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.
Easily Essen’s most famous site, the Zollverin ensemble is a massive 100-hectare abandoned coal mine that was in action from 1847 to 1993. Today, this UNESCO site welcomes visitors to explore its amazing architecture and machinery on a self-guided (free) or group tour (paid).
Zollverein, Zeche Zollverein, Essen, Germany +49 0201 246810
Zollverin Coal Mine Industrial Complex | © Divebalu / Pixabay
Grugapark, the green lungs of Essen, has lovely themed gardens, a sculpture garden, flocks of exotic birds, a petting farm, a spa, a splash pool, playgrounds, cafes and even offers pony rides. An adorable train takes visitors on an enjoyable journey through the park.
Grugapark Essen, Virchowstr. 167a, Essen, Germany +49 020188 83 106
Ponies in Grugapark | © Wiki05 / Wikimedia Commons
The reservoir Baldeneysee is a lovely, pristine spot for strolling, biking or a picnic, especially on sunny days. The sailing clubs based at the lake host lots of rowing and canoeing events throughout the year. There are several gastronomic options surrounding the lake.
Baldeneysee | © 132369 / Pixabay
The Basilica of St. Ludgerus appeals to architecture enthusiasts because of its elegant Ottonian and Romanesque architecture. Inside, you can see ancient murals and beautiful baroque altars from the 17th and 18th centuries. This is also the final resting place of the 8th-century Saint Ludger.
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Tourists, religious or otherwise, make it a point to visit Essen Minster because of the Golden Madonna of Essen, the oldest sculpture of Mary in the world. This incredible sculpture was created in the year 980 and is done in gold leafs.
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Essen Minster | © Tuxyso / Wikimedia Commons
Once home to the Imperial Abbots, this castle sits like a painting in the midst of lush English gardens, on a moat. You can catch an event at the halls of Schloss Borbeck or take a leisurely walk in the woodlands surrounding the castle.
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Schloss Borbeck | © Sir Gawain / Wikimedia Commons
The Old Synagogue, which was plundered and heavily damaged by the Nazis, was lovingly reconstructed after the war and today stands as a beautiful center for Jewish culture. Take a tour of the museum for a deeper understanding of Jewish traditions, customs, history and holidays. The architecture of the synagogue is unique because of its sound-amplifying effect.
Old Synagogue | © Tuxyso / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Aalto Theater, Essen’s Opera House, is often agreed to be one of the best opera houses in the entire country. Behind the wavy walls of this Opera House, gifted artists of global repute perform on a regular basis.
Aalto Musiktheater – Theater & Philharmonie Essen, Opernplatz 10, Essen, Germany +49 0201 81220
Margarethenhöhe is among the most important garden suburbs in Europe, and Germany’s first garden city. This 115-acre philanthropic project was funded by the Foundation of Margarethe Kruppe, wife of famous entrepreneur Friedrich Alfred Krupp. It consists of beautifully-designed houses, schools, shops and restaurants, and surrounded by miles upon miles of protected woodlands.
Margarethenhöhe | © YvoBentele / Wikimedia Commons
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’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.
Daily, every full hour between 9 am and 8 pm, the carillon on the Glockenspiel chimes traditional German folk songs. During Christmas, the Glockenspiel does its part in spreading festive cheer by playing Christmas carols.
Glockenspiel | © Wiki05 / Wikimedia Commons
Limbecker Platz, Essen’s biggest mall, is the perfect place for some retail therapy. It houses almost all brands you can think of over three sprawling floors. Alongside, the mall has lots of great restaurants, cafes and bistros.
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While City Halls in most German towns have a medieval architecture, Essen’s Rathaus is a 23-storey concrete high-rise. Visitors are welcome to enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the 22nd floor at a height of 100m (328 ft) off the ground.
Rathaus | © Wiki05 / Wikimedia Commons
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