Places of interest

A natural habitat for animals and an exotic setting for humans: the ZOOM Erlebniswelt is a place where animals and humans can come face-to-face without visible cage boundaries.

Opening hours:
March and October from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
April to September from 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
November to February daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The approximately 75-minute tour through the VELTINS Arena, home of Schalke 04, takes you through all the fascinating areas of Europe's most modern stadium, including the promenades, the stands, the playing field, the press room, the chapel, the players' areas and the business area.

Times for individual visitors and families
Tuesday to Friday from midday to 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Unfortunately, no tours are possible on event days
Appointment required; please call +49 (0) 209 389 2900 (from Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

It's going to be a spectacular year in Germany's biggest film and entertainment park. Join your favourite stars, from the small and silver screens as they take you on an unforgettable journey throughout five theme areas with over 40 attractions and shows.

Opening times:
From April to November almost daily from 10 a.m. to 4, 6 or 8 p.m.

CentrO is Europe's largest shopping and leisure centre with more than 220 shops and restaurants, a cinema and much more to discover.

Opening times:
Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Attend the successful "Starlight Express" musical in Bochum, make the most of regularly changing musicals at the Stage Metronom Theater in Oberhausen, or let yourself be entertained at diverse variety shows and theatre productions in the Ruhr region.

27th June 2020

Ever since the first ExtraSchicht (Extra Shift) event in the 2001, "Industrial Culture Night" has been held at current and former industrial sites and, for one night, brings the magic of the stage to these "decommissioned" facilities. A fabulous selection of different genres awaits: the cultural schedule is packed with street theatre, music from classical to hip-hop, light art, readings, guided tours, projections, performances and other productions.

24th to 26th July 2020

The Schloss Berge summer festival takes place in one of the most beautiful parks in the Ruhr. This includes concerts, fairs and a huge display of fireworks across the Berger Lake. Entry is free. 

6th to 16th August 2020

The Cranger Kirmes Funfair in the city of Herne is one of the biggest and most important funfairs in the whole of Germany, with about four million visitors. Enjoy a bratwurst sausage, battered fish or a fancy ice cream, ride on the Big Wheel, the Big Dipper or the carousel, visit the shooting gallery, the Bavarian Marquee or one of the many bars - the Cranger Kirmes Funfair is a family fair that has something for everyone.

10th October 2020

October sees the finale of the Olé Party Tour: Germany's biggest party, in the Veltins Arena in Gelsenkirchen.

8th November 2020

The "City of 1000 Lights" takes place in the centre of Gelsenkirchen. The event is rounded off by Sunday opening hours for shoppers, and a diverse musical programme with fire show as the grand finale.

8th November 2020 to 3rd January 2021

Over this period, Essen's centre is aglow with themes focusing on tourism and music, with thousands upon thousands of lights. Thanks to the use of LED tubes and renewable energy sources, the lights are also environmentally friendly.