Gelsenkirchen Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide

Gelsenkirchen's history starts in 1150, but it remained a tiny village until the 19th century when the Industrial Revolution led to the growth of the entire area. In the early 20th century, Gelsenkirchen was called the "city of a thousand fires" for the flames of mine gasses flaring at night time. On this tour, you will visit one of the most important Renaissance castles of the North West region. Admire the Consol theatre, a theatre located on a former coal mine. See the Music Theater, planned, designed, and built by the Englishman Robert Adams, the two Germans Norbert Kricke and Paul Dierkes, the Swiss Jean Tinguely, and the French Yves Klein. Visit the artist's village Halfmanshof, a residential and working artistic community in 1931, which became a hub for famous artists in the 60s and 70s. All attraction entrances are to be paid on the spot by travelers since attractions are not mandatory. This tour does not include any attractions with require paid entrances.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   20 min

   Open since 2001, this theater house is one of the most important cultural and social centers of Gelsenkirchen, with special atention to people of different ages and origin. It is also part of the historical heritage of Gelsenkirchen, having been built on the spot of an ancient coal mine known as the "Zechengelände Consolidation".

2. 2

   Musiktheater im Revier

   20 min

   The Music Theatre in the Ruhr is the main opera house of Gelsenkirchen since 1959, and was listed as a protected cultural monument since 1997. It was designed by the German architect Werner Ruhnau as a cubic-shaped outer shell composed by a 4,500 square metres (48,000 sq ft) glass facade.

3. 3

   Stop 3

   20 min

   The artists' settlement of Halfmannshof was founded in 1931 to house a community of artists and their families. Up to 9 families lived here until the end of 2012, and is now being converted into a a place to live and work for over than 20 artists from different fields.

4. 4

   Schloss Horst

   20 min

   It is a castle considered one of the oldest and most important Renaissance buildings in the state of Westphalia. Built in the 16th century, it was at the time one of the largest palace complexes north of the Alps and a great example of the Lippe Renaissance architectural style.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   10 min

   The institute of the city history has a permanent exhibition of the National Socialism history in Gelsenkirchen. It is located in one of the few preserved historical places from the "Third Reich".

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.