A Family-Friendly Adventure in Essen: 2 Days of Fun!

Discover family fun in Essen, Germany - the perfect destination for all ages!

19 July 2023

Essen, Germany is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip, offering a plethora of opportunities for fun and exploration. From its world-class museums such as Zeche Zollverein and the Ruhr Museum, to its beautiful green spaces like Grugapark with its botanical garden and playgrounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Additionally, the city boasts various family-friendly attractions including the Essen Zoo and the exhilarating Movie Park Germany, guaranteeing an unforgettable holiday experience for the entire family.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Essen's Cultural Gems

  • Start your day at the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, an architectural marvel that’ll make your jaw drop!
  • Take a stroll through the beautiful Grugapark, with its blooming flora and charming lake, perfect for a picnic.
  • Discover the Museum Folkwang, a treasure trove of art, showcasing masterpieces from Monet to Warhol.
  • Don't miss the Villa Hügel, a palatial mansion where you can pretend to be a 19th-century aristocrat for a moment or two.
  • Treat your taste buds at Rüttenscheider Sternchen, a cozy restaurant with mouthwatering local cuisine to satisfy your hunger.
Day 2

Family Fun Galore!

  • Dive into the enchanting world of Deutsches Bergbau-Museum, filled with interactive exhibits that explain the wonders of mining.
  • Embark on a quest to capture the essence of ancient times at the Ruhr Museum, located in the stunning Zeche Zollverein.
  • Head over to Grillo-Theater, where mesmerizing performances will transport you to another dimension.
  • Enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Grugabad, a sprawling water park where you can splash, slide, and soak up the sun.
  • Indulge in a memorable dinner at Rüttenscheider Hausbrauerei, where you can savor traditional German fare and handcrafted beer.
  • Hotel Recommendation:
  • For a family-friendly stay, book a room at Hotel Frohnhausen. With its charming atmosphere and excellent amenities, it's the perfect home away from home for your adventure in Essen. The hotel offers spacious family rooms, a delicious breakfast, and friendly staff ready to make your stay unforgettable.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Essen by plane is to fly into Düsseldorf International Airport and take the regional express train (RE1) to Essen Hauptbahnhof, which takes about 30 minutes.

Car

Driving to Essen is relatively easy, with the city being well-connected to Germany's motorway network. The A40 and A52 both pass through Essen, making it easily accessible from cities such as Dortmund and Düsseldorf.

Train

Essen is well-connected by rail, with Essen Hauptbahnhof being the main train station. It is possible to take a train from almost anywhere in Germany to Essen. The fastest route is via high-speed ICE train from Frankfurt, which takes around 2.5 hours.

Boat

As Essen is situated inland, there are no direct boat routes to the city. However, it is possible to take a boat trip along the nearby Rhine River, which passes through Düsseldorf and Duisburg, both of which are easily accessible from Essen via train or car.

Bus

There are many bus companies that operate routes to and from Essen. Flixbus and Eurolines are two popular options, with both offering services to nearby cities such as Amsterdam and Brussels.

Destination

Essen

Welcome to the land of sausages, sauerkraut, and beer, where Essen, the city that sounds like you're eating, awaits you with open arms (and full stomachs!). Just don't be fooled by the name, it's not all about the food here - though it is pretty delicious.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Essen in a Weekend: Romance, Castles, and Cuisine

Essen offers a charming and less crowded getaway for couples that want to escape the hustle and bustle of other popular German cities. Visitors can explore the city's rich history through its museums and architectural landmarks or indulge in its culinary scene. The city's beautiful parks, gardens, and lakes offer several romantic spots to enjoy a peaceful moment with your partner.

Essen's Eclectic Charm: A Fun-Filled Family Day Trip!

Essen, Germany is a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip filled with cultural, historical, and natural attractions. Explore the UNESCO-listed Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, where children can learn about the region's industrial heritage through interactive exhibits. Visit the Grugapark, a sprawling botanical garden offering playgrounds, a petting zoo, and lovely picnic spots, providing a perfect setting for a fun-filled day with the family.

Essen Escapades: A 5-day Adventure for the Whole Family

Experience a memorable family trip to Essen, Germany, where you can explore an array of family-friendly attractions. Discover the fascinating Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering engaging exhibits and interactive displays. Enjoy a day at the Grugapark, a stunning botanical garden boasting playgrounds, a zoo, and a miniature train ride, ensuring endless fun for the entire family.

Thrifty Essen: 3 Perfect Days on a Budget

Essen, Germany is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers with its numerous affordable attractions and reasonably priced accommodations. Visitors can explore the city's rich industrial heritage at the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or enjoy the green spaces of Grugapark, a sprawling urban park. Additionally, the city is home to several museums and galleries, many of which offer free admission on certain days.