Gelsenkirchen is primarily an industrial city, but is also home to a plethora of traditional architecture and a naturally beautiful situation. Its industrial links have been in the coal and steel industries; as such, it has been referred to as the ‘city of fires’ and was a significant manufacturing point during World War Two. However, it is dated from medieval times and was established as a city in the nineteenth century. This is primarily shown in the Blue Fankurve hill, where hikers can get some great views of the town proper and the wider Ruhr region.

Additionally, for culture vultures there are monumental buildings and the local theatre puts on regular performances. The Rhine-Herne Canal is also an ideal stopping point for a sunny day. Some of the buildings dated from the pre-industrial period include the Horst and Luttinghof Castles, which give a fine indication of the town’s medieval past. With a lot of migration from different parts of the country to the town, Gelsenkirchen also offers multicultural choices for dining out and other forms of entertainment.