Essen, located near the River Ruhr has a population about 600,000 people, which gives him the 7th/8th place at the list of the biggest cities of Germany. The city has been appointed as the European Capital of Culture for 2010 to represent the Ruhr Area. The city has developed as the industry in the city became running.

The oldest name known for the city Essen is Ashnithi. It is possible that the name Ashniti came from the Ash trees that grow in this area. It is not certainly known where the current name comes from but it definitely does not come from the word essen, to eat in German.

The oldest ruins which are found in the city date back to 280,00 BC. Essen used to be a settlement area for Germanic people.

How to go?

The nearest and largest airport near the area is the Dusseldorf-International Airport. You can also use Dortmund Airport too. From airport you can take trains and with some transfers you can reach your destination. You can also use boats to go to Essen (Weiße Flotte Baldeney and Mülheimer Verkehrsgesellschaft).

What to see?

In Essen there are some unusual sights that you should see. One of them would be the "Zeche Zollverein" which is the world's most beatiful coal mine and also belongs to UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a very different place for tourists to visit as they usually visit more historical places.

Of course there is one big cathedral, Essener Münster Cathedral, as in many cities of Germany. You can also visit Villa Hügel, Aalto Opera-House and many museums.

Where to stay?

As a big city you will not have any problems to find a place to stay. There are many budget hotels like Hotel am Schlosspark, Ibis, Sengelmannshof etc. There are also more expensive hotels too.