Journey in Essen and Dortmund

Good morning and welcome to your second day on this journey. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the hotel and get ready and hit the road.
The first place you visit today is an elegant villa which is situated in a beautiful setting. It was built in 1873 on the north side of the lake Baldeneysee and surrounded by a beautiful park. The villa was home for the Krupp family who was the oldest and wealthiest industrial dynasty in the region.
Villa Hügel contains the Main House and two wings. One of the wings is the Guest House. The building is home for the Krupp Historical Exhibition. Discover its highlights which are a collection of historical artifacts and artworks as well as an interesting exhibition about the history of the Krupp family.
Visit the many beautiful rooms of the Main House. On the ground floor you find the former reception salons, dining room and library. Continue to the first floor where you discover the Upper Hall with beautiful glass roof arches. Here you also come across an imposing living room and ballroom. As you are walking through the living room, you enter into the impressive study.
The villa is also famous from its historical Archive which is used as a resource for researchers.
After purchasing the land, Alfred Krupp was not only involved in the building of the villa, but he also participated in the design of the gardens and park. As you stroll around, explore the various native and exotic tree species and artworks such as the grazing bronze horse.
Opening times Villa Hügel Tuesdays to Sundays from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Krupp Historical Exhibition Tuesdays to Sundays from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm
Opening Times

You are now in the Old Town of Werden which is a district for Essen. It is a perfect place to explore the history of the city which goes back to the 8th century. It was established by St Ludger who was the patron saint of the Werden Abbey.
Enjoy the sights of the rustic German houses and cobblestone streets. As you arrive to the historic Burgplatz, you find one of the oldest cathedrals in Germany, the Essen Minster. Originally it was an abbey which was built in the 9th century by Altfrid, Bishop of Hildesheim. The cathedral got its present form in 1275, after it was destroyed in World War II.
Let`s explore this beautiful Romanesque church. Inside you find the remains of the Ottonian pre-Romanesque building such as the octagonal westwork and the crypt. You also discover some parts of the old abbey. For example, the St Johann Baptist church at the west and the cloister at the north. They once served the abbey.
Continue your exploration inside and admire the late Baroque interior, the Chalice of St Ludger from around AD900, the oldest part of the cathedral called Column of Ida, the monument of Altfrid Essen from the 13th century and the sandstone sculpture of the Entombment of Christ from around 1500. Other features are the seven branched candelabrum made from bronze, and the Golden Madonna around 1000 BC.
Visit the Treasury which contains many religious art and artifacts such as the bronze crucifix from 1060. The Essen Cathedral is the set of the Roman Catholic Bishop since 1958.
Opening Hours Dom Monday to Friday 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m Saturday and Sunday: 9.00 a.m. to approx. 7.30 p.m
Adoration Church of St. John Monday to Friday: 6.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m Saturday: 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m Sunday: open during measurement times (7:30 a.m., 4:00 p.m.)
Viewing is not possible during church services.

It is time to take a break. You find this cozy restaurant just a few minutes’ walk from the Essen Minster. Enjoy the delicious food in a relaxing atmosphere.
Book your table here
Opening Hours Monday - Thursday 12:00 - 22:00 Friday – Saturday 12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m Sundays and public holidays 12:00 - 22:00

After the delicious lunch continue your travel to Dortmund. Your first visiting point is the Renaissance Altes Stadthaus which was built in 1899 by Friedrich Kullrich.
As you admire this beautiful building, you find an eagle emblem at the top of the gable. It is the coat of arms of the city of Dortmund. You can also see facades which are made from red sandstone.
The Stadthaus is a four-story town house where each floor is separated by decorative bands. The ground floor is decorated with large arched windows with a different design.
Walk around and admire this beautiful architecture.

Next to the Stadthaus you explore this cozy little park. Despite the high traffic around, the garden welcomes visitors with its tranquility. Stop at the contemporary sculpture fountain which was designed by art professor, Eberhard Linke. Take time to walk, rest and enjoy the combination of beautiful flowers and plants.

Welcome to one of the cities’ largest parks which offers numerous attractions. Let`s discover them. Along the walking trail you find the German Rosarium which features more than 2600 varieties of roses.
Continue your journey and explore the diverse nature including themed and geological gardens, and meadows.
Opening hours Ruhrallee entrance (manned): 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Florianstrasse entrance (manned): 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Entrance Baurat-Marx-Allee (manned): 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Hörde entrance (manned): 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Blossom garden entrance (manned) 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Buschmühle entrance (manned): 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Built in 1959 and named after the patron saint of gardeners, St Florian. Enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the city.
Opening times Florian Tower platform Wednesday - Thursday: 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Friday: 12:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Gain more experience in this city by visiting the Old Town. Here you find the Alter Markt (Old Market) which is a popular place for shopping since the 12th century.
As you stroll around you come across the historical Bläserbrunnen fountain. The bronze statue features a man with a horn standing on a column. The old fountain was built in and used as a drinking trough.

This lively, rustic tavern is located at the Alter Markt opposite the famous Bläserbrunnen fountain. It offers delicious Westphalian cuisine and traditional drinks. Enjoy!
Opening Hours Monday – Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 00:00 a.m. Friday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 01:00 a.m. Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Warm kitchen 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays until 11 p.m.

After the delicious dinner, it is time to check in to the hotel. After you settled down in your room, enjoy a relaxing evening in the hotel spa. Finally, have a good nights rest so you can continue your trip with full of energy.