Essen's Eclectic Charm: A Fun-Filled Family Day Trip!
Discover the vibrant spirit of Essen, Germany: A family adventure awaits!
19 July 2023
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.
Day trip plan
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- Start the day with a visit to the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site boasting stunning architecture and intriguing exhibits.
- Wander through the Grugapark, a lush oasis with vibrant flower displays, peaceful streams, and lovely picnic spots – perfect for nature-loving families.
- Quench your thirst at the Zeche Carl beer garden, where parents can enjoy a refreshing brew while kids frolic in the adjacent playground, making new friends.
- Satisfy your appetite with authentic German flavors at Rüttenscheider Hausbrauerei, a cozy brewery offering hearty meals that will leave you craving for more.
- Unleash your inner adventurer by exploring Movie Park Germany, a thrilling theme park with captivating rides, movie-inspired attractions, and endless family fun.
- As the day fades, stroll down Essen's charming shopping streets like Kettwiger Straße, where you can browse local boutiques and perhaps find the perfect souvenir.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.