Spend a few mild, even hot summer days visiting the unique region of the Ruhr, mainland Europe's most underestimated metropolitan region. Full of surprises, attractions include funfairs, festivals, exhibitions, shopping in many cities and malls, LegoLand® Discovery Centre, Movie Park and Sea Life. More...
Ruhr
A fascinating region in Germany
Written by Garry, last edited on
The Ruhr region is a sprawling metropolitan area located within the state of North Rhine Westphalia. Whether measured by the distance a vehicle can travel in a day or the number of destinations within one hour’s flight, the Ruhr metropolis can be considered to be right in the heart of Europe.
It is densely populated and a melting pot of nationalities and cultures. Still the powerhouse of Germany, the area includes dozens of towns and cities such as Essen, Duisburg, Mülheim, Oberhausen and Dortmund. Yet vast green and open landscapes provide the opportunity to escape to the countryside.
The European Cultural Capital celebrations known as RUHR.2010 were an important step for the diverse municipalities to present a more effective joint image. The area is named after its river, the calm Ruhr, which flows through undulating hillsides and an exciting region of change before its waters join the Rhine.
Things to Do →
Explore the Ruhr metropolis, experience lush, green countryside or bike and hike the valleys of the Ruhr, Lippe and Emscher rivers. Experience one of the busy downtown areas and a surprisingly long and varied list of events, art venues, museums and exhibitions. Partake too in one of the great performances and festivals on offer.
Moers Festival
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The Moers Festival reveals a long tradition of Jazz music and today reflects upon what is happening around the world of improvised music. Revealing the scope and richness of established performers, new names and new formations, performances take place across the Whitsun weekend.
More...Expat Life →
Foreigners have been moving to the Ruhr region for decades. And staying. Nowadays, many expats reside in and around various cities and towns such as Dortmund, Essen, Gelsenkirchen, Remscheid, Duisburg and Mülheim. Expats are obliged to register when they move to Germany.
International School Ruhr
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Growing steadily, the International School Ruhr (IS Ruhr) is ideally situated to serve expatriate families in the whole of the Ruhr region. It offers an exciting new environment for educating young international children from countries across the globe.
More...The Location →
From Duisburg to Dortmund, Recklinghausen to Hagen, the this region is a loose and varied collection of urban and rural areas that combine to form the Ruhr metropolis. With some five million residents, it is still a backbone of Germany's strong and wealthy industry and a highly populated yet green area.
Airport Getaway
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Düsseldorf International Airport offers easy access to the city via taxi and bus as well as access the rail network via the Sky Train, the suspended monorail. A mere ten kilometres from downtown, getting to and from this easy airport couldn't be better.
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