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

Essen: Where family fun meets German charm for an unforgettable adventure!

19 July 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Welcome to Essen: A Burst of Energy and Fun

  • Check into Hotel Petrol Phantasmagoria, a whimsical haven that combines steampunk and Alice in Wonderland.
  • Indulge in a hearty breakfast at Café Scrumptious, known for mouthwatering pastries and colorful smoothie bowls.
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage site where a coal mine meets modern art.
  • Unleash your inner child at Grugapark, a sprawling green space with botanical gardens, mini-golf, and a charming little train.
  • Enjoy schnitzel, currywurst, and regional delicacies at Hofbrauhaus, a traditional German gastropub with a quirky twist.
  • End the day with a cozy stroll through Rüttenscheider Stern, a bustling square alive with street performers and quaint shops.
Day 2

Cultural Delights and Secret Gardens

  • Begin the day at Café Poesie, a literary-inspired cafe, with a cup of aromatic coffee and a sumptuous breakfast platter.
  • Explore the fascinating Museum Folkwang, featuring an incredible collection of modern and classical art.
  • Discover the hidden gem of Villa Hügel, the opulent former residence of the Krupp family, surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens.
  • Take a leisurely boat ride on Baldeneysee, Essen's largest lake, and soak in the serene views of lush landscapes.
  • Savor a delectable lunch at Max und Moritz, a charming eatery serving mouthwatering German comfort food.
  • End the day with a relaxed picnic in Grugapark's picturesque Japanese Garden, complete with tranquil ponds and Zen-inspired landscaping.
Day 3

Industrial Heritage and Culinary Adventures

  • Begin the day at Jacquelin's Bakery, a cozy spot famous for its fluffy croissants and artisanal bread.
  • Marvel at the architectural wonder of the Red Dot Design Museum, housed in a former boiler house, showcasing innovative designs.
  • Embark on a thrilling tour of Kokerei Zollverein, a monumental coking plant turned cultural and industrial monument.
  • Treat yourself to a traditional Rhineland lunch at Pfefferkorn, specializing in hearty stews and crispy pork knuckles.
  • Join the folksy atmosphere at Biergarten Stoppenberg, with live music, sausages, and refreshing German beer.
  • End the day with a delightful dinner at Hotel Shanghai, a hip fusion restaurant where Asian flavors meet German classics.
Day 4

Nature's Escape and Enchanting Scenes

  • Enjoy a delicious brunch at Café Orange, a charming spot offering a delightful mix of German and Mediterranean cuisine.
  • Explore the enchanting Baldeney Forest, wandering along scenic trails and breathing in the fresh air.
  • Take a tranquil boat trip along the Ruhr River, reveling in the picturesque landscapes and charming river towns.
  • Indulge in a scrumptious Turkish feast at Hasir, a popular eatery showcasing the vibrant flavors of Essen's multicultural side.
  • Relax and enjoy a family-friendly movie night at Lichtburg, Europe's largest and most enchanting cinema.
  • Top off the day with a late-night treat at Eiscafé Rialto, a local favorite for mouthwatering gelato and waffle creations.
Day 5

Farewell Essen: Epic Adventures and Bittersweet Memories

  • Start the day with a sumptuous breakfast at Cafe Bernstein, a cozy spot known for its delicious cakes and homemade jams.
  • Embark on an epic adventure at Movie Park Germany, a thrilling theme park featuring rides and attractions inspired by famous films.
  • Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Raststätte Ruhr-Universität, a quirky rest stop resembling an American diner.
  • Explore the fascinating depths of Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, one of the world's most impressive industrial heritage sites.
  • Bid farewell to Essen with a dinner at Winzerstube, a charming wine tavern where hearty German cuisine pairs perfectly with local wines. Enjoy your last evening immersed in Essen's unique vibe.

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-joy: A Budget-friendly 4 Day Adventure

Visiting Essen on a limited budget is still achievable. The city boasts a wealth of free or low-cost attractions and activities, such as the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex and the Museum Folkwang. Finding affordable accommodation and dining options is also possible with a bit of research and planning.

3 Days in Essen: Industrial Heritage & Parks

As a tourist, a trip to Essen, Germany allows you to truly immerse yourself in the heart of the Ruhr Valley. You can explore the city's industrial heritage, such as the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Additionally, you can enjoy the many parks and restaurants that the city has to offer.

Essen, Germany: 2 days of budget-friendly fun!

Essen, Germany is a great city for an affordable trip as it has plenty of free attractions such as the Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Many hostels and budget hotels are available in the city to help reduce costs further. Visitors can enjoy the city's traditional German food scene and explore its numerous parks without breaking the bank.

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.