By Melissa Tilling, CEO and founder of Charitable Travel
Thanks to the superb organisation of the German National Tourist Board I recently had a fantastic visit to Essen in the Ruhr region of Germany, travelling sustainably by train to attend Germany Travel Mart. Germany Travel Mart is one of the largest international travel conferences, and I spent my time there meeting and making new contacts for Charitable Travel with the destinations and businesses that make German tourism tick!
Essen offers visitors a unique blend of sustainability, history, and gastronomy. Known for its industrial heritage and transformation into a green city, Essen has become a popular destination for eco-conscious tourists seeking to explore sustainable tourism.
One of the major tourist attractions in Essen is the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This former coal mine and coking plant, which operated from the 19th century until the 1980s, has been transformed into a cultural centre with museums, galleries, and event spaces. Visitors can learn about the history of the coal industry and its impact on the region while also enjoying modern art exhibitions and concerts.
Another popular destination for tourists is the Essen Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic architecture that dates back to the 9th century. Next time you find yourself in the city, I highly recommend exploring the cathedral’s intricate interior and admiring its towering spires. In the centre by contrast the latest in virtual reality is available with the new mixed reality experience Essen 1887 – #mindblown!
In addition to these historic attractions, Essen is also home to several new sustainable developments. One such development is the Grugapark, a large park that features a botanical garden, a lake, and several walking and cycling trails. The park is also home to the Grugahalle, an event venue that hosts concerts and other cultural events.
Another new sustainable development in Essen is Emscher Park, a green corridor that runs through the city and features parks, gardens, and wildlife habitats. The park also includes several industrial heritage sites, such as the former steelworks at Phoenix West, which have been repurposed as cultural and recreational spaces.
Of course, no visit to Essen is complete without experiencing its cuisine. The city is known for its hearty and flavourful dishes, such as Rinderroulade (beef roulade) and Grünkohl mit Pinkel (kale stew with sausage). Visitors can sample local specialities at traditional restaurants such as Haus Knipping, which has been serving traditional Essen cuisine for over 100 years. Every other type of food is available in this cosmopolitan city.
In recent years, Essen has also become a hub for vegan and vegetarian cuisine, with several restaurants offering plant-based versions of traditional dishes. One such restaurant is Goldknapp, which serves vegan versions of classic German dishes.
I travelled by train to and from London, which proved that the journey door to door was only a little over an hour longer than flying and there’s a lot less hanging around.
Feeling inspired? Speak to our expert travel agents to plan your perfect German escape, and remember, every holiday you book generates a free 5% donation to the charity of your choice at no extra cost to you!
by net effect