Gelsenkirchen is famous for its industrial past, which has developed into a dynamic and modern city. An important element of the city is its impressive architecture. Zollverein, a former coal mine and UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been renovated and transformed into a cultural center. Another architectural treasure is Nordsternpark, a former mine now transformed into a beautiful park with lakes, gardens and even a climbing
The city is also famous for its horse racing track, Galopprennbahn, where enthusiasts can spend time racing. It is also worth visiting the Musiktheater im Revier, a renowned opera theater that presents performances from classical to contemporary ones. And Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen, containing works by both national and international artists.
For history lovers a must-see is Schloss Horst – a 16th-century castle offering guided tours. For families looking for entertainment, Movie Park Germany and Zoom Erlebniswelt are definitely recommended, offering cool experiences that allow visitors to discover a variety of habitats and get up close to a variety of animals.
Location
Gelsenkirchen is a city in western Germany, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is located on the Emscher River (a tributary of the Rhine) in the middle of the Ruhr area, the largest urban area in Germany, of which it is the fifth largest city after Dortmund, Essen, Duisburg and Bochum.
Rhine-Herne Gelsenkirchen Canal
Rhein-Herne Canal runs dirctly through the heart of the Ruhr area and is one of the most important inland waterways in Germany because the canal connects the big German industrial cities in the Ruhr area with the large seaports of Hambuburg, Rotterdam and Antwerpen.
On top of that the canal developed into a top recreational area within the Ruhr area that is visited by thounds daily and especially during weekends. The Canal is home to watersports, fishing / angling and last but not least to nature perservation.
Zollverein mine and coke plant industrial complex
Zollverein hard coal mine industrial complex (“Zeche Zollverein”). This huge complex is located in Essen. The complex was included on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List in 2001.
The entire complex, which is the largest facility of this type in Europe, can be roughly divided into three parts. These are Szyb Kopalni 1/2/8 (from 1847), Szyb Kopalni 12 (from 1932) and Koksownia (from 1961). Shaft 12, built in the New Objectivity style, opened in 1932 and is considered an architectural and technical masterpiece, earning it the reputation of “the most beautiful coal mine in the world”.
Red Dot Design Museum
The Red Dot Design Museum presents the backdrop of the old coal mine provides a unique contrast between old industrial machines and innovative products. The cultural centre has over 2,000 objects in its collection.
The biggest exhibition of contemporary design in the Ruhr District. In Essen – on the premises of the Zollverein World Heritage Site – the Red Dot Design Museum has been making a statement since 1997. Stylishly and practically designed objects that have been awarded the Red Dot Design Award are presented in the boiler house of the former coal mine.
Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen
The Gelsenkirchen Art Museum offers a tour that traces the history of German art from the advent of modernism. The Museum’s collection includes works from the 19th century to very current trends. The works of Max Liebermann, Lovis Corinth, Max Slevogt and Auguste Rodin provide insight into the origins of modernity.
The art museum’s collection includes works by German expressionist artists such as Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Max Pechstein, Alexej von Jawlensky, Karl Schmidt-Rottluff and Karl Hofer, which illustrate the search for new possibilities of artistic expression.
Musiktheater im Revier – Theater
The Musiktheater im Revier (music theater in the Ruhr area) is the cultural center of the city of Gelsenkirchen. Its program includes opera and operetta, musical theater and musicals, while also offering space for large-scale local ballets and concerts performed by the Neue Philharmonie Westfalen (New Westphalian Philharmonic).
Movie Park Germany In Bottrop
Germany’s largest film and entertainment park features over 40 breathtaking attractions, high-speed roller coasters and thrilling shows in seven thematic areas. Get ready to be transported into the world of movies by famous heroes of cinema and television.
The company’s theme park offers fast-paced roller coasters and shows in seven themed areas along with shopping and dining facilities, enabling visitors to enjoy quality time with their family and friends.
Star Trek: Operation Enterprise
Star Trek: Operation Enterprise is a steel roller coaster at Movie Park Germany in Bottrop, Germany. This is a cool and frequently visited attraction, especially by children and teenagers who like to visit Movie Park.
ZOOM Erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen
The ZOOM adventure world in Gelsenkirchen is a wonderful place that has been transformed into an adventure world. This place is home to over 500 animals or 100 species on an area of approximately 31 hectares. The zoo is run by Stadtwerke Gelsenkirchen, a wholly owned subsidiary of the city of Gelsenkirchen.
Nordsternpark
Nordsternpark in Gelsenkirchen presents a post-industrial garden design in the spirit of the International Architecture Exhibition Emscher Park (IBA) in a landscape park on a disused former mine site and old industrial estate.
The former winding towers and mine buildings are important landmarks that provide identification points in the landscape. The impressive new bridges are unique elements of the new infrastructure and connect the city districts across the canal and the Emscher River.
