Holidays in the Ruhr area: Unforgettable events and excursions await!
Discover the best holiday activities in the Ruhr area in 2025: from festivals to culinary events to active weekends.

Holidays in the Ruhr area: Unforgettable events and excursions await!
The Ruhr area offers numerous opportunities for varied leisure activities during the upcoming holidays. On the occasion of Ascension Day, Pentecost and Corpus Christi, Ruhr Tourismus GmbH has presented four attractive ideas for individual holiday planning. Under the motto *Make Ruhrlaub*, the region shows its diversity and invites you to discover the diverse leisure and event offerings.
For sporty people, an active weekend is ideal, with the focus on day trips or a cycling holiday in the picturesque landscapes of the Ruhr area. Options such as the Römer-Lippe route, the over 400 km long cycle route with historical flair, or the Ruhrtal cycle path, which connects nature and industrial culture over 240 km, are available. The Emscher-Weg leads for another 100 km through exciting industrial regions. The cycle path network in the Ruhr area covers more than 1,200 km with a total of 17 thematic routes. In addition, numerous hiking routes, including the ZollvereinSteig and the Ennepesteig, entice you into the fascinating nature of the region.
Music and celebrations for everyone!
The Ruhr area has exciting events in store for music lovers and partygoers. There are numerous festivities around Ascension Day, including the DiScover Festival at the FZW Dortmund on May 30th, a free rave in the Stadtgarten Gelsenkirchen (June 1st) and the Treibhaus Festival at Zeche Carl, Essen (June 1st). Another highlight is the Traumzeit Festival in the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park, which takes place from June 20th to 22nd.
But it's not just music events that shape the image of the Ruhr area. The region is also characterized by a diverse festival landscape that has something to offer for every taste. The Bochum Music Summer, one of the largest festivals in Bochum, starts in the summer and attracts tens of thousands of visitors. The Ruhrtriennale, as a renowned theater festival, presents innovative performances, including important productions such as *The Flying Dutchman* in the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park.
Enjoyment and relaxation
In addition to the active and musical offerings, the Ruhr area also invites you to enjoy and relax. The wine festival takes place in Oberhausen from May 29th to June 1st, where wine lovers can live out their passion. There is also the sociable café scene in the region with inviting places such as Café Ütelier or Lavender in Brückencafé. The Steinmeier’s Beer Garden – Oskar am Kanal offers a special ambience with a sandy beach and a wide selection of food.
Anyone looking for a change of scenery can stay in unusual accommodations, such as the Bauwagenhotel Ruhrcamping in Essen-Horst or in old sewer pipes at the dasparkhotel in Bottrop. The Road Stop Hotel in Dortmund impresses with its charming motel style.
The Ruhr area is also a lively backdrop for events that take place all year round. In summer there are various festivals available to the public, including the Juicy Beats Festival in Dortmund, which delights with a mixture of electronic music and pop. The Bochum Wine Festival in August and the Essen Light Weeks in winter are also popular events that enrich the cultural life of the region. There are also events such as the Christopher Street Day in Essen and the Essen Motor Show in December, which reflect the diversity and liveliness of the region.
Those interested can find further information, tips and event information on the blog www.mein-ruhrgebiet.blog.