THAT is the Ruhr Metropolis!

A region made up of 5 discovery areas: 53 cities and towns, on the way to become a metropolis.

How many of the 53 can you name? Have you heard of them before? And did you know, that all of the 53 are the Capital of Culture this year?

Here comes the solution:

Alpen, Bergkamen, Bochum, Bönen, Bottrop, Breckerfeld, Castrop-Rauxel, Datteln, Dinslaken, Dorsten, Dortmund, Duisburg, Ennepetal, Essen, Fröndenberg, Gelsenkirchen, Gevelsberg, Gladbeck, Hagen, Haltern am See, Hamm, Hamminkeln, Hattingen, Herdecke, Herne, Herten, Holzwickede, Hünxe, Kamen, Kamp-Lintfort, Lünen, Marl, Moers, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Neukirchen-Vluyn, Oberhausen, Oer-Erkenschwick, Recklinghausen, Rheinberg, Schermbeck, Schwelm, Schwerte, Selm, Sonsbeck, Sprockhövel, Unna, Voerde, Waltrop, Werne, Wesel, Wetter, Witten, Xanten

The Ruhr region if flagged by highways and railway tracks, rivers and canals. One city has grown together with the neighbouring town and the only way to realise you are in another place is looking at the city codes on the numberplates of the cars. You need orientation in a region that stretches 116 kilometers from east to west and 67 kilometers north to south. Especially if you only have a weekend to explore a whole metropolis.

Orientation with the help of Discovery Areas

The dividing of the region into five discovery areas brings light into the darkness! Thematic focus and a hub city as starting point of each tour are supposed to help you finding orientation on your city trip and getting to know the highlights, sights and recreation facilities.

Kulturhafen RUHR is the harbour of the Ruhr region and describes the discovery area around Duisburg in the far west. Life is focused on, near and with the water.

The discovery area around Oberhausen can be described as Spectacular and Popular. Let us entertain you!

World Heritage and more is what you find in the discovery area around Essen. The atmosphere with Arts and Creativity is virtually contagious.

Festivals of all kinds take place at Festspielplatz RUHR. Meet locals and visitors alike in the discovery area around Bochum.

The eastern part of the metropolis is called RUHR Creative. Be inspired by the discovery area around Dortmund.

On-site information
Insbesondere zum Jahr der Kulturhauptstadt RUHR.2010 - aber auch darüber hinaus - entsteht zurzeit ein dichtes Netz an Visitor Centers, Info Lounges und Info Points in der Metropole Ruhr. Dort werden Sie sich detailliert über Sehenswürdigkeiten und Veranstaltungen der ganzen Metropole informieren können. Eröffnung ist im Januar 2010, wir werden Sie an dieser Stelle rechtzeitig über die Standorte informieren. Bis dahin empfehlen wir Ihnen, bei den Tourist Infos der einzelnen Orte vorbeizuschauen, die im Folgenden auch aufgelistet sind.

Alpen

The town is not located in the mountains, but in the Western part of the Ruhr metropolis. Alpen is an idyllic town located within a wide recreation area.
With its approximately 13.000 inhabitants (2009) it belongs to the smaller cities of the Ruhr district, but still - also Alpen is Capital of Culture RUHR.2010. MORE

Bergkamen

After the merger of the six districts Bergkamen, Heil, Oberaden, Overberge, Rünthe und Weddinghofen the new city Bergkamen owned its municipal rights at June 14, 1966. However, the history dates back to the Romans. Nowadays, they can be experienced in the city museum with its Roman floor as well as in the archaeological excavation "Römerlager Oberaden". MORE

Bochum

Bochum is the Festival Centre in the Metropolitan Ruhr Area, whose attractions draw visitors from far and wide. You can visit the Hall of the Century, a huge old industrial building with a gabled roof and ridge turrets which was once an old gas blower and dynamo station. In April 2003, after extensive renovations, the transformed building was re-opened as the festival headquarters of the RuhrTriennale performing arts festival.
MORE

Bönen

With its 19.000 inhabitants Bönen is an ambitious town at the edge of the eastern part of the Ruhr metropolis and a great example for the structural changes after the closure of the colliery Königsborn III/IV. Under the motto "Bönen induces" the former mining location developed into a vital town in the Ruhr district. With its industrial area "Am Mersch" and the logistics location "Inlogpark" the town is an important place of businesses. MORE

Bottrop

If you’ve never been to Bottrop in your life there are three things you should do. First, forget everything you have heard about Bottrop from other people who have also never been there. Second, go there yourself. And third, tell other people about it. MORE

