Finally we can travel again and visit our neighbors. Our eastern neighbours, we mean of course. Because just a stone's throw from the Dutch border, in the Ruhr area, there is a lot to discover. And that's good, because we have a lot to catch up on. Families and culture vultures will get their money's worth with the rich industrial and cultural heritage of this area and the many attractions in no fewer than eleven cities and four regions. And, perhaps a surprise:the Ruhr area is also there for nature lovers.
Culture and nature between steel and stone
A visit to the Unesco World Heritage Zeche Zollverein in Essen should not be missed on a trip to the Ruhr region. This was once the largest coal mine in the world, but now culture and nature are reclaiming the former industrial complex:you will find the Ruhr Museum and the Red Dot Design Museum here, for example, but also a unique landscape with a versatile plant world. Or take the Duisburg-North landscape park. Originally an ironworks, now one of the most important industrial monuments in Europe. With a breathtaking view from blast furnace 5 – or from the exciting climbing course high above the park.
©Meurers
Relaxing for the whole family Other fun and educational outings for the whole family include the Zeiss Planetarium in Bochum, the Neanderthal Museum about 20 km east of Düsseldorf and the football museum in Dortmund. And the Duisburg Zoo, Movie Park Germany in Bottrop, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center and SEA LIFE in Oberhausen will also be very popular with the children.
©WILDLANDS Zoo Emmen
Over 140 trips with one card
The RUHR.TOPCARD makes discovering the Ruhr region extra fun, relaxed and affordable. The card gives free entry to more than 90 attractions and another 50 attractions for half price. Also nice:a number of attractions in the Netherlands are affiliated, such as Apenheul, GaiaZOO, Wildlands and Thermen Bussloo. From 5 July, this card is temporarily extra affordable:only 36 euros for more than 140 outings. So whether you opt for a holiday, a weekend away or several individual outings in the Ruhr area:you can use this advantageous card until the end of the year.
Header Photo ©Spin Masters 2021
