"Glück auf Ruhrgebiet" Top 5 Page for this destination Land Nordrhein-Westfalen by diocletianvs

Land Nordrhein-Westfalen Travel Guide: 7,257 reviews and 15,647 photos

Ruhrgebiet.de

I visited the Ruhr region in May 2005 with four other friends, mainly because we were interested to explore the industrial heritage of the region. The German "Ruhrgebiet" was once known as one of the dirtiest and most polluted areas in Europe. It consists of several cities that all have their particular identities although they form one big spot on geographic maps.

The era of dirty coal mines and steel mills is over, but not forgotten. This is probably the reason why for most people this is still not an area they would want to visit on their travels. On the other hand, the fact that industrial revolution left so many traces here is also the reason that local people take industrial heritage as a very important element of their local identity.

A creative program of large transformation was launched in the 1990s, after most of the old industry collapsed in the previous decade. This included transformation of former mine pits and steel factories into new programs that include culture, leisure and vast open spaces.

The sky over Ruhr is clean now, and steel "Cathedrals of Work" are waiting to be discovered by the new tourists attracted by industrial heritage. Ruhr is a genuine and true monument to hard work in the first place, to industrial achievements that changed our lives, cities and landscapes during the last two centuries.

It took lots of imagination and energy to make this area not only clean again, but attractive for both locals and visitors. I guess it will also take some time for visitors to discover it - but Ruhrpott's lid is off, waiting for you to jump in and explore what it has to offer.

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Ruhrgebiet - the beauty of industrial landscape

Last visit to Land Nordrhein-Westfalen: May 2005
Intro Updated May 22, 2005
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Reviews (41)

Shopping pleasure Shopping (1)

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Diebels im Hafen, Duisburg - Land Nordrhein-Westfalen

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Restaurant and caffe in former Boiler... Restaurants (3)

Casino is not a casino but a nice caffe and restaurant in former boiler house of Zeche Zollverein in Essen. In the... more travel advice

Tablo Essen (webpic) - Land Nordrhein-Westfalen

Great Turkish restaurant Restaurants (3)

Sandra reserved us a place in this Turkish restaurant in center of Essen. I loved their modern interior and the fact... more travel advice

Transportation (3)
See All Regional transport
What to Pack (2)
See All Tour The Ruhr
Sports & Outdoors (1)
Arena auf Schalke
Local Customs (3)
See All Sandra

Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All Don't look down!
Hotels (1)
Nice and cheap stay in the center of...
Favorites (5)
See All Where to stay?
Things to Do (20)
See All Schwebebahn, Wuppertal

Comments (23)

sachara Mar 28, 2008 at 10:51 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page with very interesting and useful information. When I will explore the Ruhrgebiet, I now know where to find the best travelguide. Thanks for sharing !
craic Jul 9, 2007 at 9:52 AM Report Abuse

marvellously interesting and funny page - love the bossy machines that speak perfect croatian
whoppa Jun 20, 2007 at 2:28 PM Report Abuse

Couldnt agree more . First class. The best book on the market.
yumyum Dec 20, 2006 at 11:00 AM Report Abuse

Simply excellent!!!
antistar Nov 22, 2006 at 11:37 AM Report Abuse

Ah the Zollverein, the Gasometer and the Innerhafen and the Landscaftspark. I went to all these places when I visited my friend in Duisburg. Good memories. Wasn't there a fatal crash on the Schwebebahn recently?
Florida999 Jun 22, 2006 at 12:16 PM Report Abuse

Interesting page! I have driven through there, but only stopped in Koeln once.
hundertmorgen Mar 26, 2006 at 11:28 AM Report Abuse

That is really the best page about the "Ruhrgebiet" at VT and I really enjoyed reading your pages :-) And I am very happy that you enjoyed travelling thru my region... hugs, Sandra
DPando Feb 2, 2006 at 4:33 AM Report Abuse

impressvie page and not usual.. good attraction ! !
Nemorino Nov 27, 2005 at 3:08 AM Report Abuse

Fine descriptions of this fascinating part of Germany! I have been to some of these places in recent years, and can confirm that they no longer smell of coal dust and are well worth a visit.
Mariajoy Nov 27, 2005 at 1:26 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page Niksa - very helpful, informative (and very funny! ) Vielen dank, Maria ;-)