You'll wander through the verdant Müga park, passing Broich Castle, the Camera Obscura, and the roundhouse – places where art and history intersect. Later, the pace shifts: urban vibes, creative stops along the way, from Rosie's Icecream & Coffee to the PS.Conceptstore. Afterwards, pure nature awaits you in the Saarner Auen meadows – perfect for a break at the sustainable FAIR1-HEiM. The route continues through the charming village of Saarn and to the tranquil Saarn Monastery, before crossing to the other side of the river via the Kahlenberg weir. On the return journey, you'll be accompanied by views of the Ruhr River, the scientific architecture of the Max Planck Institute, the open-air stage, and finally, the half-timbered houses and vibrant scene of the Wallviertel district. A tour between culture and the aroma of coffee, between history and the present.
Mülheim an der Ruhr main station has excellent rail connections: Regional trains (RE1, RE2, RE3, RE6, RE14) stop here, as well as the S-Bahn lines S1 and S3, which connect Mülheim with cities such as Essen, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, and Dortmund. Additionally, the U18 light rail line operated by Ruhrbahn provides a direct connection between Essen and Mülheim.
Your starting point is Mülheim an der Ruhr main station (Dieter-aus-dem-Siepen-Platz). From here, follow Kohlenstraße and then Rheinische Straße to Friedrich-Ebert-Straße, where charming cafés like Café Ccino invite you to make your first stop. Then turn right towards the Ruhr Bridge – the view of the Ruhr River and the green valley is a must. Beyond the bridge, a path leads down into the Müga, the former state garden show grounds. You'll pass the historic Broich Castle, the Camera Obscura, and the roundhouse, where the Ronja restaurant offers vegetarian cuisine. Just a few meters further on is the Alte Dreherei (Old Machine Shop).
On Duisburger Straße, the atmosphere shifts from nature to urban life. A short stop is worthwhile amidst old warehouses, trendy bars, and concept stores, for example at Rosie's Icecream Cakes & Coffee or the PS.Conceptstore. Then follow the Fossil Trail downhill into the Saarner Auen meadows. The path leads past the sustainable FAIR1-HEiM café before you reach the idyllic village of Saarn – with its small boutiques, restaurants, and traditional charm. Beyond Saarn Monastery, cross the Ruhr River via the Kahlenberg weir and enjoy a relaxing break by the water.
Following the northern bank, you'll climb gently and enjoy a final view of the Ruhr River from above before walking past the Max Planck Institute and through Catho-Wenzel-Park back towards the city center. Passing the open-air stage, you'll reach the old half-timbered town center and finally the modern Wallviertel district, which, with its small bars and boutiques, marks the end of your tour. A short walk will bring you back to the main train station.
