header-photo

Europe : Central Europe : Germany : North Rhine-Westphalia : Essen

Essen

Essen [1] is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany.

Understand

Get in

By plane

The largest international airport nearby is located in Düsseldorf: Düsseldorf-International (IATA:DUS) [2] (30 km, ca. 30 mins by train). Smaller airports in the vicinity are Dortmund Airport (IATA:DTM) [3] (45 km) and Flughafen Münster-Osnabrück (IATA:FMO) [4] (ca. 100 km). Of these two the airport in Dortmund is faster to reach by public transport and is used by some no-frills airlines.

By car

Essen is located on autoroute 40.

By bus

Essen is part of the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr [5] bus and train system. In addition, Hespertalbahn [6] operates historic trains between Haus Scheppen and Kupferdreh.

By boat

The Rhine river transportation system can be reached via the Herne Kanal. Weiße Flotte Baldeney [7] and Mülheimer Verkehrsgesellschaft [8] operate ships on the Ruhr river.

Get around

See

  • Zeche Zollverein Called the most beautiful coal mine in the world (in fact, it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Zollverein nowadays hosts diverse cultural highlights including a outstanding design center and several museums. It is also famous for its Bauhaus architecture.
  • Folkwang Museum Known for the exhibits covering the history of photography as well as paintings from all eras.
  • Villa Hügel Hügel 15. +49-201-616290, fax +49-201-6162911, [9] [10]. Krupp family historical chateau, art history museum and concert venue.
  • Aalto Opera-House Interesting piece of architecture by Alvar Aalto (Finland)
  • Essener Münster Cathedral 14th century cathedral and treasure museum.
  • St. Ludgerus Basilica
  • Kettwig Historical District featuring 17th and 18th century streets and buildings.
  • Kettwig Pictures [11]
  • Synagogue and Jewish Museum
  • The old town of Werden One of the oldest German sites in entire Germany! Highly recommended.

Do

  • International Christmas Market from late November to early December the streets and historic allies of the city center are filled with over 200 arts and crafts stalls.
  • Essen Light Weeks [12].
  • Lake Baldeney (Baldeneysee). Essen-Hügel and Essen-Kupferdreh stations. Boat rentals, sailing, canoing.
  • Enjoy Essen ("Essen genießen", this is a word play since "Essen" translates to "food" as well) [13] Gourment Highlights in autumn.

Spa and Massage

  • Alte Badeanstalt' [14] sauna, swimming pool, massages, fitness, wellness.
  • Visage & Body [15] massage, wellness, cosmetic treatments.
  • Baldeneysee in Essen [16], Gastronomie und Natur im essener Suüden.

Learn

The University of Duisburg-Essen is part of a consortium of three universities in the Ruhr-area (University of Duisburg-Essen, Bochum, and Dortmund) - Germany's largest academic hub.

[17]

Work

Buy

Many shops are located in the city center pedestrian zone. A big shopping-mall in the western part of the city-center opened in Summer 2008. Also pay attention to the "Rüttenscheid"-district.

Eat

Budget

  • Fährmann am See, Lanfermannfähre 118, +49-201-846080, fax +49-201-8460819. W-M 11:30AM-10PM. Regional home cooking. (accepts ECcard).
  • Wohnraum im Unperfekthaus, Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 20, +49-201-847350, fax +49-201-8536605 [18] [19]. 10AM-10:30PM. Mediterranean / nouveau cuisine / vegetarian. (no credit cards).
  • Tablo, Huyssenallee 5, +49-201-8119585. Turkish. Reservation recommended.

