Essen Attractions - The Top 10 Favorite Attractions

A city trip to Essen is one you will never forget! There is simply too much to discover. Get a glimpse of the rich history of the Ruhr metropolis, the surprisingly lush nature, and the charmingly straightforward attitude of the locals.

Be curious about what this coal city with a big heart has in store for you. From coal mining romance to green oases like Baldeneysee: here you will learn which of the many sights in Essen you definitely should not miss.

Rank 1 of the Top 10 sights in the city of Essen is the beautiful Baldeneysee. It connects the districts of Werden, Bredeney, Heisingen, and Kupferdreh and is one of the most sought-after recreational areas in the entire Ruhr region.

Tourists love this gem in the city for the relaxed boat trips or rides on the medieval Hespertalbahn.

While sails are hoisted on the lake in summer, vacationing tourists and active holidaymakers enjoy the shores on bikes, skates, or on foot.

Why not sit in one of the many cafes and soak in the lively atmosphere and the charm of nature?

Have you ever been to someone's home who owned the largest company in all of Europe? No? Then you absolutely must visit the breathtaking Villa Hügel.

This grand building from the late 19th century was the residence and representative house of the Krupp family, who established one of the largest companies in Europe with the Friedrich Krupp AG.

High up on the hill park with panoramic views over Baldeneysee lies Villa Hügel. 296 rooms are spread over 8,100 square meters. The construction of the estate cost the Krupp family 5.7 million marks - a sum that was even more exorbitant at the time than it is today.

Address: Hügel 15, 45133 Essen Visiting Hours: Villa Hügel: Daily except Mondays 10 AM - 6 PM (Hügel Park: Daily 8 AM - 8 PM)

The Essen Grugapark rightly holds rank 3 among the most beautiful sights in Essen. Here, the park season starts in February with the colorful 'Parkleuchten'. Bare trees are enchantingly illuminated, creating an interactive artwork for young and old.

In the heart of Grugapark is the Botanical Garden. Here you can admire exotic plants and real gardening craftsmanship. Art and culture lovers can also enjoy over 40 sculptures that are exhibited here.

Address: Virchowstraße 167a, 45147 Essen Visiting Hours: Daily, 9 AM - 10 PM

The UNESCO World Heritage Site Zeche Zollverein showcases like no other sight the history of Essen and its development. From 1851 to 1986, it was an active coal mine and remains a symbol of industrial culture in the Ruhr area.

At the internal Ruhrmuseum of the mine, interested visitors can trace the development of the Ruhr area and its coal production.

Incredibly interesting are the interactive tours through the mine's interior. Ride an old elevator underground and experience the daily life of the miners. Thirty years ago, coal was last mined here 950 meters below the surface.

Today, only a handful of miners are still employed here, ensuring that the mine water does not mix with drinking water.

Address: Gelsenkirchener Str. 181, 45309 Essen Museum Visiting Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM

Rank 5 of the Top 10 sights in Essen is another former coal mine. However, here the past of the coal industry in the Ruhr area is not only revived - Zeche Carl is primarily a melting pot of culture and Essen's nightlife.

If you love culture, enjoy the art of living, find history fascinating, and like to dance and laugh, you will find something suitable at least one of the diverse events at Zeche Carl.

For example, you can regularly find a dance café here, where you can tear up the dance floor to swinging music. But also for movie nights, flea markets, and of course for the party to dance into May, you are at the right address here.

Address: Wilhelm-Nieswandt-Allee 100, 45326 Essen

In 1800, the charming Kettwig was designated a city; it had its own mayor and housed up to 20,000 residents. However, since 1975, this gem has been part of western Essen.

A blessing for the people of Essen, as the Kettwig Old Town is now one of the most idyllic parts of the city. Since Kettwig largely escaped the air raids during World War II, this picturesque part of the city resembles the rest of Essen very little.

In Kettwig, you feel less like you're in the second-largest Ruhr metropolis and more like you're visiting a small town in southern Germany. Twisted half-timbered houses line the streets, where you can not only stroll but also find nice cafes inviting you to linger.

Friedrich Grillo was a successful entrepreneur and founder in the Ruhr area in the 19th century. However, he was also very passionate about art and decided to make a precious gift to the city of Essen. He generously donated more than half a million marks to commission the construction of the Grillo Theater; an impressive building that is unparalleled.

The ornate façade of the Grillo Theater was destroyed in the 1930s. After reconstruction, a more understated façade was built in its place. However, its interior still brings great joy to art and theater fans.

Particularly popular are the comedies and amusing performances of the Essen theater ensemble - also because most tickets are available for a very modest price.

Address: Theaterpl. 11, 45127 Essen Visiting Hours: Usually, performances start around 7 PM

The Ruhr metropolis of Essen is certainly not known for its romantic water castles and picturesque pleasure gardens. Thus, our Rank 8 among the top 10 sights in Essen goes to a real rarity.

Schloss Borbeck, with its picturesque pleasure garden and lovely castle pond, was built in the 9th century to delight abbesses and remind them of the Garden of Eden.

No one lives in the estate anymore. Instead, a part of the Essen Folkwang Music School and an art gallery have been established here. When visiting Borbeck, you should also make a stop at the restaurant 'Zur Münze.'

It is located in a restored vaulted cellar and is known and loved in Borbeck not only because of this but also for its excellent traditional German cuisine.

Rank 9 of the Top 10 sights in the city of Essen goes to the unique gasometer in Oberhausen. Admittedly, Oberhausen is not Essen. However, the city boundaries of the Ruhr area blur, and the gasometer is, after all, a landmark of the Ruhr area.

Where gas was once stored, changing exhibitions have been held for 25 years, each surpassing the last in charm and fascination.

Here a giant globe floated through the tower, just as a monstrous balloon did, or spectacular light and sound worlds were created.

Address: Arenastraße 11, 46047 Oberhausen Visiting Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM

Rank 10 goes to the most important art museum in Essen. The collection of works exhibited here includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, and more from over 2,000 years of art history.

Let yourself be captivated by the free cultural offerings and immerse yourself in the world of artists and philosophers.

'Folkwang' is actually a magnificent palace in Norse mythology. In the 20th century, the so-called 'Folgwang thought' or 'Folkwang concept' was developed. This assumes that art and life can coexist. It gained popularity in the Ruhr area as it filled this industrial region with art and beauty.

Address: Museumsplatz 1, 45128 Essen Visiting Hours: Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun 10 AM - 6 PM and Thu, Fri 10 AM - 8 PM

Natural highlights along the Ruhr, at Grugapark, and at Baldeneysee create a relaxed atmosphere throughout the city. The old coal power plants add their own charm, even though they have long ceased to be used for mining this precious natural resource.

Essen thrives on its art of living, its culture, and its green thumb, which continually surprises visitors from all over Germany on a city trip to Essen - It is no coincidence that Essen was declared one of the 'most livable cities' in 2017.