There are plenty of places to see and visit around Essen. Whether you love hiking or cycling, Essen is a region where 20

hidden gems are waiting to be explored and visited. Check the top places to visit in the region and plan your next adventure today.

Last updated: October 12, 2025

View of Villa Hügel Over Lake Baldeney

From the south bank of Lake Baldeney you have a beautiful view of Villa Hügel on the north bank and the sailing boats on the lake. The paths are very wide, but it can get quite crowded on the weekend.

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Lake Baldeney

Today you can hardly tell that the Baldeneysee was created artificially. It not only attracts water sports fans, but the continuously developed footpath and cycle path around the lake is very attractive.

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Kettwiger Ruhrpromenade

Beautiful promenade on the Kettwig reservoir with the recommended catering ship “Thetis”.

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Niederfeldsee

A great route with a great surface. Leads directly from the south into the city center of Essen. Lots of water along the way - Niederfeldsee, Kruppseee - and the Cafe Radmosphäre. My top route in Essen.

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Baldeneysee Weir

Lake Baldeney near Essen-Werden is not only exceptionally beautiful, but also steeped in history. On the opposite slope is Villa Hügel, once the home of the Krupp family. Several books …

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Grugatrasse Cycle Path

The Grugatrasse, a former railway line, extends from Mülheim-Heißen to Essen-Steele Süd station. The route is about halfway slightly uphill, but also presents no major problems for the inexperienced cyclist. …

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Ruhr Valley Cycle Path: Werden to Kettwig

Simply always nice along the Ruhr. Completely car-free and relaxed. It gets a little busier with walkers at the weekend, but it's a delight to drive around in the evening during the week.

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Zollverein Shaft 3/7/10 Headframe

Zeche Zollverein shaft 3/7/10 is a pit in Essen-Katernberg in the eastern part of the pit field of the Zeche Zollverein. Extraction above shaft 3 began in 1882. Shaft 7 …

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View of Horster Mühle

The listed building complex on the Ruhr is very old and tells a lot about the history of the industry. It belongs to the Route of Industrial Heritage.

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Kettwig Old Town

Kettwig is not the only beautiful city that you drive through on the Ruhrtal cycle path. But she is definitely beautiful. The historic old town is idyllically situated on the …

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The outdoors on your doorstep – hiking loops in Essen

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Most popular routes around Essen

Cycling around Essen

Hiking around Essen

Easy hikes around Essen

Running Trails around Essen

Road Cycling Routes around Essen

MTB Trails around Essen

Gravel biking around Essen

Waterfall hikes around Essen

Mountain Hikes around Essen

Most popular attractions around Essen

Lakes

Castles

Canyons

Mountain Peaks

Waterfalls

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Are you keen on exploring more awesome places nearby? Browse our guides:

Baldeneysee Schellenberger Forest Kettwiger Stausee

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Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

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The Top 20 Attractions around Essen

View of Villa Hügel Over Lake Baldeney

Lake Baldeney

Kettwiger Ruhrpromenade

Niederfeldsee

Baldeneysee Weir

Grugatrasse Cycle Path

Ruhr Valley Cycle Path: Werden to Kettwig

Zollverein Shaft 3/7/10 Headframe

View of Horster Mühle

Kettwig Old Town

Other adventures around Essen

Most popular routes around Essen

Most popular attractions around Essen

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