A Comprehensive Guide about Living in Essen

Life in Essen

Transportation in Essen

Residents of Essen have access to a wide variety of transport links, including motorways, air travel and public transportation. In terms of aviation, the city of Essen is close to a number of airports. For example, Duesseldorf Airport is approximately 20 minutes away by car while Dortmund Airport is also an option for both national and international flights. The Essen/Muelheim Airport serves tens of thousands of passengers each year.

Three motorways run through or nearby Essen. For example, the Ruhrschnellweg (the A 40) runs through the city, roughly directly through the middle. This arterial motorway runs to Venlo in the Netherlands in the west and Dortmund, Germany, in the east. However, it’s worth knowing that this motorway can get very congested during rush hours. In the north, the A 42 brushes Essen, connecting it with Oberhausen, Gelsenkirchen and other destinations, while the A 52 is accessible to the south.

The main form of public transport is the Essen Straßen- and Stadtbahn network, which includes seven tram lines and 57 bus lines, with some running at night. The trams run both under and over ground. Some lines are completely independent of other traffic – a valuable asset during rush hour.

Culture and Leisure

The European Capital of Culture in 2010, Essen has lots to offer those seeking museums, galleries and other cultural opportunities. Here are a few sights that are well worth seeing if you move to Essen. The Zeche Zollverein is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known as the most beautiful coal mine in the world. It holds several museums and provides a fascinating insight into the region’s past. The Folkwang Museum has paintings from all eras as well as exhibits following the history of photography.

There is also the Aalto Opera House and Essener Muenster Cathedral, both of which have amazing architecture. To step into the past, the Kettwig Historical District features streets and buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

For those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Grugapark Botanical Garden features playgrounds, waterfalls and the opportunity to see wildlife.

Safety and Security

In Essen and the rest of Germany, the number for the emergency services is 112. Through this number you can contact the police, ambulance and fire services, among others. When moving to an unfamiliar place, security is always a concern. However, in Essen, as with the rest of Germany, crime rates are low. It is considered a very safe place to live and work.