Breckerfeld

The historical Hanseatic town of Breckerfeld located in the southern Ennepe Ruhr District is a particularly worthwhile excursion destination

for those who enjoy hiking and for nature fans. Large woodlands and beautiful dams provide ideal touring opportunities. MORE

Castrop-Rauxel

Castrop-Rauxel is located northern from Bochum and Dortmund and inhabits around 77.576 people (2007). Special attractions are the relicts of the city's industrial heritage such as the pithead stocks Schwerin with its popular sundial. Moreover, the castle Schloss Baldenhorst as well as the Haus Goldschmieding are great attractions. MORE

Datteln

Datteln is located in the center of the Ruhr district's four canals and thus, it has a unique network of water trails. It is an ideal place for people who are interested in water sports, but also in biking and hiking. In the western part Datteln abuts on the Haard, the biggest cohering forest in the Ruhr metropolis. Nature lovers are welcomed! MORE

Dinslaken

The city of Dinslaken is developing more and more into an attractive excursion destination in the Metropolis Ruhr. As an insiders' tip in the Ruhr Area, the town located in the Wesel district attracts visitors with its very special sights. MORE

Dorsten

Dorsten, the "Small Hanseatic city near the Lippe" is a modern town with a historical past in the Ruhr district. Located in the center of the Ruhr metropolis many interesting attractions are easy to reach by car, train, bus or by boat.
Inspite of heavy destructions in the Second World War and many new building measures afterwards, more than 750 years of the city's history are still visible. MORE

Dortmund

The city was once dominated by pithead towers and steel mills, but now the factory chimneys have long been extinguished and a process of transformation is underway. The new motto could well be called “setting out for new shores”, for today the city is lit up in a bright array of colours. In short, Dortmund has now become a modern and highly entertaining city. MORE

Duisburg

The rivers Rhine and Ruhr, the Rhine-Herne canal, one of the largest inland harbours in the world, the Six Lakes, Lake Toepper and Lake Uettelsheim... The list of all the waters which give Duisburg its maritime atmosphere could be extended at will. It’s no wonder that there is so much going on in and around the water in Duisburg. Regular tours of the harbour, two water-ski courses, boat hire facilities, several yachting and sailing clubs, countless angling clubs and the yachting marina in the inner harbour can easily mislead visitors into thinking that Duisburg is situated on the water’s edge and not inland. MORE

Ennepetal

The city of Ennepetal was founded on April 1st, 1949. Today, Ennepetal inhabits 33.000 people. Ennepetal's highlight is the Kluterhöhle. The biggest natural cave offers with its 360 documented passageways and a length of approximately 6 kilometers, recognized healing possibilities for respiratory diseases. Moreover, it is known as an exceptional place of event. MORE

Essen

Essen - world cultural heritage city and city of the arts. Can you possibly call a mining pit beautiful? You can indeed: the Zollverein pit XII is so beautiful that in December 2001 it was elevated to the rank of a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The pit went into operation in 1932. At the time it was seen as an ideal form of industrial architecture and an outstanding example of the Bauhaus style. MORE

Fröndenberg

Fröndenberg/Ruhr is located within the idyllic scenery of the Ruhr river , the southeasternmost city of the Unna district. The gothic abbey church with its Lady altar and the chapter of nuns build the medival focus of the city. In its documented history the city was named "Frundeberg" until 1197. MORE

Gelsenkirchen

When people think of Gelsenkirchen they immediately think of Schalke 04. The residents of the city between the rivers Emscher and Lippe would have no problem with this, all the more so because the new VELTINS Arena has heralded in a new dimension of entertainment well beyond the narrow boundaries of football. MORE

Gevelsberg

Gevelsberg is located in the southern part of the Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis at the edge of the Ruhr district. Due to the fact that the city's location borders

the Ennepe river Gevelsberg can offer several green areas which serve as a great leisure facility for the approximately 34.000 inhabitants. MORE

Gladbeck

The city of Gladbeck is located midway through the Ruhr district and inhabit approximately 57.800 (2009) people.

