Gelsenkirchen: industrial heritage in blue and green

Gelsenkirchen reflects the transformation of the Ruhr region in surprisingly diverse ways. Former collieries have become green recreational spaces, modern art meets striking industrial architecture, and football is firmly rooted in the city’s identity. At Nordsternpark, mining heritage, extensive green spaces and the Rhine-Herne Canal come together. Walking and cycling trails cross the former Nordstern colliery site, while the amphitheatre directly by the water provides a distinctive setting for events. The 1997 Federal Garden Show already played a major role in shaping the park. For the International Garden Exhibition 2027, the Emscher Island is being further developed into a Future Garden focusing on water, nature and climate-adapted urban development.

Art and architecture come together at the Musiktheater im Revier. Designed by Werner Ruhnau, the transparent building opened in 1959. Large-scale works by Yves Klein and Jean Tinguely make the building itself a cultural experience. The programme ranges from opera and musicals to dance and concerts.

Unusual perspectives also await beyond the city centre. In the Rheinelbe industrial forest, nature is reclaiming former railway lines and relics of the coal and steel industry. On the Rheinelbe slag heap, a trail leads to the “Himmelstreppe” – the Stairway to Heaven – a monumental sculpture made from old concrete blocks. From the top, sweeping views open up across the rooftops and landmarks of the Ruhr region.

For families, Zoom Erlebniswelt offers a journey through naturalistic landscapes inspired by Alaska, Africa and Asia. Football fans, meanwhile, are drawn to the Veltins-Arena. Guided tours take visitors into the players’ tunnel, dressing room, stadium chapel and Schalke Museum – offering an insight into the city’s royal-blue football culture.