Mid-range

  • Mintrops Stadthotel Margarethenhöhe - Restaurant M, Steile Str. 46 (U-17: Laubenweg), +49-201-43860, fax +49-201-4386100, 12AM-2:30PM and 6:00PM-10:30PM. Asian.
  • Gummersbach, Fürstenbergstr. 2 (Tram 105: Heißener Str), +49-201-676464. W-M 5PM-10:30PM. French; reservations recommended. (ECcard accepted).
  • Capobianco, Rottstr. 7, +49-201-226603. Mon-Sat 12AM-3PM and 5:30PM-midnight, Sun 12AM-midnight. Classic/Italian. Vegetarian options. Reservations recommended.
  • Hülsmannshof, Lehnsgrund 14 a(U 17: Laubenweg), +49-201-871250. 11:30AM-2:30PM and 5:30-10PM. Home cooking.
  • Stop-Club vis à vis, Schmiedestr. 5, +49-201-235453. Mon-Sat 5-11:30PM. Reservation recommended. International. Vegetarian options.
  • Lukas, Prinz-Friedrich-Str. 1, +49-201-848353. Daily 6-11PM. Indian. (Accepts ECcard).
  • Ange d'Or Junior, Ruhrtalstr. 326 (S6: Kettwig), +49-2054-2307. Wed-Sun 6:30-10:30PM. Italian. Vegetarian options.
  • La Cena, Haumannplatz 32 (Tram 106: Landgericht), +49-201-2790269. Mon-Sat 12AM-3PM, 6-11PM. Italian.
  • Landhaus Schnitzler, Nöckersberg 65, +49-201-848140. W-F 12AM-3PM, 6-10:30PM, Sat 6-10:30PM, Sun 12AM-9PM. Italian, German, International.
  • L'Opera, Theaterpassage/Hirschlandplatz (U11/17/18: Hirschlandplatz), +49-201-239124. Daily 12AM-11PM. Italian.
  • Mintrops Stadthotel Margarethenhöhe - Restaurant M, Steile Str. 46 (U 17: Laubenweg), +49-201-43860. Daily 12AM-2:30PM, 6-10:30PM. Italian.
  • Oase Due, Rüttenscheider Str. 189 (U11, Tram 101/107: Martinstr.), +49-201-790640, Mon-Sat 12AM-2:30PM, 5:30-11:30PM. Italian.
  • Cavallino Rosso, Velberter Str. 126, +49-201-404977. Daily 12AM-2:30PM, 5:30-11PM. Mediterranean.
  • Gummersbach, Fürstenbergstr. 2 (Tram 105: Heißener Str.) +49-201-676464, accepts ECcard, W-M 5-10:30PM. Reservation recommended. Mediterranean.
  • Hannappel, Dahlhauser Str. 173, +49-201-534506, accepts ECcard, W-M 5:30-10PM, (S1: Essen-Eiberg or RE 14 / S 3 / S 9 / Tram 103 / 109: Essen-Steele, then Bus 164: Breloher Steig). Mediterranean.
  • Jagdhaus Schellenberg, Heisinger Str. 170a, +49-201-437870, Mediterranean.
  • Casino Zollverein, Gelsenkirchener Str. 181 (Tram 107: Zollverein), +49-201-830240, Tue-Fri 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5:30-10:30PM, Sat-Sun 11:30AM-2:30PM, 5:30PM-midnight. Nouveau cuisine.
  • Mintrops Landhotel - Mumm, Schwarzensteinweg 81 (SB 15: Burgaltendorf Burgruine.), +49-201-571710. 12AM-2PM, 6-11PM. Nouveau/International cuisine. Vegetarian options.
  • Parkhaus Hügel, Freiherr-vom-Stein-Str. 209 (S6: Essen-Hügel), +49-201-471091. 11:30AM-10:30PM. Nouveau/International cuisine.
  • raum.eins, Rüttenscheider Str. 154, +49-201-4553747. Mon-Thu 12AM-2:30PM, 6-10:30PM, Fri 12AM-2:30PM, 6-11PM, Sat 6-11PM. Nouveau/International cuisine.
  • Résidence - Püree, Auf der Forst 1, +49-2054-95590. Tue-Fri 6:3010PM. Nouveau/International cuisine.
  • Schloss Hugenpoet - Hugenpöttchen, August-Thyssen-Str. 51, +49-2054-12040. 12AM-11:30PM. Nouveau/International cuisine.
  • Kockshusen, Pilgrimsteig 51, +49-201-3601166. W-M 11:30AM-10PM. Regional. (Accepts ECcard).
  • Kölner Hof, Duisburger Str. 20, +49-201-763430, accepts ECcard, dogs not welcome. Wed-Sun 12AM-2PM, 6-10PM. Regional. (Accepts ECcard).
  • Landhaus-Knappmann - Frankenheim-Brauhaus, Ringstr. 198, +49-2054-7809. M-F 4-12PM; Sat/Sun 11AM-midnight. Regional.
  • Schote, Emmastr. 25 (U11, Tram 101/107: Martinstr.), +49-201-780107. Tue-Sun 6-11PM. Regional.
  • Landhaus Schnitzler, Nöckersberg 65, +49-201-848140. W-F 12AM-3PM, 6-10:30PM; Sat 6-10:30PM; Sun 12AM-9PM. Seasonal.
  • Der Löwe, [20] Kopstadtplatz. Bavarian-style restaurant.
  • Gastronomie Katalog, [21] Gastronomie Übersicht für Essen und das übrige Ruhrgebiet.

