Located at the heart of Germany’s largest urban area, Gelsenkirchen is a historic city that flourished during the Industrial Revolution. It was once the most important coal mining town in Europe and known as the “City of 1,000 fires” due to the mine gases that continually flared in its night sky.
Things to do in Gelsenkirchen
Art enthusiasts can visit the Kunstmuseum Gelsenkirchen, which houses one of the largest collections of kinetic art in Europe. Get up close to works by Max Lieberman, Andy Warhol and Victor Vasarely, as well as Rolf Glasmeier and Heinz Mack. The museum also hosts changing exhibitions by local Gelsenkirchen artists in the Alte Villa.
Gelsenkirchen is an ideal base for exploring the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed destination on the European Route of Industrial Heritage. Marvel at the monumental industrial structures and visit the former coal washery, which is now occupied by the engaging Ruhr Museum. Also forming part of the complex is the Red Dot Design Museum dedicated to award-winning innovations.
On the doorstep of Gelsenkirchen is Movie Park Germany, where you can go behind the scenes of your favourite film and TV series. You can watch Looney Tunes in 4D, go time travelling with John Cleese and ride a Dora the Explorer-inspired log flume. Live entertainment is held throughout the day, including action-packed stunt shows, character meet-and-greets and celebrity impersonations.
Getting around Gelsenkirchen
Gelsenkirchen is a 30-minute drive from Dortmund and 45 minutes from Düsseldorf. Düsseldorf International Airport is 35 minutes away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Gelsenkirchen railway station while both buses and trams travel through the city.