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.

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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.

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 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.

Destination

Gelsenkirchen

If you're looking for a place to practice your German, don't worry, you're not in the wrong city - welcome to Gelsenkirchen, where the language sounds just as harsh as the coal mines that once dominated its skyline. But don't let that scare you off, there's plenty of culture and quirkiness to discover in this Ruhrpott gem.

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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

Gelsenkirchen in Two Fun-Filled Days!

Gelsenkirchen is a great destination for travelers on a limited budget. The city offers many free attractions to keep you entertained, such as exploring the Nordsternpark or seeing the animals at the Zoom Erlebniswelt. Accommodation and food options are also affordable, with many hostels and budget restaurants available.

Gelsenkirchen in 5 - The perfect itinerary

As a tourist, a trip to Gelsenkirchen, Germany will offer a great blend of modern attractions and historic sites. Visitors can explore the Ruhr Museum to learn about the city's industrial past or relax at the ZOOM Erlebniswelt, a zoo with an impressive collection of animals from around the world. A must-visit attraction is the VELTINS-Arena, home to the famous Schalke 04 football club, which offers guided tours and behind-the-scenes access.

3-Day Romantic Getaway to Gelsenkirchen & Essen

Gelsenkirchen would be an ideal destination for a romantic trip with your special someone. The city boasts numerous picturesque parks, intimate cafes, and chic restaurants for you to explore together. You can also visit the ZOOM Erlebniswelt, a zoo with exotic animals, or the Veltins Arena, a stadium that offers guided tours.

Magical Adventures Await: A Day of Fun in Gelsenkirchen!

Gelsenkirchen, Germany offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with its wide range of attractions and activities. Explore the enchanting Zoom Erlebniswelt, a zoo where you can get up close with animals from around the world, or admire the stunning Schloss Horst, a picturesque castle surrounded by beautiful gardens perfect for a leisurely stroll. Additionally, don't miss the Veltins-Arena, home to the famous football club FC Schalke 04, where you can catch an exhilarating match or take a behind-the-scenes stadium tour.