The Urban.Trail Gelsenkirchen is your journey through the authentic Ruhr region – between coal mines and the future, between kiosk culture and public art. You start at the Bochum Lohrheidestraße tram stop (line 302) and dive right in: past the headframe of the former Zolland coal mine, Shaft 4, the miners' meeting place, and the Lohrheidestadion stadium. Green paths lead you up to the Rheinelbe spoil tip, where artist Herman Prigann's "Stairway to Heaven" unites art and industrial nature on the plateau. After descending, the trail takes you through the Rheinelbe Sculpture Forest and on through Von-Wedelstaedt-Park, past the powerful mural "Butterfly Catcher 4.0" and the Schalke Kiosk.04. The poetic mural by Nina Valkhoff and the historic Flöz Dickebank miners' settlement showcase the contrasts between old and new.
Urban life pulsates in the Ückendorf creative quarter – between the Trinkhalle am Flöz (a former kiosk by the coal seam), Lidia Cao's mural (Woman in Blue & White), and spots like Hier ist Nicht Da (Here Is Not There) or the Café Ütelier. Passing the Holy Cross Church, now a versatile event venue, you'll find numerous culinary options for a break, from vegetarian cuisine to international specialties. The trail leads you through the city center, past the striking Hans Sachs House, via the Gelsenkirchen Science Park and the main train station, before finally reaching the Musiktheater im Revier (MiR) – a place where culture, architecture, and urban energy come together.
The starting point is located on the border between Bochum and Gelsenkirchen. Directions via:
At the starting point (Bochum Lohrheidestraße):
Parking is available in the surrounding area, e.g. at the headframe of the former Holland coal mine.
At the destination (Musiktheater im Revier / Gelsenkirchen city center):
Your tour starts at the Bochum Lohrheidestraße tram stop (line 302). From here, follow the signs southwest and after a few minutes you will reach the imposing headframe of the former Zolland coal mine, shaft 4 – a landmark of the Ruhr region's mining history. Passing the miners' meeting place and the Lohrheidestadion stadium, the path leads you gently uphill on paved trails towards the Rheinelbe spoil heap.
The climb to the top of the slag heap is moderate and rewards you with a sweeping view across the Ruhr region. Once you reach the summit, Herman Prigann's "Stairway to Heaven" awaits – an impressive landmark where art, nature, and industrial heritage merge in a unique way. The installation invites you to linger and marvel. Take your time to enjoy the view before beginning your descent.
After the descent, the path leads you through the Rheinelbe sculpture forest, where more works of art await you amidst nature, and then through the Von-Wedelstaedt-Park.
Continuing east, you'll see the large mural "Butterfly Catcher 4.0" on the other side of the street, Case Maclaim's interpretation of Carl Spitzweg's "Butterfly Catcher". Shortly after, you'll reach the iconic Schalker.Kiosk.04, perfect for a short break before continuing on to the historic Flöz Dickebank mining settlement.
Next, immerse yourself in the Ückendorf creative quarter, where studios, workshops, and emerging artists shape the cityscape. The Trinkhalle am Flöz (a traditional kiosk) is emblematic of true Ruhr region culture – authentic, down-to-earth, and full of heart. Opposite, you'll be greeted by the powerful mural by Lidia Cao (Woman in Blue & White), followed by the artistic spots Hier ist Nicht Da (Here Is Not There) and the cozy Café Ütelier.
The Holy Cross Church offers a moment of peace before you discover a diverse culinary scene in the neighborhood – from vegetarian dishes to international specialties, there is something for everyone.
The trail continues to the Gelsenkirchen Science Park, a symbol of innovation and the future. From there, it leads to Gelsenkirchen Central Station, the city's main transport hub. You then cross the city center, passing the striking Hans-Sachs-Haus, an architectural highlight of the 1920s and now the seat of the city administration, before reaching your destination after a few minutes: the Musiktheater im Revier (MiR) on Ebertstraße – a fusion of culture, architecture, and urban energy.
