Discover Bochum

Bochum offers visitors a variety of highlights, from industrial heritage and a diverse program at the planetarium to gardens and outdoor trails. The visitor information center in the pump house of Jahrhunderthalle Bochum provides information about the venue and the surrounding cultural landscape. When planning your stay, it helps to choose places based on the themes you want to focus on.

Industrial Heritage and Events

Jahrhunderthalle Bochum offers guided tours of the halls, the underground spaces and Westpark. During the tour, visitors can see parts of the former utility tunnels beneath the Bochumer Verein’s former gas power station. They offer insight into the history of the Bochumer Verein and its operations at the time. If you plan to take a particular tour, check the current schedule before your visit.

At the German Mining Museum Bochum, a reconstructed demonstration mine offers a special glimpse into mining: it lies 20 meters underground and has a network of tunnels about 2.5 kilometers long. A mine cage simulator conveys the sensation of descending in a shaft cage. From the museum’s observation platform, the view extends beyond Bochum’s city limits. The underground exhibit, simulated descent and views beyond the city offer different aspects of a visit to the museum.

The Zeiss Planetarium Bochum presents astronomy and music shows, live concerts and audio drama performances. The program also includes special shows for children, school classes and groups. Another event option is the Historic Fair at Jahrhunderthalle, which has become a regular fixture on the events calendar. Its historic rides include a caterpillar coaster dating from 1926 and a historic Ferris wheel; the attractions are suitable for the whole family. If a particular date is important to your trip, check the event schedule in advance.

Parks and Viewpoints

The Bochum Park Route connects Bochum City Park, Weitmar Castle Park, Westpark and the Botanical Garden of Ruhr University Bochum. Westpark is a landscape park on the former industrial site of the Bochumer Verein, around Jahrhunderthalle, and is used for recreation and events. The park route and Westpark offer different experiences: the route links several parks, while Westpark also has a direct connection to the industrial history of the Bochumer Verein.

The Botanical Garden at Ruhr University Bochum covers more than 13 hectares. Its sections include a tropical greenhouse, a geobotanical area and the Chinese Garden, created in collaboration with Shanghai University. The garden can be reached on subway line U35 via the Lennershof or Uni-Center stops; from either stop, it is only a few minutes’ walk. As schedules may change, check your connection before your visit.

The Bismarck Tower in Bochum City Park offers a different view of the central Ruhr area. The 33-meter-high tower was built in 1909 in honor of Otto von Bismarck and inaugurated in 1910. Its gallery serves as an observation platform, with views stretching far across the central Ruhr area. For travel planning, the tower’s historic dedication, construction dates and views are its key features.

Riverside Trails and Cycling

The Bochum Railway Museum is located directly on the banks of the Ruhr and right next to the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route. At Lake Kemnade, there are hiking and cycling trails as well as the paved Ruhr-Inline skating route. These offer different ways to enjoy the outdoors: the cycle route right by the Railway Museum, and the trails and skating route at the lake.

Choose your destinations based on these interests, and check the dates for your visit if you plan to attend a guided tour, show or event.

Discover more destinations: Bonn, Dortmund, Solingen, Oberhausen, Duisburg, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Remscheid, Bottrop

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