Blooming Ruhr Area

Experience the Ruhr area from its surprisingly green and diverse side! For the International Garden Exhibition 2027, former industrial sites will transform into fascinating future gardens full of colors, ideas, and new perspectives. Look forward to impressive garden worlds in Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen, exciting insights into the industrial culture surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein, and a varied conclusion at the LWL Open-Air Museum in Hagen. In doing so, you will discover a region that continually reinvents itself and connects tradition and future in an impressive way. Between historical industrial facilities, modern garden art, and vibrant culture, exciting contrasts and unique travel experiences emerge. A varied short trip that connects nature, history, and culture in a very special way.

Day 1 | Arrival – Garden Exhibition in

Dortmund

Departure in the morning and drive to the Ruhr area. You start your journey with an inspiring visit to the International Garden Exhibition in Dortmund. Around the historic Kokerei Hansa, which was once a symbol of industrial power, an extraordinary future garden is being developed for IGA 2027. On approximately 7,000 m², the entire range of modern garden and plant culture is presented. From classic seasonal flowers to innovative perennial displays, as well as water, vegetable, and coal gardens, the exhibition connects color, structure, and creative thematic worlds. Stroll through blooming dahlia landscapes and admire innovative garden art amidst a unique natural and industrial backdrop. In the afternoon, continue to Bochum to the hotel. Check-in and dinner.

Day 2 | Garden Exhibition in Gelsenkirchen

After breakfast, you will first travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein Coal Mine and Coke Works. Here, you will participate in an exciting guided tour of one of the most impressive industrial monuments in the Ruhr area. Learn about the above-ground facilities and production processes of the once largest and most powerful hard coal mine in the world. Afterwards, you will head to the International Garden Exhibition in Gelsenkirchen. On approximately 12,500 m², the Future Garden Gelsenkirchen showcases tropical and Andean plants as well as themed gardens. Another highlight is the floating beds and seasonal flower areas that make industrial history and urban culture visible in colorful plant displays. In the afternoon, return to the hotel for dinner.

Day 3 | Open-Air Museum Hagen – Return Journey

After a leisurely breakfast, you will travel to Hagen to the LWL Open-Air Museum, which is idyllically located in a green valley. Here, you will experience in a vivid way how work and production were done in the past. In historical workshops and buildings, traditional crafts such as blacksmithing, printing, baking, or paper-making are brought to life. During a guided tour, you will gain exciting insights into the working world of bygone times and discover the special connection between technology, craftsmanship, and history. Afterwards, there will be some time left to explore the extensive museum grounds individually. Finally, you will begin your return journey, with a short stop at Hengsteysee.

• Travel by modern coach
• 2x overnight stays including half board at the 4-star Achat Hotel Bochum Dortmund in Bochum
• 2x day tickets for the IGA Ruhr area for Dortmund and Gelsenkirchen
• Guided tour of Zollverein Coal Mine
• Entry to the Hagen Open-Air Museum
• BOHR travel companion

The hotel is pleasantly located in greenery and at the same time conveniently situated in the heart of the Ruhr area. In the immediate vicinity, you will find the Westfield Ruhr Park with numerous shopping and dining options. The facilities include a breakfast room, bar, elevator, conference rooms, sauna, and terrace. The 108 comfortably furnished rooms are equipped with a bathtub or shower, toilet, hairdryer, telephone, TV, and Wi-Fi.