Gelsenkirchen is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, in the northern Ruhr area. Its population is close to 270,000 over 105 sq km. Today, Gelsenkirchen has been transformed into a centre for production, sciences and services, with proper infrastructural support.
How to Get There:
Gelsenkirchen is centrally positioned at the heart of the Ruhr and offers excellent transport links. The nearest International airport is Dusseldorf, which is 40 km away. Cologne-Bonn, at 65 km, is also used for travel to closer destinations. Moenchengladbach, at 32 Km, is used for domestic travel. There is a train connection between from Dusseldorf Airport to Gelsenkirchen city by local train from Dusseldorf Airport. The time taken is one hour and the cost of the ticket for the train journey is €8.
What to See:
Europe’s largest and the world’s most modern solar cell production plant on the site of the former Dahlbusch colliery in Rotthausen, by Shell. Gelsenkirchen offers by way of adventure, a number of specially created trails that allow you to break away from the attractions on the normal main regional routes and explore the local sights for a while. For example, The Landmark Art and Industrial Heritage Trail illustrates how nature is making a comeback on derelict sites and spoil heaps and how artists and others are responding to this advance.
The Art and Culture Trail comes as a complete contrast to the normally seen and experienced world of labour and integrates historical developments. Historical buildings include the Schloss Berge (Berge Castle), Lüttinghoff House, the Schloss Horst (Horst Castle), The Bleckkirche, in Bismarck; the Employment court and the Hans Sachs House.
Where to Eat:
Gelsenkirchen has 129 restaurants to cater to every tongue. Recommended restaurants are the Haus Witte, Huller Muhle, Zum Burgerplatz, Alte Hutte, Buelser Hof, City Doener, Flora Klause and the Grossmarkt Gelsenkirchen.
Hotels:
There are 31 rated hotels and those recommended include: Courtyard by Marriott, Maritim, Intercity, Ibis, Ambient Hotel Zum Schwan, Art Hotel Monopol, Blumenhof im Floristikpark and Hotel am Stern. Prices are from mid-range to steep. There are a number of unrated hotels as well as B&Bs. Charges are fairly low.
