World Cup 2006

Air Transport

Gelsenkirchen does not have an airport. The two closest ones are the airports of Dusseldorf (28 miles) and Flughafen, in Dortmund.

Cold City

Temperature in Gelsenkirchen usually does not go past 68 ºF. In Winter, the average stays barely at 36 ºF, while in the Summer, it only goes up to 63 ºF.

Visit the Old Coal Mines

The Gelsenkirchen Ballet Company which usually performs in the "Kleines Haus" room of the "Im Revier" Musical Theater, reached international popularity under the direction of Bernd Schindowski. In the "Großes Haus" room of the same theater, different theater companies present operas, operettas, concerts and performances.

The im Revier Musical Theater, built in 1954, was the first building to once again adopt modern architectonic trends after Nazism. The cubic construction features a gigantic observation deck in the upper area, from where it is possible to enjoy a wide nocturnal view of the center of the city. The painting is the work of vanguard French Painter, Ives Klein: large panels in bright navy blue, characteristic in the artist.

Like in the entire Ruhr Valley, coal was the main source of wealth in Gelsenkirchen. Today, the city bets on solar energy and became an economic and research hub. The coal mines gave way to a wide array of Culturel offerings. Where miners used to go down in the ground to work, the public currently gets together to attend theater performances. The old Consol mine and others are examples of places that offer art instead of coal. Bergehalde Rungeberg stands out with its beautiful nocturnal lighting.

Full of Stores

In Gelsenkirchen, there are two main shopping areas: Bahnhofstrasse in the center of the city, and Hochstrasse, in Buer. Both have a wide variety of shops.

Variety of Concerts and Performances

During the 80's and 90's, Gelsenkirchen saw of the birth of many performing facilities. One of those is Kaue, built in a mine's old premises. This venue offers the public theater performances as well as musicals, from Jazz to House. Flora, another known place, is located in the old Regional Central Bank. It is a 239 sq. yard facility that offers theater performances, musicals, conferences, lectures and exhibitions.

Kanalbühne, built to host the Gardening Exhibition in 1997, is also noteworthy. Topped by a gigantic store, the venue Venues pop and rock concerts. It is located on the banks of the Rhine-Herne Canal.

Blue and White Fever

Schalke 04's fans really love their team, one of the most traditional ones in Germany, because it has won the National Championship seven times, along with one UEFA Cup (1997).

Lodging Options

Below you can find some hotels in Gelsenkirchen:

Relexa Hotel Ratingen City, Wilhelmring / Calor-Emag-Str, RATINGEN de 40878

Tryp Bochum-wattenscheid, Josef-haumann-str. 1, BOCHUM de 44866

Achat Hotel Bochum, Kohlleppelsweg 45, BOCHUM de 44791

Easy Road

The Volkspark Stadium is located in the northern part of Gelsenkirchen, next to A2 highway and four miles away from the center of the city. By car, you have to take the "Gelsenkirchen-Buer" exit, turn left, continue across and turn left again. By train, all you have to do is take the 302 line in the center of the city and get off at the stadium.