Splurge

  • La Grappa, Rellinghauser Str. 4 (Tram 105/106: Aalto Theater), +49-201-231766. M-F 11:30AM-2:30PM; 5:30- 11:30PM; Sa 5:30-11:30PM. Italian/nouveau cuisine.
  • Schloss Hugenpoet, Nesselrode, August-Thyssen-Str. 51, +49-2054-12040. Th-M 6:30-10PM. International food. Dogs not welcome.
  • Résidence, Auf der Forst 1, +49-2054-95590. Tu-Sa 6:30-10PM. Nouveau cuisine.
  • Schloss Hugenpoet-Nesselrode, August-Thyssen-Str. 51, +49-2054-12040, Th-M 6:30-10PM. Nouveau cuisine. Dogs not welcome.

Drink

  • Rüttenscheider Hausbrauerei, Girardetstr. 2 (U11, Tram 101/107: Martinstr. or Tram 105: Rellinghausen Rathaus or SB15: Annental or S6: Kettwig, then Bus 142: Girardet Haus), +49-201-790060. Reservation recommended.
  • Daktari, Juliusstraße 2, +49-201-2698595. Small Cocktail-Bar with big cocktails, located 5 miutes away from main station. 7PM-4AM.

Sleep

Budget

  • Europa, Hindenburgstr. 35, +49-201-232041, fax +49-201-232656.
  • Hotel am Schlosspark[22], Borbecker Str. 183 (RE14/S9/Tram 103: Essen-Borbeck Bf), +49-201-675001, fax +49-201-687762, [23].
  • Ibis, Hollestr. 50 (SB15,16/Tram 103,109: Hollestr.), +49-201-24280, fax +49-201-2428600.
  • Landhaus Knappmann, Ringstr. 198, +49-2054-7809, fax +49-201-6789, [24], [25].
  • Schmachtenbergshof, Schmachtenbergstr. 157, +49-2054-12130, fax +49-2054-121313, [26] [27].
  • Sengelmannshof, Sengelmannsweg 35, +49-2054-95970, fax +49-2054-83200.

