Wamper, and Fritz Klimsch.

Moreover, visitors can enjoy a miniature train (Grugabahn), a petting zoo, a music pavilion with a capacity of 1,000, and a spa that opened in 2006.

9. Old Synagogue

Upon its opening in the 1910s, Essen’s Old Synagogue served a thriving Jewish community of over 5,000. Unfortunately, during the Nazi regime, its interior was devastated and set ablaze, although the exterior remained intact and also survived World War II.

Subsequently used as an industrial design museum, the synagogue’s interiors were restored, and in 2010 it was repurposed as a cultural center for Jewish heritage.

The exhibits are designed for a variety of ages and knowledge levels, elucidating Jewish traditions, holidays, and daily life.

The Old Synagogue now stands as the largest free-standing synagogue north of the Alps, with its magnificent dome soaring 37 meters above the floor.

One intriguing characteristic of the dome is its acoustics, which amplify sounds, enabling even the faintest whisper to be heard across the synagogue.

10. Philharmonie Essen

The concert hall located at Stadtgarten was inaugurated at the turn of the 20th century and underwent a €72 million renovation in the early 2000s.

The main Alfred-Krupp-Saal accommodates an audience of 2,000 and is renowned for its exceptional acoustics, suitable for its esteemed performers.

Should you plan a visit to Essen, reviewing the upcoming concert schedule in advance will allow you to experience performances by some of the finest classical musicians today.

Prominent artists such as Ludovico Einaudi and Martha Argerich have graced the stage at Philharmonie Essen in the past year.

11. Aalto Theatre

Named after its architect Avar Aalto, Essen’s opera house opened in 1988, 30 years following Aalto’s victory in the design competition.

In fact, Aalto had passed away seven years prior to the commencement of construction in 1983. Frequently regarded as one of Germany’s premier opera houses, Aalto Theatre is distinguished by its flowing lines, contrasting starkly with the traditional Historicist palaces and Neoclassical porticos of preceding eras.

Even after sixty years since the design was first conceived, it retains its striking appearance.

Visitors may wish to check the upcoming performances before traveling to Essen, as the season features premieres such as Salome, Eine Nacht in Venedig, Il Trovatore, and Hansel and Gretel.

12. Margarethenhöhe

Located just west of Grugapark, Margarethenhöhe is recognized as Germany’s first garden city.

Spanning 115 hectares, it was established by Margarethe Krupp and expanded in phases between 1906 and 1938, inspired by late 19th-century Utopian ideals intended to provide factory workers with ample living space and leisure opportunities.

More than half of the area consists of woodland, while the houses and apartments, designed by architect Georg Metzendorf, possess a unique charm worthy of a photograph during your visit.

An intriguing aspect of the homes is their modular design, utilizing identical architectural features but arranged differently throughout the development, ensuring that no two houses on a given street appear the same.

Currently, the entire estate is designated as a protected historical site, overseen by the Margarethe Krupp Stiftung (foundation).

13. Kettwig Historical District

Previously an independent town, Kettwig became a part of Essen in 1975 and is located approximately 10 kilometers southwest of the city center.

Centuries ago, Kettwig was recognized as a weaving community, but by the time of World War II, those industries had disappeared, and the lack of factories spared Kettwig from destruction.

The well-preserved 17th-century town center invites exploration, featuring picturesque half-timbered houses along winding cobblestone streets.

Visitors can stroll down to an elegant riverside promenade and browse quaint shops along the main pedestrian thoroughfare, taking a break at a local biergarten or café.

14. Baldeneysee

As the largest of the Ruhr’s six reservoirs, Lake Baldeney was formed by a dam constructed in the 1930s.

Instead of a waterfront view, Villa Hügel on the north shore boasts picturesque vistas overlooking the lake.

The lake offers opportunities for relaxation and physical activity, whether leisurely walking or cycling around the shoreline or enjoying a summer cruise on the MS Stadt Essen pleasure boat.

There are 25 sailing clubs organizing around 30 regattas annually, in addition to rowing and canoeing events.

The Seaside Beach Baldeney resembles a small holiday resort, featuring a sandy beach, a bar, playgrounds, and a mini-golf course.

Visitors can unwind with a cool beverage and enjoy views of sailing boats while relaxing on a deck chair or sun lounger.

15. Werden Old Town

Located on a bend in the Ruhr River, Werden is a village integrated within Essen’s city limits yet maintains a distinct community identity.

Situated approximately seven kilometers south of the city center, it is served by Essen’s public transportation system, with access via tram or bus.

Werden contrasts sharply with modern Essen, characterized by quiet streets lined with medieval timber-framed houses.

Many of Essen’s affluent residents opt to reside in this rural haven while commuting to the city.

The best activities involve leisurely wandering the cobblestone paths and visiting local cheese, confections, pastry, and ice cream shops.

16. Basilica of St Ludgerus

While in Werden, a visit to the Basilica of St Ludgerus is important, showcasing Ottonian and Romanesque architecture along with the remains of the 8th-century Saint Ludger in its crypt.

Similar to Essen Minster, this church features a prominent western section (westwork), with side chapels housing remnants of murals from the 900s.

The fittings in the church’s chancel, such as the choir stalls, high altar, and side altars, are all Baroque masterpieces crafted during the 17th and 18th centuries.

The basilica houses a treasury containing 90 exquisite works of art, including an ivory pyx (a small container) from the 6th century featuring one of the oldest known representations of the Nativity.

