Originally a coal mining town, Recklinghausen has reinvented itself. It has shaken off its identity as a place of industry and now attracts the fun loving crowd with its reputation as a place of leisure; offering everything from year round symphonies to hikes or horseback rides in the region’s lush countryside.
You can spend all day shopping and dining in the wide range of stores, cafes, and restaurants, spend your evening stargazing at the planetarium and observatory, then cap it all off with one of the regions fine brews in one of the many local friendly pubs.
In May and June, you can enjoy performances at the Ruhrfestspiele, Recklinghausen’s widely celebrated European theater festival.
During the rest of the summer season take in some music at one of the many festivals offered in the park as part of the lively and growing artistic scene whose organizers call themselves “the young forum.”
With something for all ages and interests in this pleasantly green city, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air. There are golf courses, skate parks, trotting courses, and over 596km or 370mi of bicycle paths, not to mention a nearby hot air balloon launch point, and a nature park.
If you want a day indoors spend a few hours strolling through a museum. You can check out post-war art at the Kunsthalle, or learn the shocking history of electricity at the quirky Umspannwerk electricity museum, or you can have a wholly unique experience at the icon museum where you can view the museum’s collection of 600 religious icons.
For those interested in the local history there is also the Vestich museum.
The plethora of remarkable architecture which lends itself so well to the city’s ambiance will also certainly catch your eye. Explore Recklinghausen’s old town square, and the town’s oldest building, St. Peter’s Church dating back to 1166. Also make sure you check out the renowned theater in the park which was awarded Germany’s top honor for architecture.
Maybe you’re looking for a slice of history or fine art to pique your interest. Maybe you crave fine dining and live music. Perhaps all you want is a relaxing getaway. Whatever you seek, no doubt you’ll find it here in Recklinghausen.
