Gelsenkirchen sights offer a pleasant time strolling through parks, gardens, castles, historical buildings and museums.
Schloss Berge (Berge Castle)
This Gelsenkirchen sight is perhaps its most famous. The Berge Castle is the backdrop of many festivals and one of the city’s best landmarks.
The Castle is built in the style of late Baroque and early neo-Classicism and can be found in a rather industrialized area of the city. You will instantly know when you are getting closer because of the green belt that surrounds the Berge.
The trees and gardens provide an oasis in a busy industry capital. Whether you want to delve into the history of architecture, have a picnic on the grounds or simply take a leisurely walk, there are few better destinations in Gelsenkirchen than its lovely Berge Castle.
Schloss Horst (Horst Castle)
If Berge alone doesn’t satiate your appetite for German castles, then head on over to another Gelsenkirchen sightseeing stop, the Horst Castle. Built between 1555 and 1573, this structure is a fine example of renaissance architecture. The Castle Horst sits along the river Emscher.
For its 700th birthday, the city of Gelsenkirchen decided to spruce up the somewhat dilapidated castle which had succumbed to the ravages of time. These days, the Castle is in tip-top shape and its former glory has been restored and even improved upon. Some of the rooms are used for concerts and other special events and the underground vaults boast a fine restaurant.
Haus Lüttinghoff (Lüttinghoff House)
This Gelsenkirchen sightseeing destination is a moated castle set among a nature park with 300-year old oak trees. There are also several small ponds and gardens spread out on the grounds.
With a history dating back to 1308, the Lüttinghoff House is the oldest monument in Gelsenkirchen. It was awarded the title of “exemplary building” in 1994 by the region of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Bleckkirche
The Bleckkirche is Gelsenkirchen’s oldest church. It was built in 1735, although its intricate altar is actually older, from 1574. The altar scene depicts a vision of the “Westphalian Last Supper.”
The church underwent significant renovation in the early 90s. Visitors today can reap the benefits of the extensive work, as the Bleckkirche has never looked finer.
