What to do in Essen

Founded as a monastery in the 9^th century, the German city of Essen has grown to a surprising size. In fact, it is the largest city in the Ruhr Region—and, as such, it features a wide array of things to see and do. Beautifully landscaped parks and forested acres surround fascinating tourist attractions. Meanwhile, the culinary scene in Essen (which literally means “to eat” in German) is unparalleled. Book a room at one of the finest hotels in Essen (we recommend the Sheraton Essen Hotel and the Welcome Hotel Essen) during December, and you may attend the city’s famous International Christmas Fair. Meanwhile, these popular attractions are also at your disposal:

Grillo Theatre

The first city in the Ruhr Region to have a theatre, Essen actually offers a variety of cultural sites now. Among them, the historic Grillo Theatre is still one of the most popular. Built back in 1887, the iconic building has been preserved as best as possible; however, it had to be completely rebuilt after World War II. In 1950, the first performance after the war took place—and the theatre has been running steadily ever since. The architecture of the Grillo Theatre reflects its tumultuous past: The oldest parts of the building are the neoclassical façade, the imposing dome, and the wide stairs. Other parts showcase a modern 1950’s aesthetic. Opera, ballet and dramatic performances fill the theatre’s calendar.

Luciuskirche

Dating all the way back to the 10^th century, the Luciuskirche is one of the oldest buildings in Essen—and one of its most beautiful. Construction on the Church of St. Lucius began in the year 995, making the Romanesque-style structure the oldest parish church in Northern Europe. Frescoes from the 11^th century still remain intact, and the architecture has not changed much over the years. Visit Luciuskirche, and you will feel transported back in time. Afterwards, head to the impressive Werden Abbey Basilica; located right next door, it is also a very popular tourist attraction in Essen.

Grugapark

Grugapark, or Gruga Park, is located just to the south of Essen’s city centre. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parts of the city, and a great place in which to rest and seek respite from the urban hustle and bustle. Locals and tourists alike enjoy Gruga Park, filled as it is with lush wooded areas and lovely walkways. All types of outdoor activities are popular here. Also on the premises are the famous Botanical Gardens, a handful of playgrounds for children, and other delightful distractions. Please note that the park is only open from April to September.

Villa Hügel

Like many other landmarks throughout historic Essen, Villa Hügel started off as something else. It was originally built to be the private resident of Alfred Krupp; today, the unique museum tells the story of the Krupp family’s lineage. Tour the elegant grounds to marvel at the main mansion, known for its impressive Classical architecture, and the other components of Villa Hügel. A guest mansion, a spectacular garden, a full forest and even private lakes are located on the property. Exhibits of antique artifacts, temporary art collections from around the country, and outdoor concerts ensure that there is always a reason to visit the beautiful villa.

Alte Synagogue

Built by Edmund Körner in 1913, this former Jewish synagogue was the only free-standing synagogue to survive World War II. No longer used primarily as a place of worship, the Alte Synagogue (“Old Synagogue”) is today in a state of transition: Eventually, it will be the House of Jewish Culture; right now, however, it remains a memorial and meeting place. Plans to turn the entire building into a museum are underway. There will soon be five exhibition spaces, each used to depict a different aspect of traditional Jewish life. Educational installations, antique artifacts and preserved documents promise to be informative and fascinating. The Alte Synagogue also hosts significant Jewish festivals and cultural activities for children. It is quickly becoming an integral part of Essen’s cultural landscape.