Essen - Germany

Essen: A Thriving Metropolis at the Heart of Germany's Ruhr Region Located in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Essen is a vibrant city that embodies the perfect blend of industrial heritage and modern innovation. As the central and second-largest city of the Ruhr region, Essen boasts a rich history dating back to its founding in 845. Today, it stands as the fourth-largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia and the ninth-largest in Germany, with a population of over half a million inhabitants. Essen's unique position at the heart of the Ruhr region has earned it the nickname "secret capital" due to its central location and importance to the area. The city is nestled between two rivers, the Emscher and the Ruhr, which have been harnessed to create picturesque lakes and reservoirs, including Lake Baldeney and Lake Kettwig. As a hub for industry and commerce, Essen is home to several regional authorities and eight of Germany's 100 largest publicly held corporations by revenue. The city's reputation as the "energy capital" of Germany is well-deserved, with energy giants E.ON and RWE headquartered here. Additionally, Essen has made significant contributions to the arts through institutions like the Folkwang University of the Arts, the Zollverein School of Management and Design, and the prestigious Red Dot industrial product design award. In recent years, Essen has undergone a remarkable transformation from an industrial powerhouse to a thriving metropolis with a strong tertiary sector. The city's commitment to sustainability earned it the title of European Green Capital in 2017, while its rich cultural heritage was showcased as the European Capital of Culture for the Ruhr region in 2010. Despite its many attractions and accolades, Essen also faces some challenges, such as high levels of noise pollution (rated D-) and a relatively low score for NIMBY (Not In My Backyard) concerns (C-). However, these issues do not detract from the city's overall charm and appeal. With its excellent amenities (A-rated), convenient commute options (A+-rated), and strong cultural scene (A-rated), Essen is an attractive destination for visitors and residents alike. In conclusion, Essen is a city that seamlessly blends history, industry, and innovation to create a unique and captivating urban experience. Whether you're interested in exploring its industrial heritage, enjoying the scenic lakes and reservoirs, or experiencing the vibrant arts and culture scene, Essen has something for everyone.

Essen

Essen
Country: Germany
Population: 584580
Elevation: 116
Area: 210.34
Web: https://www.essen.de/
Area code: 0201, 02054 (Kettwig)