Mülheim an der Ruhr

From the gentle slopes of the Rhine Slate Mountains to the bustling banks of the Ruhr River, Mülheim an der Ruhr has long been a crossroads of nature and industry. Here, where the Ruhr carves its path through the valley, the city earned its name, “City on the River.” Mülheim an der Ruhr’s story begins, as you might guess, with mills. These mills, powered by the rushing waters of the Ruhr, were the heart of a burgeoning trade center. The river, once a lifeline for millers, became a highway for coal barges, connecting Mülheim an der Ruhr to the burgeoning industrial centers of the Ruhr Valley. The White Fleet excursion boats still ply these waters, offering a glimpse of the picturesque Ruhr Valley. Mülheim an der Ruhr embraced the industrial revolution. Names like August Thyssen, whose Thyssen & Co. was founded right here in Mülheim-Styrum, echo through the city’s history. The Friedrich-Wilhelms-Hütte, once a symbol of Mülheim an der Ruhr’s industrial might, marked the beginning of steel production using coke in the Ruhr region. Mülheim an der Ruhr was also a pioneer in transitioning away from heavy industry. It was the first city in the Ruhr region to cease steel production and coal mining. This shift led to the development of the RheinRuhrZentrum, once Germany’s largest indoor shopping center, a testament to Mülheim an der Ruhr’s resilience and its return to its trading roots. But Mülheim an der Ruhr is more than just industry and trade. Over half of the city is covered in green spaces, parks, and woodlands. The Mülheim an der Ruhr’s Stadthalle, a cultural hub, hosts the Stücke theater festival, drawing talent and audiences from across Germany and beyond. Schloss Broich and the Saarn Monastery stand as silent witnesses to centuries of history. The Aquarius Water Museum tells the story of the river’s importance to the city. For those seeking a more modern experience, the Forum City Mülheim offers a vibrant shopping and entertainment destination. From its industrial past to its vibrant present, Mülheim an der Ruhr invites you to explore its rich history, diverse culture, and enduring connection to the river that gave it its name.