Revier, Ruhrpott, Ruhrgebiet - all these names refer to the same area. This beautiful area of 4,439 km² is home to around 5.1 million people, making it the largest conurbation in Germany and the fifth largest in the European Union. In addition to the variety of landscapes, ranging from vast rural areas to vibrant metropolitan areas, the people are a special feature of the Ruhr region. The people are known for their warmth and for wearing their hearts on their sleeves. In 2010, the Ruhrgebiet made it to the European Capital of Culture under the name Ruhr.2010 and showed the world the wonderful diversity of our beautiful region.

Our history was shaped by coal and steel, today we are so much more and much greener than you might think. Nevertheless, we are proud of our history of coal mines and miners. The Zollverein colliery, once the largest colliery in the world, and its coking plant have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Or do you know the gasometer in Oberhausen? An industrial monument from the 1920s is now the highest exhibition and event hall in Europe. There is so much to discover and experience here that it is always worth a visit.