From the Rhine to the Ruhr we live football culture – welcome to the big football fiesta in the region!

We live soccer culture from the Rhine to the Ruhr -Ruhr.Fussball is looking forward to the European Championship in its own country Welcome to the big soccer fiesta in the Ruhr: It will be dancing to the beat of the European Football Championship in 2024. In the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, the „Ruhr-Pot“ is not just boiling, it is bubbling with soccer enthusiasm! The anticipation is palpable, the devotion to the most beautiful pastime in the world, soccer, is in the air. Why? Because the 2024 European Championship is finally taking place on home soil again, more precisely in the football-mad Ruhr, Düsseldorf and Cologne.

A look back at soccer history

Before we get carried away by the euphoria of the here and now, let's take a brief look back at soccer history. The European Championship, EM for short, has come a long way. From its humble beginnings in 1960 to the spectacular tournaments of the recent past, the European Championship has evolved into a true celebration of European soccer. But 2024 is special because it is returning to Germany, to the heart of Europe and - drum roll please - to the vibrant Ruhr!

The Ruhr: where soccer lives and breathes:

The people of the Ruhr have soccer in their blood. Here, the pitch is not just a green playing field, but a stage for emotions, rivalries and shared joy. The unique feeling of a very special togetherness - despite the competing clubs and colors - forms the - basis for the great love of soccer. From the former cinder courts and football pitches to the English turf in the stadiums and arenas. From the regional league to the Champions League - soccer is culture, history and experience.

The Ruhr is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in the world of football - a journey you will never forget. And the best thing about it: everyone can experience these unique soccer moments for themselves with goosebumps guaranteed. You get an unfiltered view, meet local greats, the people who have made the clubs what they are - with all the myths, tales and stories.

The Ruhr region is also worth a soccer trip before, during and after the European Championships and you can find our tips on soccer locations in the Ruhr region here, and a little beyond! Because in North Rhine-Westphalia and especially in the European Championship host cities of Gelsenkirchen, Dortmund, Düsseldorf and Cologne, the passion for the round leather is lived like nowhere else.

Authentic emotions & great love of football

The European Championships in North Rhine-Westphalia will not only be a sporting spectacle, but also a celebration of diversity, culture and passion. Here you will find the most german soccer league clubs in Germany, the oldest clubs and the most emotional derbies. People in the Ruhr and throughout Northrhine – Westfalia open their doors and hearts to soccer fans from all over Europe and the world. Around the 2024 European Championships, the region will attract visitors with a large extra portion of soccer emotions, but also with currywurst and beer, mining history and world heritage sites, city beaches and chocolate. So lace up your soccer boots, let yourself be carried away by the cheers of the masses and experience the 2024 European Championships in the vibrant Ruhr - where soccer lives and soccer passion knows no limits!