Ruhr Travel Guide (North Rhine-Westphalia/Germany/Central Europe/Europe)

Introduction to Ruhr

Located in North Rhine-Westphalia in Germany, Ruhr is a bustling region filled with culture, history, and natural attractions. This former industrial center has transformed into a vibrant hub of the arts, sports, and outdoor recreation. Whether you’re here for the museums, the hiking trails, or the food and drink scene, Ruhr will surprise and delight you. Keep reading for a comprehensive tour guide to this fascinating region.

List of Places to Visit in Ruhr

Here are some of the must-see attractions to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Zeche Zollverein – A UNESCO World Heritage site and former coal mine complex turned cultural center.
Museum Folkwang – A museum of modern and contemporary art.
Red Dot Design Museum – A museum featuring award-winning products from various design disciplines.
Bochum Synagogue – A historical synagogue from the 19th century.

Natural Attractions of Ruhr: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Baldeneysee – A picturesque lake with hiking trails and water sports activities.
Ruhr Valley Cycle Route – A 230-kilometer cycling route along the Ruhr River.
Hoheward – A hill with a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.
Naturpark Hohe Mark – A nature reserve with diverse flora and fauna.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ruhr

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll enjoy exploring the many hiking and biking trails in Ruhr. Some of the best routes include:

Ruhrhöhenweg – A 230-kilometer hiking trail along the heights of the Ruhr Valley.
RuhrtalRadweg – A 230-kilometer cycling route along the Ruhr River.
Zweiseenweg – A moderate hiking trail that leads to two lakes, Hengsteysee and Harkortsee.
Emscher-Park-Weg – A scenic hiking and biking trail that leads through the Emscher Valley.

Best Things to Do in Ruhr: Activities and Tours

In addition to outdoor adventures and cultural attractions, Ruhr offers a variety of activities and tours to keep you entertained:

Revierpark Vonderort – a large park with outdoor pools, sauna, and wellness area.
Thyssenkrupp Testturm – a 246-meter high testing tower for elevator technology with an observation deck providing a stunning panoramic view.
Starlight Express – a popular musical show playing in a specially-built theatre in Bochum.
Beer-Brewing Workshop – a tour and workshop that teaches you how to brew your own beer, at Brauerei Fiege in Bochum

Week-Long Itinerary for Ruhr

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Ruhr:

Day	Itinerary
1	Visit Zeche Zollverein and Museum Folkwang in Essen.
2	Take a cycling tour along the RuhrtalRadweg.
3	Spend a day at Baldeneysee, including hiking and water sports activities.
4	Visit the Red Dot Design Museum and Bochum Synagogue in Bochum.
5	Go on a hike along Ruhrhöhenweg.
6	Relax at Revierpark Vonderort.
7	Visit Hoheward for some scenic views and enjoy a beer-brewing workshop at Brauerei Fiege in Bochum.

Food and Drink Scene of Ruhr

No trip to Ruhr is complete without savoring its delicious food and drink scene. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Pfefferpotthast – A peppery stew made with beef, onions, and spices, served with bread.
Rheinischer Sauerbraten – A marinated roast beef in a sweet and sour sauce, served with potato dumplings.
Reibekuchen – Crispy potato pancakes, usually served with applesauce or sour cream.
Kartoffelsalat – Potato salad made with vinegar and oil dressing.

Local Beverages

Altbier – A top-fermented dark beer, typical of Düsseldorf.
Kölsch – A light, golden beer, typical of Cologne.
Apfelschorle – A refreshing mix of apple juice and sparkling water.
Kräuterlikör – A herbal liqueur, served as a digestif.

Where to Stay in Ruhr: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ruhr offers a variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay:

Sheraton Essen Hotel – A four-star hotel in Essen, offering modern rooms and spa facilities.
DJH Youth Hostel Duisburg Landschaftspark – A budget-friendly option in Duisburg, with a great location next to the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord.
Hotel Henri – A boutique hotel in Bochum, with stylish rooms and a cozy lounge area.
Das Ursulahaus – A guesthouse in Witten, with charming rooms and a beautiful garden.

