Gelsenkirchen is a German city located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is known for being the home of the VfL Wolfsburg football team, which plays in the Bundesliga. However, the city offers much more than just football.
In Gelsenkirchen, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, from visiting museums and historic attractions to shopping and experiencing the nightlife.
- The Industriekultur Gelsenkirchen Museum, which tells the history of industry in the region.
- Schloss Oberhausen, an 18th-century castle housing an art museum and gallery.
- The Zeiss Planetarium, one of the largest planetariums in Europe.
Visitors can also enjoy a stroll in the Gelsenkirchen Botanical Garden, which houses a variety of plants and flowers from around the world.
What to do around the stadium
The Arena AufSchalke Stadium, popularly known as Veltins-Arena, is a football stadium located in the city of Gelsenkirchen, Germany. It is the home of FC Schalke 04 in the German Bundesliga. The stadium has a capacity of 62,271 spectators and is known for its retractable roof, allowing football to be played even on rainy or snowy days.
Here are some suggestions, including:
- Visit the FC Schalke 04 Museum. The museum tells the club's history, from its beginnings in 1904 to the present. It provides a fascinating insight into German football culture and is a must-visit for any football fan.
- Take a walk in Nordstern Park. The park is located next to the stadium and offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. There are walking trails, a lake, and a playground.
- Catch a show at the Veltins-Arena. The stadium hosts a variety of events, from concerts and festivals to football matches.
Gelsenkirchen offers a variety of hotels for every budget. Here are some suggestions, including:
- IBIS Style Gelsenkirchen: The ibis Styles Gelsenkirchen hotel has a strategic location near the central train station, providing easy access to trains and local transportation to visit attractions like the Veltins Arena and ZOOM World of Experience.
- Stays By Friends Gelsenkirchen: If you choose to stay at Stays by Friends Gelsenkirchen, you'll enjoy an exceptional location in the Erle area of Gelsenkirchen. You'll be just a 4-minute drive from the Veltins-Arena and 6 minutes from ZOOM Erlebniswelt.
- Plaza Hotel Gelsenkirchen: Located in the heart of Gelsenkirchen, the PLAZA Hotel is in the midst of the Ruhr area, near Stadtgarten, and is pet-friendly, allowing the stay of dogs and pets.
Restaurants in Gelsenkirchen
Gelsenkirchen offers a variety of restaurants serving German and international cuisine. Here are some suggestions, including:
- Goldene Gans: Our restaurant, located in Gelsenkirchen, in the heart of the Ruhr area, offers a unique culinary experience with a Mediterranean touch. We take pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients to present a varied selection of authentic dishes that change daily.
- Pizzeria La Tombola: Since 1977, this establishment has become the ideal place to enjoy authentic Italian food in Gelsenkirchen. Our restaurant offers a wide selection of dishes, from Mediterranean appetizers to freshly baked stone oven pizzas, homemade pasta, and tempting desserts.
- Yumini: Indulge in our exclusive "all-you-can-eat" Japanese buffet, offering a diverse selection of over 100 dishes, including cold and hot options, soups, salads, canapés, sushi, and teppanyaki.
The cuisine of Gelsenkirchen, like that of all of Germany, is a blend of influences from across the country.
- Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes): A traditional German dish often served as a side or main course. The pancakes are typically made with grated potatoes, eggs, flour, and onions and are usually served with applesauce or sour cream.
- Currywurst (curry sausage): A quick German meal often served with french fries. The sausage is typically sliced, and a curry sauce made from ketchup, mayonnaise, and curry is added.
- Bratwurst (grilled sausage): A German sausage often served grilled or fried. The sausages are typically served with french fries, salad, or bread.
- Schweinshaxe (roasted pork knuckle): A traditional German dish often served with sauerkraut and potatoes. The pork knuckle is typically roasted for several hours until it becomes tender and juicy.
If you're interested in visiting Gelsenkirchen, you can book your accommodation through Mexticket, an online travel agency that offers a wide selection of lodging and activities. Mexticket provides a variety of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury resorts.