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Guide to the good life in Essen


With many large companies based around the city, plus enough natural areas to make it one of the greenest cities in Germany. Essen has something for a wide range of tastes. Life in Essen can be very rewarding, and the many transport links make exploring the local culture easy.

Moving to Essen

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Transport in Essen

Residents of Essen have access to a wide range of transport links, including motorways, air and public transport. When it comes to aviation, the city of Essen is close to several airports. For example, Düsseldorf Airport is about 20 minutes away by car, while Dortmund Airport is also available for domestic and international flights. Essen/Muelheim airport, on the other hand, handles tens of thousands of passengers each year.

Three motorways pass through or near Essen. For example, the Ruhrschnellweg (A40) runs through the city, roughly through the middle. This thoroughfare leads to Venlo in the Netherlands to the west and to Dortmund in Germany to the east. However, it is worth knowing that this motorway can be very congested during rush hour. In the north, Essen is crossed by the A42, connecting Essen with Oberhausen, Gelsenkirchen and other towns, while in the south the A52 can be reached.

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. Trams run both underneath and on the ground. Some lines are completely independent of other traffic, a valuable asset during rush hour.

Culture and leisure in the city

Essen has much to offer those looking for museums, galleries and other cultural opportunities. It was the European Capital of Culture in 2010. Here are some sights to see if you move to Essen.

Zeche Zollverein is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known as the most beautiful coal mine in the world. It houses several museums that give a fascinating insight into the region’s past. The Folkwang Museum has paintings from various eras and exhibits relating to the history of photography.

There is also the Aalto Opera House and the Essener Muenster Cathedral, both of which have wonderful architecture. To transport you back in time, the Kettwig historical district has streets and buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries.

For those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, the Grugapark Botanical Garden offers playgrounds, waterfalls and the chance to see wild animals.

Moving to Germany

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