What to Buy in Ruhr: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for some unique souvenirs and local products to take home, here are some ideas:

Ruhrpott – A coal-black ceramic mug with the word “Ruhrpott” (Ruhr area) written on it.
Borsig Turbine Bottle Opener – A bottle opener modeled after a steam turbine, made by the Borsig company in Duisburg.
Bochum Watch – A stylish wristwatch with the word “Bochum” engraved on it.
Ruhrlust – A locally-produced gin, infused with botanicals from the Ruhr Valley.

Local Culture and Customs of Ruhr

The people of Ruhr are known for their warmth, friendliness, and straightforwardness. They take pride in their industrial heritage and are open to visitors, making it easy to feel welcome. Local customs include:

Ruhr area dialect – The distinct dialect of the region is known as “Ruhrpott Deutsch” and is characterized by its hard consonants and slang words.
Football culture – Football (soccer) is a big deal in Ruhr, with two professional teams, Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04, drawing loyal fans from all over the world.
Grünkohlfahrt – A traditional winter hike with a hearty meal of boiled kale and meat, often paired with schnapps or beer.

Best Time to Visit Ruhr

Ruhr can be visited year-round, but the best time to go depends on your preferences. Summers (June-August) offer the best chance for outdoor activities and festivals, while winters (December-February) can be cold, but also offer the opportunity for winter sports and Christmas markets. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are ideal for sightseeing and hiking, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ruhr

Do:

Try the local cuisine – Ruhr is famous for its hearty, comfort food, so don’t miss a chance to try some local specialties.
Attend a football match – Even if you’re not a fan, experiencing a match in Ruhr is something you won’t forget soon.
Explore the industrial heritage – Ruhr’s industrial past is still visible in many places, so take some time to learn about it.

Don’t:

Make fun of the dialect – While it may be tempting to crack a joke or two, locals take their regional dialect seriously.
Be too loud on public transportation – Germans value their privacy, so avoid loud conversations or phone calls on trains or buses.
Forget to bring cash – While credit cards are widely accepted, it’s always good to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ruhr

Ruhr is generally a safe region, but like any touristic place in the world, there is always the risk of petty theft or pickpocketing. To stay safe, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and keep your belongings close to you when in crowded areas.

Health in Ruhr

Make sure to have adequate health insurance when traveling to Ruhr. Germany has a good healthcare system, but medical costs can be high for foreigners. It’s also important to bring any necessary prescription medications with you, as English language labels may not be available.

Getting to Ruhr: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ruhr is easily accessible by air, train, or car.

Airports Near Ruhr

The closest airports are:

Düsseldorf Airport – Approx. 30 km
Cologne/Bonn Airport – Approx. 80 km
Dortmund Airport – Approx. 30 km

Bus Stations Near Ruhr

Regular bus services connect Ruhr with other cities in Germany and Europe. Eurolines and Flixbus are two popular operators.

Other Options

Ruhr has a well-connected train network with Deutsche Bahn, which makes it easy to travel between cities in Germany and beyond.

How to Get Around in Ruhr

Ruhr has an extensive network of trains, buses, and trams, making it easy to get around. The VRR (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr) ticket system covers all public transportation in the region, allowing you to travel anywhere for one price.

Where to Go Next from Ruhr: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have some extra time in Ruhr, here are some nearby destinations worth visiting:

Cologne – A bustling metropolis known for its magnificent cathedral, vibrant nightlife, and picturesque Rhine River views.
Münster – A charming university town with a medieval center and lively cultural scene.
Arnheim – A Dutch city just across the border, with a fascinating history, modern architecture, and trendy boutiques.
Sauerland – A scenic region known for its forests, mountains, and ski resorts.

Conclusion

Ruhr is a fascinating region that combines industrial history, natural beauty, and cultural richness. With its wide range of attractions, activities, and cuisine, Ruhr has something to offer for every traveler. Use this guide to plan your trip and get ready to discover one of Germany’s most underrated destinations.