Formerly an industrial city in western Germany, Essen is now a bustling metropolis with modern architecture, world-class museums and picturesque natural spots.
Essen’s industrial past is best explored at the Zollverein UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former coal mine complex features museums and restaurants against the backdrop of gigantic mining machines. You can even attend events and film screenings at the open spaces of this site. Ruhr Museum, located within this complex, is worth a visit too. It highlights the cultural and natural history of the region through permanent and temporary exhibits. The nearby Red Dot Design Museum showcases contemporary design objects in factory settings. Head to Museum Folkwang for a look at an extensive modern art collection.
For a breath of fresh air amid the hustle and bustle of Essen, make your way to Grugapark. Its themed gardens, small lakes, playgrounds and green spaces are ideal for spending a quiet day in the city. Lake Baldeney (Baldeneysee) or the ‘See’, as locals call it, is a popular spot for relaxing by the water or engaging in water sports like kayaking, sailing and rowing.
Add a dose of history and culture to your Essen holiday by visiting Villa Hügel – a 19th-century mansion and park overlooking the Baldeneysee. Explore the Jewish history of the region during a trip to the Alte Synagoge or admire the Romanesque architecture and treasure rooms of Basilica of St. Ludgerus, which was built in the 13th century.