Metropolis Ruhr
Over the past decades, the Ruhr Area has become one of the most important centers of education and science. Five universities, 18 colleges and many other non-university research institutions have contributed to the transformation of the former mining and industrial agglomeration into the fascinating and innovative science region Ruhr. The modern Ruhr Area with its more than five million people is green, cosmopolitan and enthusiastic about culture: old industrial sites have been turned into monuments and serve as venues for various, even international, cultural and musical events. Approximately 200 museums, 120 theaters, 100 cultural centers and 250 festivals per year make the Ruhr Area a vibrant metropolis that attracts many international visitors.
Many of the largest companies in Germany are based in the Ruhr Area. Increasingly, they are seeking contact with the numerous local universities and colleges in order to make even greater use of their potential for developing future-oriented products and applications. In addition, more and more innovative companies are emerging in the vicinity of the universities, which has led to the development of a lively and creative start-up ecosystem. Where coal was once mined, knowledge is now being promoted: The Ruhr Area combines business and science, nature and culture - it's worth studying, working and living here!
Favorite places of our scientists
"My favorite place is the Westfalenpark. What many people do not know is that this park is home to the second largest Rosarium in the world that is open to the public. The park is worth a visit all year round, but in May and June this place is simply gorgeous and just right to relax."
"My favorite places are the bike paths along the Ruhr River and the Springorum bike path, where you're in the middle of nature and
also part of a city region."
"My favorite places are in Hattingen: the landscape around the castles Blankenstein and Isenberg and the old town with the beautiful half-timbered houses."
"My absolute favorite area is Elfringhauser Schweiz, which is located between Velbert, Hattingen and Wuppertal. In this beautiful rural region, you can make perfect challenging MTB and road bike tours with enough altitude meters on the foothills
of the Bergisch-Märkische hilly landscape."
"Hike from TU Dortmund University via Signal-Iduna-Park and Rombergpark to Phönix-West and Lake Phönix - in the
middle of a big city, yet so green, quiet and relaxing with numerous opportunities for stops in between."
"At the northern edge of the Ruhr area in
the transition to the Münsterland, there are unique natural areas ranging from heaths to lakes and bogs. For nature lovers a paradise with its unique flora and fauna and with distinctive light moods. Inspiration and recreation at the same time."
"One of my favorite places is definitely my amazing office in building IB of the RUB. It has the most beautiful view ever. Practically down to the Ruhr, along with the Kemnader Lake a very attractive destination."
"I particularly love the industrial culture in the Ruhr region. Many old industrial
buildings and spoil heaps have been converted into art and cultural sites. One of my highlights is Tiger & Turtle. The structure is modeled on a roller coaster that you can walk on and enjoy the view. We have had many adventures here with international cooperation partners and their families."
"I love the diversity of the Ruhr Area with its numerous cultural offers and local recreat-
ion areas. In addition, I appreciate the nature just in front of the door and especially the friendly and open-minded people, through which my family and I had a great start in Dortmund."
"My favorite place is Blankenstein Castle in Hattingen. Here I could already surprise
many guests and friends, how green the
Ruhr Area is and how much more it has to offer, than its image sometimes lets believe."
"Not even a five-minute walk from the Duisburg campus: a magnificent expansive beech forest. And thus a wonderful place to change perspective during a short walk and to come up with new ideas alone or with others."
"Probably nowhere in Germany does football play such a big role as in the Ruhr Area and the fan culture is unique. Dortmund does
not only have the largest dedicated football stadium in Europe, but also the German Football Museum."
