5 Days of Family Fun in Vibrant Gelsenkirchen!

Gelsenkirchen, where family fun and German charm blend together.

19 July 2023

Gelsenkirchen, Germany offers a delightful family-friendly trip with a range of attractions suitable for all ages. Families can explore the stunning ZOOM Erlebniswelt, a zoo that allows children to get up close and personal with exotic animals from around the world. Additionally, the Nordsternpark provides a perfect setting for outdoor activities, from playgrounds and picnic areas to beautiful gardens and a lake for boating.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Coal Mines

  • Check into the quirky and family-friendly Heiner's Parkhotel, where your mini adventurers will love the pirate-themed rooms and the playground in the courtyard.
  • Begin your Gelsenkirchen adventure with a trip to the fascinating Industrial Museum, where you can take a guided tour of an old coal mine and learn about the city's industrial past.
  • Head to the Nordstern Park, a sprawling green space that was once a colliery, and let your little ones run wild in the adventure playground while you enjoy a picnic on the grass.
  • Visit Zoom Erlebniswelt, a zoo and amusement park all rolled into one, where you can come face-to-face with exotic animals and experience thrilling rides.
  • End the day with a delicious dinner at Ratskeller, a traditional German restaurant serving hearty dishes like bratwurst and sauerkraut.
Day 2

Artsy Escapade

  • Start the day with a breakfast at Café Vetter, a charming café known for its homemade pastries and aromatic coffee.
  • Explore the Gelsenkirchen Art Gallery, housed in a striking former brewery, and admire the eclectic collection of contemporary and modern artworks.
  • Take a stroll through the stunning gardens of Schloss Berge, a picturesque 18th-century castle surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Treat your taste buds to a scrumptious lunch at Max & Moritz, a restaurant specializing in traditional German cuisine, including crispy schnitzels and creamy potato salad.
  • Embark on a shopping spree at Revierpark Nienhausen, a sprawling park with quaint boutiques offering everything from local handicrafts to trendy fashion.
Day 3

Football Frenzy

  • Kickstart the day with a visit to the VELTINS-Arena, the iconic home of FC Schalke 04, where you can take a guided tour and immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of the stadium.
  • Grab a quick bite at Curry Queen, a popular local spot known for its mouthwatering currywurst a classic German street food staple.
  • Indulge in some retail therapy at CentrO, one of Europe's largest shopping malls, featuring over 200 stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
  • Relax and unwind at the beautiful Revierpark Vonderort, a serene lakeside park perfect for picnicking or taking a leisurely boat ride.
  • End the day with a hearty dinner at Hirschken, a traditional German restaurant famous for its succulent steaks and cozy ambiance.
Day 4

Nature's Delights

  • Start the day with a wholesome breakfast at Goldener Anker, a charming café known for its homemade jams and freshly baked bread.
  • Escape the bustling city and explore the stunning Hohenstein Park, a hidden gem boasting tranquil lakes, lush forests, and scenic hiking trails.
  • Take a leisurely boat ride along the Rhine-Herne Canal, admiring the picturesque landscapes and charming canal-side villages.
  • Discover the unique flora and fauna of the Halde Rheinelbe, an imposing slag heap that has been converted into a beautiful green space.
  • Enjoy a delightful lunch at Zum Dorfkrug, a charming riverside restaurant serving traditional German dishes with a modern twist.
Day 5

Family Fun Extravaganza

  • Start the day with a visit to ZOOM Adventure World, an indoor play center with themed areas for children of all ages, including a pirate ship and a climbing wall.
  • Treat your taste buds to a scrumptious lunch at Pfefferkorn Restaurant, a family-friendly establishment known for its delicious pizza and pasta dishes.
  • Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Emscher Bike Path, a picturesque trail that winds through the city's charming neighborhoods and stunning natural landscapes.
  • Spend the afternoon at the Movie Park Germany, an action-packed amusement park with thrilling rides, live shows, and movie-inspired attractions.
  • End your day with a mouthwatering dinner at Haus Lüttinghof, a quaint restaurant housed in a historic manor, offering a delightful menu of regional specialties.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Gelsenkirchen, Germany by plane is to fly to Düsseldorf International Airport and then take a train from Düsseldorf Flughafen Station to Gelsenkirchen Hauptbahnhof.

Car

The best way to get to Gelsenkirchen, Germany by car is to drive on the A2 highway and take the exit to Gelsenkirchen.

Train

The best way to get to Gelsenkirchen, Germany by train is to take a train to Gelsenkirchen Hauptbahnhof, which is the main train station in the city.

Boat

There are no waterways that lead to Gelsenkirchen, Germany so traveling by boat is not an option.

Bus

The best way to get to Gelsenkirchen, Germany by bus is to take a coach from any major city in Germany to Gelsenkirchen Busbahnhof, which is the central bus station in the city.

More travel plans

Art, culture and fun in Gelsenkirchen for 2 Days

Gelsenkirchen is a small city in the North Rhine-Westphalia region of Germany, known for its old industrial sites and the Schloss Berge castle. Its large park, Stadtgarten, is perfect for romantic walks and picnics. Visit the music and theatre venue Musiktheater im Revier for a cultured evening out, followed by dinner at one of the many restaurants in the city centre.

Discover the Best of Gelsenkirchen in 5 Days

Gelsenkirchen, Germany offers a fun and affordable getaway for travelers on a budget. Walk through the city center and see historic architecture, visit the ZOOM Adventure World and see exotic animals up close, or take a stroll through the tree-lined Riemke Market Square. Stay in budget-friendly accommodations such as youth hostels or affordable guesthouses.

Gelsenkirchen: From Exotic Creatures to Culinary Delights

Gelsenkirchen is a vibrant city in Germany that offers a fantastic family-friendly trip. Families can explore the picturesque ZOOM Erlebniswelt, a zoo with a wide variety of animals and interactive exhibits. Additionally, a visit to the Veltins-Arena, home to the renowned FC Schalke 04 football team, offers a chance to experience the excitement of a live sports event and enjoy the stadium's family-friendly facilities.

Discover the Best of Gelsenkirchen in One Day!

As a tourist in Gelsenkirchen, one can explore the Schloss Horst castle with its historic architecture and beautiful gardens. The city also offers a vibrant shopping scene with various shopping centers and boutiques. Lastly, visitors can witness thrilling football matches at the Veltins-Arena stadium, home to the Schalke 04 team.