Looking for a weekend trip with a little edge? Try Essen. Once synonymous with coal and steel, Essen has reinvented itself as a culturally savvy, green, surprisingly stylish city in the heart of Germany’s former industrial belt. Essen is compact, easy to navigate, and packed with history that doesn’t feel dusty. Plus, it feels authentically Germany without being overly touristy.

Here are five must-sees for your trip to Essen.

1. Zollverein

If you do only one thing in Essen, make it Zollverein. This former coal mine and coking plant is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and it’s stunning.

It’s hard to believe that a coal mine can be beautiful. But this one kind of is. Zollverein’s Bauhaus-inspired architecture turns heavy industry into art. Wander the massive grounds, climb the Ruhr Museum escalator (yes, that glowing orange one), and take in panoramic views from the roof.

Inside, visitors can experience the geological, industrial, and cultural history of the region in a way that’s immersive and unexpectedly engaging. There’s also the Red Dot Design Museum, rotating exhibitions, and seasonal events ranging from food festivals to open-air cinema.

Pro tip: Go in late afternoon and stay until sunset. The lighting against the steel structures is pure photography gold.

2. Grugapark

One of the biggest surprises about Essen is how green it is. And nowhere shows that off better than Grugapark.

Originally created for a garden exhibition in 1929, this sprawling park feels more like a botanical universe than a city green space. You’ll find themed gardens, tropical greenhouses, sculptures, and long walking paths that make it easy to forget you’re in the middle of a place that was once dominated by coal and steel.

In spring and summer, Grugapark is perfect for picnics. In autumn, the colors are gorgeous. And if you’re seeking a low-key Sunday activity that doesn’t involve IKEA or a shopping center, this is your spot.

Bonus: There’s a small animal enclosure and plenty of space for kids, so it’s family-friendly without feeling chaotic.

3. Villa Hügel

If Zollverein tells the story of the workers who made Germany an industrial powerhouse, Villa Hügel tells the story of the industrial elite.

Built in the late 19th century by the Krupps, one of Germany’s most powerful industrial families, this grand mansion overlooks Essen’s magnificent lake (the Baldeneysee) and feels worlds away from the gritty realities of coal mining.

Villa Hügel hosts rotating art and historical exhibitions. Outside, the landscaped garden is ideal for a relaxed stroll. You’ll kind of feel like you’ve wandered into Downton Abbey territory, but with a German industrial twist.

4. Baldeneysee

Essen has a lake. And it’s a good one. Baldeneysee is the go-to spot for outdoor time when the sun comes out. Visitors can rent bikes and cycle the loop around the water, go sailing or paddleboarding, or simply grab a drink at one of the lakeside cafés.

If you’re used to German cities where water access feels limited or overly structured, Baldeneysee is refreshingly relaxed. In summer, the lake has an almost vacation-at-the-coast vibe, but without the long-distance travel.

Baldeneysee also a historic steam train and boat services that run seasonally, making it an easy way to fill most of a day.

5. Museum Folkwang

Museum Folkwang houses an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century art, including works by Monet, Van Gogh, and German Expressionists. The building itself is sleek and light-filled, making it an enjoyable space even if you’re not normally a museum person.

What sets Museum Folkwang apart from many other German art museums is how approachable it feels. It’s large enough to be substantial, but not so overwhelming that you need an entire day (or a survival strategy) to get through it.

Getting to Essen

By car, Essen is 3.5 hours from Kaiserslautern, 3 hours from Wiesbaden, and 4.5 hours from Stuttgart. Check with Deutsche Bahn for train information.

Featured image by Neo Arts / Shutterstock.com