What to Do in Ruhr, Germany

Germany’s largest urban area, Ruhr is characterised by the creativity and tenacity found across its towns and cities. Visit Dortmund and Essen to discover former mines and breweries being repurposed as meadows, museums and forward-looking cultural cooperatives

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Dortmunder U

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Dortmunder U

Home to Museum Ostwall, Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the European Centre for Creative Economy, plus eye-opening installations, this former brewery has become something of a symbol for the city's transition from industrial hub to tech-founder's dream.

Address

Leonie-Reygers-Terrasse, 44137

Co-working space in Essen

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Bryck

As both a place that offers founders free workspace and a network that connects startups with potential mentors and investors, Essen's BRYCK can have real impact on the trajectory of a business. With its colourful light installations and wall murals, the space is fun to hang out in, too.

Address

Jakob-Funke-Platz 2, 45127

Vegan Workspace, Dortmund

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Vegan Workspace

This cosy co-working space in Dortmund is aimed at companies with a sustainable focus and offers coaching and networking opportunities. The food is plant-based, coffee, fairtrade, and everything from the electricity to the cleaning products is made without harming animals. Tick, tick, tick.

Address

Plauener Strasse 21, 44139

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Red Dot Design Museum

The ex-boiler room of the Zollverein mine in Essen is an impressive setting for a gallery dedicated to products that have been awarded the prestigious Red Dot label over the years. Set aside enough time to explore its five floors, which are filled with everything from robots to coffee machines.

Address

Gelsenkirchener Strasse 181, 45309

The Lowdown

Making plans for a visit? Head to ruhr-tourismus.de and urbanana.de to discover more. Purchase Volume 39: Ritual to read our 20-page travel companion to Cologne, Düsseldorf and Ruhr.

View of Cologne from a rooftop bar
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Everyone is Welcome: A Guide to Community-Focused Cologne