Highlights:
- Personalised audio tours featuring fascinating stories are available
- Visits to highlights such as Villa Hügel and the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex
Forget everything you know about traditional city tours! This tour isn’t just a dry recitation of dates – it’s a thrilling journey through time, change and identity. In around two hours, we’ll take you on a fascinating journey through Essen’s history: from its mysterious beginnings, through the formidable era of coal, steel and Krupp, to the modern, green metropolis of today. Along the way, you’ll discover highlights such as the historic Margarethenhöhe, the imposing Villa Hügel – once the home of the Krupp family – and the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex. What makes it special: you decide for yourself how you want to experience Essen. Using your own smartphone, you can choose – entirely according to your own preferences – between various audio tours:
- The classic tour with fascinating insights into the city’s history
- The architectural tour with plenty of facts, figures and data
- The children’s tour, presented in an entertaining and age-appropriate way
- Tours in German, English or, coming soon, Dutch (You’ll need an internet-enabled smartphone and your own headphones.)
The classic tour is also played over the on-board loudspeakers. Please note: It is not possible to get off at any stop during the journey. The only exceptions are the combined tours with stops at Lake Baldeney or the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex. Hop on board and experience Essen in a way that’s more intense, surprising and emotional than ever before. One city. Many stories. An unforgettable experience.
What's included
- A bus ride on a double-decker open-top bus
- Guided tour with audio commentary
- Personalised audio tour available (smartphone, headphones and an internet connection required)
Notes & Information:
- Notification: From 18 June 2026, departures will be from Essen Central Station – Haus der Technik / Hollestr. 1, 45127 Essen
- Tip: Don’t forget your sun protection in summer!
Available tours:
