The Top 20 Things To See And Do In Essen Germany

There was a time when Essen used to be one of the most significant industrial hubs in Germany. Today, the cityscape of Essen is dominated by contemporary architecture. But remnants of its industrial past have been lovingly reserved and blended with the modern face of the city, making it an immensely interesting and characterful city to explore.

1. Ruhr Museum

Museum

Ruhr Museum, a part of the Zollverin complex, used to be a coal washery in the bygone times. The museum walks visitors through the inception, evolution and gradual decline of industry in the Ruhr region. You also get a peek into the lives of the workers who made their living from the mines. The museum also has a fascinating collection of information and artifacts of geological and chemical interest.

2. Villa Hügel

Villa

The magnificent Neoclassical palace, Villa Hügel, was commissioned in the late 19th century by the most famous son of Essen, industrialist Alfred Krupp. This 269-room ornate mansion was fitted with all the modern luxury amenities long before their use was common. The Villa offers public tours.

3. Museum Folkwang

Museum

Museum Folkwang is famous for its admirable collection of art spanning all major European movements. Alongside famous paintings from legendary artists, the museum houses 340,000 graphics from the GDR, Weimar Republic and Germany.

4. Red Dot Design Museum

Museum

Red Dot Design Museum boasts unique, futuristic designs across several categories, including home appliances, vehicles, tools, electronics and furniture. The museum is a hall of fame for winners of the internationally-reputed Red Dot Design Award, and includes designs by iconic brands like Apple, Lenovo and BMW among others.

5. Essen Cathedral Treasury

Building

The treasury chamber at the Essen Minster is significant because of its ancient and priceless liturgical objects. Nowhere else would you get the chance to see for yourself such a mind-boggling range of Ottonian artifacts from the 10th and 11th centuries, including a ceremonial sword and 16 ancient Burgundian brooches.

Kettwig

The historical town of Kettwig was absorbed into the city limits of Essen in 1975. It is worth visiting because of its picturesque half-timbered houses lining cobbled streets. The riverside promenade at Kettwig is the favorite haunt of locals on a nice day.

Werden

Werden’s cobbled alleys, slate-and-timber houses and cute shops pose a sharp contrast to the contemporary skyline of Essen city center. Fans of typical German towns would love this rural, quiet village a few kilometers out of Essen.