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Gelsenkirchen located in the northern part of the Ruhr area was first documented in 1150 and remained a tiny village until the 19th century, when the Industrial Revolution led to the growth of the entire area. In 1840 when the mining of coal began only 6,000 inhabitants lived in Gelsenkirchen, and by 1900 the population had increased to 138,000.
While the Arena AufSchalke has been Gelsenkirchen's most prominent landmark, it is not the only place of interest. On the site of the former Nordstern colliery, the Nordsternpark offers a variety of recreational activities. One attraction is "Deutschland Express", the largest model railway in the world. The amphitheatre in the Nordsternpark, built on the spot where coal barges used to be loaded and unloaded, seats 6,100 visitors and is a fine setting for all manner of events, while the climbing walls of the German Alpine Club are a paradise for mountaineers. The Nordsternpark is one of the main attractions along the Route of Industrial Heritage.
Another historical site is Horst Castle (Schloss Horst), built between 1555 and 1573. The castle was acquired by the City of Gelsenkirchen in 1988, and following extensive refurbishment it reopened in 1999 in all its splendor and now serves as a center of culture and local government. Its splendid glass hall offers an elegant atmosphere for cultural events.
The Musiktheater Gelsenkirchen, is one of the most spectacular music theaters built in the post war era. The amalgamation of architecture and fine arts is sensational, and the contrast between light and dark and harsh rectangular and soft circular shapes proves fascinating for every visitor, as do the remarkable moving mobiles.
The Ruhr Zoo is loved by children and adults alike. It is one of the biggest leisure complexes in the region, covering an area of about 22 hectares, and houses some 700 animals belonging to 120 different species. Great work is underway and upon its completion in 2007, the "ZOOM World of Adventure" will focus on Africa, Asia and Alaska, with animals living in conditions approaching those of their natural habitats. The zoo is open 365 days a year.
Gelsenkirchen Science Park (Wissenschaftspark) is a metaphor for the structural transformation of the region. Its architecture symbolizes a new sense of direction as the Ruhr moves into a new era and every evening a magnificent 300 meter long glass wall is illuminated by a curtain of blue-green light for about two hours after sunset.
To the south of the Science Park lies the Rheinelbe Park, which used to be the site of one of the region's largest coal mines. The once forbidden territory is now a haven of art and nature, and the place where the artist Hermann Prigann implemented his concept of a "forest of sculpture".
The ‘Stairway to Heaven’ of course is the perfect way to end any excursion through Gelsenkirchen. It affords magnificent views that defy description.
The Stadium
Arena AufSchalke, home of FC Schalke 04, is a 61,266 all seater stadium.
It was inaugurated in 2001, and has already hosted the Champions League finals in 2004 which FC Porto won.
It has a retractable roof, and features a grass pitch that slides in and out of the stadium as needed. The sliding pitch solves the problem of keeping grass alive within a domed stadium, and also allows the stadium to be used for non-sporting events such as concerts without damaging the pitch, unlike the Amsterdam Arena.