The city of Essen has a population of just under 600,000 and is one of the 10 largest cities in Germany. The city can look back on an eventful 1,000 year history. In more recent times, it has undergone an astonishing transformation from the formerly ubiquitous coal-mining and steel industry to a modern service sector economy offering a high quality of life. It was once the largest coal mining city in the world with no less than 60 active shafts, but since the structural renaissance started in the 1960s Essen has developed into an important manufacturing and business location with many high-profile companies headquartered in the city, which is widely known as the “secret capital of the Ruhr region”, and not just because of its central location.

The congenial Ruhr city offers a multitude of cultural attractions. In addition to the Zollverein colliery which is now a UNESCO world heritage site, Essen also hosts many high-profile cultural attractions such as the Folkwang Museum, the Grillo-Theater and the Opera House designed by Alvar Aalto, to name just a few. It seems logical therefore that Essen was the 2010 cultural capital of Europe, representing the Ruhr region. Essen can also stand toe-to-toe with arguably better-known cities in North Rhein-Westphalia in terms of quality of life. In 2017 the city was awarded the honorary title of “Green Capital of Europe” by the European Commission and offers plenty of green oases in the south of the city such as around the Baldeney-See and the Schellenberger Wald, which are great places to spend leisure time. Essen’s endearing and liveable environment is also complemented by many sporting activities for young and old alike.