In the former mining town numerous relicts from the peak time of the industrialization can still be seen. MORE

Hagen

Hagen lies at the point of four rivers, the Ennepe, Lenne, Volme and Ruhr: indeed over 50 km of rivers can be found within the town boundaries. The town contains a huge amount of woodland, green areas, valleys and rolling hillsides. Hagen was once a flourishing centre for the steel iron processing industries industry: it is now the greenest town in North Rhine Westphalia. MORE

Haltern am See

"I can’t believe that everything is so green around here", is a cry you hear from time and time when visitors

from outside arrive in the Emscher-Lippe region. It’s true! It’s not only green: it’s more than that. MORE

Hamm

The largest elephant in the world stands in the town of Hamm, which played host to the first Federal Garden Show in NRW in 1984 on the former site of the Maximilian colliery. Two artists, Horst Rellecke und Friedensreich Hundertwasser, were involved in turning the old coal washing plant into the largest glass elephant in the world in what is now the Maximilian Park. MORE

Hamminkeln

Hamminkeln is a cosy town in the western part of the Ruhr district with 28.000 inhabitants. Due to its population growth, the local community was documented as an own city in the year 1995. MORE

Hattingen

From wood to water, from shopping to culture, from a medieval flair to modern services, all this can be experienced in Hattingen, a city at the edge of the Ruhr metropolis. MORE

Herdecke

Place with history, a lovely city of the presence, all geared up with a good sense for the future. Herdecke offers a high recreational value. 74 percent of the city district consists of water and wooden areas which makes the city to a perfect place for biking, hiking and canoo tours. MORE

Außenansicht des Deutschen Bergbau-Museums

Herne

Herne is a large town with good traffic connections in the centre of the Metropolitan Ruhr Area. The Cranger Kirmes, the largest annual fair in North Rhine Westphalia, is known far and wide beyond the borders of the area. MORE

Herten

Those who want to get an overview over the Ruhr metropolis just climbs on its roof - in the landscape garden Hoheward which was built on the biggest European pithead stocks located at the city boundaries of Herten and Recklinghausen.
The landscape garden not only offers a nice view over the region; it also hosts the unique walkable sky observatory and obelisk (picture). MORE

Holzwickede

The question where the source of the Emscher river is located, can be answered in Holzwickede.

In the southern part of the town the source is located which is worth to visit. MORE

Hünxe

Hünxe is an attractive place for weekend recreation. If you

like cycling and hiking this is a great place to be. MORE

Kamen

The old hanseatic town Kamen inhabits 47.228 people (2008) and is located centrally as well as easily accessible in the Kreis Unna. It is a vital city with an intersting history. The main station of Kamen is the starting point for the Emscher-Park-Radweg (bike trail). Thus, Kamen is a popular destination for bikers. Moreover, Kamen's historical old town invites tourists and locals to a stroll through the city. MORE

Kamp-Lintfort

Even though Kamp-Lintfort is just 50 years old, a lot can be seen: the Kamp Monastery is the highlight in this city in the north-west corner of the Ruhr metropolis. MORE

Lünen

Lünen is a livable and capable town midway through Northrhine Westphalia at the southern edge of the Lippe river. The town owned its municipal rights in 1341. Here at the interfaces of the Ruhr district and the Münsterland rural idyll and industrial settings form appealing contrasts. Therewith, Lünen has a high recreation and leisure potential at their disposal. With its bike stops and the great infrastructure of cycling trails, Lünen is a cycle-friendly town. MORE

Marl

Marl offers a unique shopping location: "Marler Stern" is a huge shopping centre with a very

special roof- it makes it the biggest building in the world with an air cushion roof! MORE

Moers

Moers is located in the western part of the Ruhr metropolis. It has great residential and shopping areas as well as a beautiful old town. Due to the spacious amusement park and the vital festivals, the inhabitants conceive the city as particularly livable and likable. With its 107.000 inhabitants the city counts to the most popular bis cities in the Ruhr district. Its area is extended on 68 square kilometers. MORE

Fahrradfahrer vor dem Aquarius Wassermuseum

Mülheim an der Ruhr

City, Land, River

The Mülheim Museum Mile- small but stunning!
Unusual locations were found for very special museums. Water tower, post office, leather factory are an attraction themselves and the museums of great information for all the family. MORE

Neukirchen-Vluyn

Neukirchen-Vluyn , located in the western part of the Ruhr district, offers approximately 30.000 inhabitants an attractive residential home with a variety of recreational facilities. The aspiring city builds the link between the Niederrhein and cosmopolitan region of the Ruhr metropolis. Through the freeway access A40 and A57 Neukirchen-Vluyn is well accessible. MORE

Oberhausen

Oberhausen shows its original idyllic side at Oberhausen mansion, and particularly in the old town centre near the Central Station, the old market place, Friedensplatz and Ebertplatz. If you want to immerse yourself in the history of the city, the best places to go are the Rhineland Industrial Museum which contains an outstanding collection of exhibits illustrating 150 years history in the iron and steel industry, and the Eisenheim settlement, the oldest working-class housing estate in the Metropolitan Ruhr Area.
MORE

