The Ruhr is so green: our top 3 parks in the Ruhr region

The Ruhr region is much more than blast furnaces, motorways and football stadiums. Hidden between the Rhine and Ruhr are green oases that invite you to stroll, relax and discover. From the youth hostels in Food and Duisburg Many of these parks can be easily reached from the city centre - and impressively show how green the „Pott“ really is. Here are our top 3 parks.

By the way: dogs are allowed on a lead in all three parks. So if you fancy exploring one of the parks with your four-legged friend, you'll find dog-friendly accommodation at Essen Youth Hostel. Find out more at www.jh-tierisch-gut.de.

One for all - the Grugapark Essen

The Grugapark is the green heart of Essen and one of the most famous parks in the Ruhr region. A botanical garden, animal enclosures, playgrounds, watercourses and works of art await you on around 60 hectares. Whether for a long walk, a sporty afternoon or a visit to one of the largest open-air sculpture exhibitions in Germany - there is something for everyone here. A special highlight: the Grugabahn, which runs through the park on a network of paths covering around 3.5 kilometres.

Opening hours: all year round from 7.30 am until sunset
Admission: Adults €5, pupils aged 16 and over €3, children aged 6-15 €1.50
Dogs: Allowed, but only on a short lead

Distance to the youth hostels: Essen 7.5km, Duisburg-Landschaftspark 26km, Duisburg-Sportpark 25km
To the website

Industry meets greenery - the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park

Where blast furnaces once glowed, nature now grows: the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park is a unique example of the combination of industrial culture and landscape architecture. Here you can climb the disused blast furnace works and enjoy an impressive view of the unexpectedly green surroundings. On a stroll through the grounds, you will discover something new again and again: from a giant tube slide and an open hall for trend sports to a teaching and learning farm. In the evening, a light installation bathes the park in a colourful sea of lights.

Opening hours: freely accessible all year round
Admission: Free
Dogs: Allowed on a lead, not in event halls and at events

Distance to the youth hostels: Duisburg-Landschaftspark 0km, Duisburg-Sportpark 10km, Essen 27km
To the website

Idyllic and colourful - the Kaisergarten Oberhausen

The extensive Kaisergarten - a classic park with ponds, playgrounds, mini golf and an animal enclosure with native domestic breeds and European wild animals - is located next to Oberhausen Palace. There is also a petting zoo and a nature experience school. A special highlight is the colourful „Slinky Springs to Fame“ bridge over the Rhine-Herne Canal, which is illuminated at night by almost 300 lights.

Opening hours: freely accessible all year round
Admission: Free
Dogs: allowed on a short lead

Distance to the youth hostels: Duisburg-Landschaftspark 7.7km, Duisburg-Sportpark 17km, Essen 20km
To the website

Conclusion: The pot is greener than you think

The Ruhr region surprises with its green spaces. Anyone staying in the youth hostels in Essen-Werden or Duisburg has many of these parks right on their doorstep. The „Pott“ shows its green side - and proves that there is much more to discover here than steel and chimneys.