Connected to the Autobahn motorway by the A40, A 43 and the A44, Bochum is located in the Ruhr area and is close to the larger cities of Essen, Dortmund, Witten and Hattingen. The spectacular Botanical Garden close to the Ruhr-University is a particular highlight of Bochum, with thirteen hectares making it ideal for long walks. There is also an impressive thousand square feet Chinese Garden with a picturesque pond and elegantly designed relaxation areas.

Also worth a visit are the Town Hall and the ‘Altes Brauhaus Rietkötter’, or the Old Rietkötter Brewing House. It is one of the oldest houses in Bochum and dates from 1630. It still produces its unique brand of beer and also houses a restaurant. For those interested in history, the Mutter Wittig is a baroque-style building in downtown, originally opened as a bakery and inn in 1870 which now has a great restaurant offering a range of contemporary dishes. The Schlegel Tower is also a great visit