A village in the middle of the city
If Essen makes you think first of industrial heritage and exhibition halls, then you haven't met Kettwig yet. Essen's southernmost district sits picturesquely on the Ruhr and, with its narrow lanes, half-timbered houses and historic market square, feels more like an idyllic little town in the Bergisches Land than a suburb of Essen. Kettwig has been part of Essen since 1975, yet it has kept its very own charm to this day.
An old town steeped in history
At the heart of Kettwig, lovingly restored half-timbered houses from the 17th and 18th centuries line up side by side. A stroll through the old town takes you past small boutiques, cafés and galleries – perfect for a relaxed morning before heading back to the trade fair or on to your next business appointment. The Protestant Marktkirche and the town hall shape the scene around the market square, where people love to sit outside in summer.
The Ruhr on your doorstep
Right by the town, the Ruhr widens into the Kettwiger Stausee – a popular spot for walks, bike rides along the Ruhrtalradweg or a trip by canoe. It's especially rewarding in autumn, when the foliage along the banks turns colour. A short stop also fits in nicely on the way between Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr, as Kettwig lies roughly halfway between the two cities.
Who the trip is for
For trade fair guests, Kettwig is a lovely contrast to the bustle of the exhibition halls – a quick change of scene after a long day at the fair. Families can spend the afternoon with an ice cream on the market square and a walk by the water, and business travellers commuting between appointments in Essen and Mülheim can easily combine the journey with a short stop. By car you'll be there in around 20 minutes from the more centrally located PrimeTimeSuites apartments; by bus and train it takes a little longer depending on your starting point, but you won't have to hunt for a parking space.
Good to know
A visit combines well with other destinations around Essen and Mülheim, for example a drive along the Ruhr towards the city centre. If you're staying in one of our holiday apartments with its own kitchen, you can cook for yourself in peace before or after your outing – handy if your day in Kettwig runs a little longer than planned.
Host & founder of PrimeTimeSuites
