Essen's green side: water, woodland and wide-open views
Anyone who only pictures trade fair halls and industrial heritage when they hear "Essen" hasn't yet discovered Lake Baldeney. This dammed stretch of the Ruhr in the south of the city offers around 8 kilometres of shoreline path and is the people of Essen's favourite spot for a day out – and for you as a guest, a real alternative to a stressful hotel evening after a long day at the trade fair or at work.
From the city centre and from many of our apartments, you can reach the water in 15 to 20 minutes by car or by tram (line 16 to Ruhrallee/Laubenweg or Kupferdreh). No comparison to an anonymous conference hotel on the edge of town with no view at all.
Something for every taste
For families: The completely flat, car-free circular route takes a good two hours to complete – perfect for cycling, inline skating or a relaxed stroll with a pushchair. There are several playgrounds along the shore, and on warm days the Strandbad Baldeney lido invites you in for a swim.
For business travellers and work crews: After eight hours at the trade fair or on site, the lake is the perfect counterbalance. An hour by the water often does more good than another evening in front of the TV in your room – and with your own kitchen in the apartment, you can cook something in peace afterwards instead of hunting for a restaurant late in the day.
For everyone who loves the water: Sailing, rowing, canoeing or a trip aboard one of the Weiße Flotte Baldeney excursion boats – there's always something going on at the lake, without it ever feeling hectic. And around Villa Hügel, the former home of the Krupp family, you can easily combine your outing with a piece of Essen's history.
A break with a lake view
Whether it's a kiosk for a quick snack or a restaurant with a terrace right by the water – along the shore you'll find the right place to stop at any time of day. A coffee with a view of the sailing boats is a lovely way to round things off before heading back to your holiday apartment.
Our tip
On your next stay in Essen, deliberately set aside an hour or two for Lake Baldeney – whether you're here on business, for a trade fair or with the family. Moments like these are exactly why a holiday apartment with a kitchen and living area pays off: you come back refreshed and independent, pack yourself a picnic, or wind down the evening in comfort in your own living room instead of a cramped hotel lobby.
Good to know
There is parking at several points around the lake, for example at the lido or near Seaside Beach Baldeney. If you're travelling by bike, you'll find continuous, well-surfaced paths along the Ruhr all the way into the city centre and onward to Mülheim an der Ruhr – a great excuse to explore both cities under your own steam.
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