A piece of world heritage right on your doorstep
Anyone staying in Essen will find one place hard to miss: Zeche Zollverein. Since 2001, the former coal mine has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most impressive industrial monuments in Europe. The striking double-pithead winding tower at Shaft XII has long since become the landmark of the Ruhr region – a must for culture lovers, families and anyone who wants to experience the Ruhr area at its most fascinating.
Whether you're in Essen on business, arriving for a trade fair or planning a short family break in the Ruhr region: a detour to Zollverein is almost always worth it, because the site is centrally located and can be reached from most of our apartments in just a few minutes by car or train.
What awaits you on the site
The grounds are huge and offer something for every taste: the Ruhr Museum in the former coal washing plant tells the story of the region from prehistoric times to the present day, the Red Dot Design Museum showcases international design in an imposing industrial hall, and if you'd like to get more hands-on, a guided tour will take you deep into the history of coal mining. In summer, cafés and green spaces invite you to linger; in winter, part of the site turns into an ice rink against a spectacular backdrop.
The area is also perfect for a relaxed stroll in between: Zollverein Park combines nature with industrial history and makes for a lovely change of pace, especially after a long day at the trade fair or at work.
The perfect setting: your own apartment instead of a hotel room
After a day full of impressions, it's especially nice not to return to a cramped hotel room, but to a spacious holiday apartment with its own kitchen and living area. You can cook in peace, look back on the day and set off again refreshed the next morning – with no fixed breakfast times and no hunting for a restaurant.
Our apartments in Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr are conveniently located, so you can easily reach Zeche Zollverein as well as Messe Essen, the city centre or other destinations in the Ruhr region. Whether it's a short family break, a business trip or an extended stay: with us you have the freedom that a hotel room simply can't offer.
Tip: for a relaxed visit, set aside half a day to a full day – there's plenty to discover, and the photo opportunities between winding towers and brick façades are far too beautiful to miss.
Host & founder of PrimeTimeSuites