17. Schloss Borbeck

Exhibiting Baroque design since the 1700s, Schloss Borbeck’s history traces back to the 1200s.

Shortly thereafter, the castle became the preferred residence of Essen’s Imperial Abbots, who were direct representatives of the Holy Roman Emperor.

The castle is situated within one of the oldest parks in the Rhineland, originally delineated by Abbess Elisabeth von Manderscheid-Blankenheim in the 1500s and later redesigned in an English landscape style during the early 1800s.

Since 1983, Schloss Borbeck has functioned as a cultural center and romantic venue for receptions.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the park’s mature woodlands, view exhibitions in the castle’s gallery, and take in the sight of its white walls mirrored in the surrounding moat.

18. Colosseum Theater

Essen boasts several performance venues notable for their historical and architectural significance.

The Colosseum Theater exemplifies this; it occupies a factory built in 1901 that once employed 2,000 individuals in the manufacture of locomotive frames and ship crankshafts.

Designated as a protected monument in 1989, the factory has since been renovated to serve as a conference center, theatre, and concert venue.

The structure retains its Art Nouveau features, large metal framework, and glass roof.

Prominent international musicals, including Mamma Mia!, and concerts by artists such as Morrissey, Simple Minds, and Tori Amos have all been hosted here.

19. Zeche Carl

The striking brick industrial architecture of the historical Zeche Carl colliery has been repurposed as a cultural center since the 1970s.

This mine originated in the latter half of the 19th century, with its engine tower and accompanying buildings creating an aesthetically pleasing backdrop for concerts, comedy events, exhibitions, markets, revues, club nights, and theatrical performances.

If you are seeking live rock music in Essen, Zeche Carl is a venue to keep in mind, as it hosts both well-known German artists and emerging international talent touring through Europe.

20. Marktkirche

This church, situated on Fachsmarkt, is recognizable by the striking blue glass cube that occupies its western wall.

The Marktkirche is the oldest Protestant church in Essen and was transferred to Lutheran stewardship in 1563. The church’s first recorded mention dates back to 1054, and since the 15th century, it has been named after the market that once thrived beside it at Fachsmarkt.

The structure has endured a tumultuous century, having been completely devastated during the Second World War.

The church was reconstructed in subsequent decades but now stands at only half its original size, with only the eastern bays preserved.

The blue cube was incorporated during a redesign in 2006.

21. Glockenspiel

The Deiterhaus on Kettwiger Straße, located in the heart of Essen’s pedestrian zone, features a charming carillon and jacquemart established in 1948. The glockenspiel is housed at the former headquarters of Essen’s Deiter Company, installed by owner Josef Deiter as an expression of gratitude to the city’s citizens for their support.

The mechanism and bells date back to 1928, relocated from a previous site at Limbecker Platz that was lost during the war.

The carillon chimes hourly from 09:00 to 20:00, playing traditional German folk tunes like “Glück auf, der Steiger kommt”, “Am Brunnen vor dem Tore”, and “Die Gedanken sind frei”, transitioning to Christmas carols during the holiday season.

22. Limbecker Platz

Situated on the northwestern edge of Essen’s city center, Limbecker Platz is a shopping center that opened in 2009 after a €300 million investment.

This expansive mall, spanning three floors and a mezzanine and featuring over 200 stores, offers a bright and spacious environment ideal for leisurely shopping on rainy days.

The center hosts a variety of both international and domestic brands, including Levi’s, H&M, and Adidas, alongside more upscale retailers like Armani Jeans and Tommy Hilfiger.

After satisfying shopping cravings, visitors can enjoy a selection of eateries offering sushi, noodles, cafes, and a Currywurst stand, along with major fast-food chains.

23. Rathaus

Essen’s city hall is a 23-story concrete and steel skyscraper erected at the end of the 1970s.

The modern design aligns with the city’s contemporary aesthetic, as the former Gothic Revival city council seat was sold and subsequently demolished in the 1960s.

Visitors can admire the city’s sandstone coat of arms and the figures of St Cosmas and St Damien, salvaged from the former city hall, upon entering the building.

If time permits, guided tours are occasionally organized, and the view from the 22nd floor offers a panoramic perspective of Essen, towering 100 meters above ground.

24. International Christmas Market

From November 23 to December 23, Essen hosts one of the most cherished Christmas Markets in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Many individuals even travel across the borders from the Netherlands and Belgium to attend.

During these four weeks, the fragrant aroma of cinnamon fills the city center, as more than 250 stalls populate Willy-Brandt-Platz, Rathausstraße, Kennedyplatz, and the Flachsmarkt.

Market vendors hail from 20 different countries, and stalls are designed in traditional huts adorned with an abundance of festive fairy lights.

The stalls at Flachsmarkt embody a medieval theme, offering delightful items such as candle holders, incense, handmade pottery, and artisan soaps.

25. Essener Lichtwochen

The enchanting light displays during the festive period have been a hallmark of Essen since they were first introduced in 1928. These installations have been part of the Christmas festivities since the conclusion of World War II, with a new theme each year.

Starting in the 2000s, the light displays began highlighting different European nations, corresponding to the location of that year’s European cultural capital.

During Sweden’s year, the lights celebrated ABBA, Pippi Longstocking, and Viking imagery.

In 2017, coinciding with Essen’s recognition as the Green Capital of Europe, the city opted for an environmentally conscious theme, utilizing low-energy LED lights powered exclusively by “green electricity.”