The Ruhr – European Capital of Culture 2010
Categories: Sightseeing, Cultural and History
Every year the prestigious title European Capital of Culture
is bestowed upon at least two cities or areas in Europe by the European Union. For 2010 the Ruhr, an urban area in the West of Germany, was chosen as one of them, which makes the Ruhr an ideal vacation spot for everybody interested in the arts and culture.
The Ruhr in North Rhine—Westphalia consists of several large cites — Duisburg (Duisburg vacation rentals | Duisburg travel guide), Essen (Essen vacation rentals | Essen travel guide), Bochum (Bochum vacation rentals | Bochum travel guide) and Dortmund (Dortmund vacation rentals | Dortmund travel guide) among others — and is the largest urban agglomeration in Germany. Ever since the 18th century mining and steel production have been the main economical pillar in the Ruhr and still today the Ruhr is known foremost as industrial area. European Capital of Culture
the area finally has a chance to show that it has much more to offer.
The Ruhr is home of many museums, such as the Ruhr Museum in Essen, where the grand opening of the cultural capital year was celebrated with more than 100,000 visitors. The Ruhr Museum is a unique type of regional museum that showcases the entire natural and cultural history of this area, which is the fourth most densely populated area in the whole of Europe.
In Bochum several renowned theaters are located, the most famous being the Starlighthalle Bochum. This venue was built especially for the production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock musical Starlight Express
and is even listed in the Guinness Book of Records due to its mind—blowing design.
Another highlight the Ruhr has to offer is a giant yearly summer festival, the so—called ExtraSchicht. In 2010 the party takes place on the 19th of June. In only one night 200 different events take place in 50 locations all over the Ruhr area.
In 2010 the Ruhr is buzzing — don’t miss out on it!
[ source: essen-fuer-das-ruhrgebiet.ruhr2010.de ]
About this Article
This travel guide has been written by Kathrin Wagner.
She grew up in a small town in Bavaria and then studied Media studies, Literature and History in Erlangen and Munich. As a student she already spent half a year in London and moved back there after graduation in 2006. She is still living in London, where she works in publishing.
More Germany Travel Related Articles
- Obermain Therme (Hot Springs Mineral Spa) in Bad Staffelstein
- German As A Second Language
- Richard Wagner Festival in Bayreuth
- Enjoy a Tranquil Vacation at the German Wadden Sea
- Cathedral Steps Festival Plays, Erfurt
- Radisson Blu Hotel AquaDom
- Take a tour through Hesse's largest private Beer Brewery
- Heidelberg's famous castle illuminations and fireworks
- 100 Castles Route Münsterland
- Ready for take-off? – Visit Berlin’s First Flight Simulator
Nearby Destinations Where You Can Find Nice Germany Vacation Rentals
Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf is famous for its nightlife, carnival, events, and shopping, and also for fashion and trade fairs like the Boot Messe (famous for boats and watersports) and Igedo (fashion). Every year more than 4 Million people visit the big fun fair (Kirmes)…
Related: Düsseldorf travel guide
Münster
Münster is an independent city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is located in the northern part of the state and is considered to be the cultural centre of the Westphalia region and it is also capital of the government region Regierungsbezirk…
Related: Münster travel guide
Essen
Essen is a city in the center of the Ruhr Area in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Located on the Ruhr River, its population of approximately 579,000 (as of June 30, 2008) makes it the 7th- or 8th-largest-city in Germany. The city was appointed European…
Related: Essen travel guide
Dortmund
Dortmund is a city in Germany, located in the Bundesland of North Rhine-Westphalia, in the Ruhr area. Its population of 587,830 (20 June 2005) makes it the 7th-largest city in Germany, and 34th-largest in the European Union.
Related: Dortmund travel guide
Möhnesee
Möhnesee is a municipality in the district of Soest, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The Möhnesee municipality is situated around the Möhne Reservoir (hence the name), approx. 10 km south of Soest.
Related: Möhnesee travel guide
Feedback, comments, questions?
If you have visited here please share your experiences with our readers on Facebook. Or, if you have other cool trip suggestions and would like to contribute a travel guide here, please drop me an email. We also are encouraging free-lancers, travel guide writers or publishers who have great Germany related content to send us an email and get in touch with us.