Mid-range

  • An der Gruga[28] (U11, stop: Messe Ost/Gruga), Eduard-Lucas-Str. 17, +49-201-841180, fax +49-201-8411869, [29].
  • Best Western Hotel Ypsilon[30], Müller-Breslau-Str. 18-20, +49-201-89690, fax +49-201-8969100, [31], (U11, Tram 101/107: Martinstr. or Tram 105: Töpferstr. or Tram 106: Cäcilienstr. or SB15: Huttropstr. or Tram 103/109: Schwanenbuschstr. or RE1/2/6/11/14/16, RB40/42, S1/2/3/6/9, U11/17/18, SB16/19: Essen Hbf or U18: Breslauer Str. or Tram 110: Flughafen Essen/Mülheim, then Bus 145/146/160/161: Paulinenstr.)
  • Hotel im Girardet Haus[32], Girardetstr. 2-38, +49-201-878800, fax +49-201-8788088, [33] (U11, Tram 101/107: Martinstr. or Tram 105: Rellinghausen Rathaus or SB15: Annental or S6: Kettwig, then Bus 142: Girardet Haus).
  • Jägerhof, Hauptstr. 23, +49-2054-84011, fax +49-2054-80984, (S6: Kettwig or SB 19: Werdener Markt or Tram 110: Mülheim Wilhelmstr. or Tram 102/104/112/901: Mülheim Stadtmitte or RE1/2/6/11, S1/3, U18: Mülheim Ruhr Hbf or U11: Messe West/Süd / Gruga or Tram 101/107: Martinstr. or Tram 105: Rellinghausen Rathaus or SB15: Annental, then Bus 142/151/190: Kettwiger Markt).
  • Mintrops Landhotel Burgaltendorf[34], Schwarzensteinweg 81 (SB15: Burgaltendorf Burgruine), +49-201-571710, fax +49-201-5717147, [35].
  • Mintrops Stadthotel Margarethenhöhe, Steile Str. 46 (U17: Laubenweg), +49-201-43860, fax +49-201-4386100.
  • Mövenpick Hotel Essen, Am Hauptbahnhof 2 (stop: Essen Hbf), +49-201-17080, fax +49-201-1708173.
  • Résidence, Auf der Forst 1, +49-2054-95590, fax +49-2054-82501, [36], [37]. (S6: Kettwig or SB 19: Werdener Markt or Tram 110: Mülheim Wilhelmstr. or Tram 102/104/112/901: Mülheim Stadtmitte or RE1/2/6/11, S1/3, U18: Mülheim Ruhr Hbf or U11: Messe West/Süd / Gruga or Tram 101/107: Martinstr. or Tram 105: Rellinghausen Rathaus or SB15: Annental, then Bus 142/151/190: Ringstr.) No dogs.
  • Ruhr-Hotel, Krawehlstr. 42 (Tram 106: Zweigertstr), +49-201-778053, fax +49-201-780283.
  • Scandic Hotel, Theodor-Althoff-Str. 5, +49-201-7690, fax +49-201-7691143, (U11: Messe West/Süd / Gruga or U 17: Margarethenhöhe or Tram 101/107: Bredeney or Tram 101/107: Martinstr. or S6: Essen-Werden or SB19: Werdener Markt or Tram 105: Rellinghausen Rathaus or SB15: Annental or SB66: Velbert Willy-Brandt-Platz, then Bus 142/169: Sommerburgstr).
  • Top Hotel Essener Hof, Teichstr. 2 (stop: Essen Hbf), +49-201-24250, fax +49-201-2425751, [38], [39]. No dogs.
  • Top Rema-Hotel Essen, Viehofer Platz 5 (Tram 101/103/105/109: Rheinischer Platz), +49-201-105610, fax +49-201-236685.
  • Villa Vogelsang, Antonienallee 1, +49-201-8536600, fax +49-201-8536605, [40] [41] (S1: Essen-Eiberg or RE 14, S3/9, Tram 103/109: Essen-Steele, then Bus 164/184: Carl-Wolf-Str.).

Splurge

  • Holiday Inn Essen City Centre, Frohnhauser Str. 6, +49-201-24070, fax +49-201-2407240.
  • Mercure Plaza, Bismarckstr. 48-50 (U11, Tram 101/107: Philharmonie/Saalbau), +49-201-878580, fax +49-201-87858700,
  • Schloss Hugenpoet, August-Thyssen-Str. 51, +49-2054-12040, fax +49-2054-120450, (RE1 / RE2 / RE6 / RE11 / S1 / S3 / U18: Mülheim Ruhr Hbf, then Bus 132: Am Biestenkamp, then Taxi (should be reserved in advance)).
  • Sheraton, Huyssenallee 55 (U11, Tram 101/107: Philharmonie/Saalbau), +49-201-10070, fax +49-201-1007777,
  • Welcome Hotel Ruhr Residenz[42], Schützenbahn 58 (Tram 106/107: Viehofer Platz), +49-201-17790, fax +49-201-1779199, [43].

Contact

Essen Tourism Office Im Handelshof. Am Hauptbahnhof 2, Tel: +49-201-19433, [44]. Mon-Fri 9AM-5:30PM, Sat 10AM-1PM. Closed on Sundays and bank holiday.

Stay safe

Cope

Religious services

Holy mass in catholic churches in the citycenter:

  • Hohe Domkirche, Münster, An St. Quintin 3 (5-10 min north from central station). [45] Sat 6:30PM; Sun 7:30AM*, 10AM, 4PM*, 7PM; (*in the Anbetungskirche: Mon-Fri: 7AM, 10AM, 5:30PM (except Sat)).
  • St. Engelbert, Fischerstraße 12 (10 min south from central station) [46]. Sat: 6:15PM; Sun: 9:45AM, 2PM (engl.); Mon 7:30PM; Tue 9AM; Wed 9:15AM; Fri 6PM.
  • St. Ignatius, An Sankt Ignatius 8 (10 min southwest from central station). [47] Sat 9AM, 5PM; Sun 11:15AM, 6PM; Tue/Thu/Fri 7PM.

Index of catholic churches in the diocesis of Essen: [48]

Get out

This page was last edited at 15:45, on 23 February 2009 by Ryan Holliday. Based on work by David, Bill Johnson, Klaus and Jan-Paul Laarmann, Wikitravel user(s) Ypsilon and Episteme, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.