Oer-Erkenschwick

Oer-Erkenschwick is a special destination for nature lovers. Especially the recreation area Stimbergpark which is surrounded

by the nature park "Hohe Mark", as well as the Haard invite tourists and locals to enjoy their leisure time. MORE

Recklinghausen

The theater festival "Kunst gegen Kohle" (art for coals) was opened in 1946 for the first time in Recklinghausen. Nowadays it is called Ruhrfestspiele and is a transregional known festival with lots of visitors. MORE

Rheinberg

The town Rheinberg is located in the western part of the Ruhr district and belongs to the Kreis Wesel. The city center is surrounded by a drained forification

wall, which was built in the 14th century in order to defense the town from invaders. Over 90% of this historical fortification wall were left original. MORE

Schermbeck

Schermbeck is an easily accessible town which is located in the Northern Ruhr district. The town is surrounded by the natural parks “Hohe Mark” with its large forests and by the nature protection areas “Loosenberge”, “Lichtenhagen” and “Lippeaue”. Not only is Schermbeck well known for the varied landscape but also for the cultural and historical landmark buildings which makes the place so unique. Plenty of nice hotels and restaurants invite you to spend a relaxing time here. MORE

Schwelm

The city Schwelm is located at the edge of the Ruhr district and it inhabits all together 30.000 (2007)

people. Next to its beautiful landscape the half-timbered houses make a trip to Schwelm worthwhile. MORE

Schwerte

Experience Schwerte, the old Hanseatic town located midway through North Rhine-Westphalia.
Schwerte was documented in the year 962 for the first time and obtained the municipal rights in 1397. Between the Ruhr metropolis and Sauerland, located in the beautiful Ruhr valley, the city can look back on a long and rich history. MORE

Selm

The little town Selm with its approximately 27.000 inhabitants is located in the northwestern part of the Kreis Unna. Due to its closeness to the Münsterland and the Ruhr district the city is a great place for holidays, if for day trips or longer vacations. Next to the Ternscher See with its camping site and a lido, the Friedenskirche (church of piece) located in the city center of Selm as well as the St.-Stephanus-Kirche in the district Bork are worth to visit. MORE

Sonsbeck

Sonsbeck is a small community in the western part of the Ruhr metropolis, belonging to

the Kreis Wesel. With only 8,623 inhabitants it has a laidback and quiet atmosphere. MORE

Sprockhövel

Those who are interested in the impressive industrial culture of the region should come to Sprockhövel and see the remainings of the mining times.

The "Spur der Kohle" (track of the coals) makes a walk through an exciting time of the city's history possible and shows 34 relicts of that time. MORE

Unna

Unna's area consists of 88.52 square kilometers and the city inhabits 67.662 people. This corresponds to 764 inhabitants per square

kilometer. A highlight of the city is the Zentrum für international Lichtkunst (center for international light arts). MORE

Voerde

Voerde has 38.062 (2007) inhabitants and is located in the northwestern part of the Ruhr metropolis. The city's cultural programme is created on a yearly basis in order to present an overview tourists and locals as soon as possible. MORE

Waltrop

Historical heart of the town and industrial heritage - these two components are linked in Waltrop in a very charming way. Visitors can enjoy varying

scenereies from industrial to Medieval times. Especially the old town as well as the area of the former collierey Waltrop are worth to visit. MORE

Werne

Werne/Lippe, located between Dortmund and Münster in the northern part of the Ruhr metropolis, opens its doors for the park landscape of the region. MORE

Wesel

Wesel is located in the western part of the Ruhr metropolis. The city is a little paradise in the region. Numerous hiking and bike trails along the Rhein and the Lippe river attract tourists and locals. MORE

Wetter

In-between Ruhr district and Sauerland

Visitors who are in Wetter for the first time are wondering: Many green areas, the Harkortsee, the appealing Ruhr valley, beautiful old houses - all this can be found in only half an hour away from the big cities of the Ruhr metropolis. MORE

Witten

Wittin - in the coal celler of Europe\nThe cradle of the region's mining industry is located in the Mutten valley in Witten, where the first colliery of the region was built almost 200 years ago. Nowadays, a museum tells the story of the black gold and takes the visitors into a 130 meters deep drift. MORE

Xanten

Xanten is a lovely small town on the Lower Rhine. During the summer the streets and lanes are crowded with numerous aficionados. Despite this everybody carries on the good old-fashioned way and the general speed is slow and gentle. Promenaders and cyclists love to go on solitary trips into the idyllic landscape of riverside meadows or around the Xanten North and South Lake. The 110 hectares of water provide everything sunbathers, aquatic athletes and swimmers are looking for. The ideal place to take time out. MORE

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