And as we’re on trend we’re happy to report when others are too and that Booking.com also recognise Essen’s green blessing.
Better known as an industrial hub the Ruhr town has reinvented itself as a sustainability pioneer.
As we found out for ourselves.
When they showcased how they continue to build upon their award of European Green Capital a few years ago.
And their urban entertainers put on a bikes stunt exercise for us in their reimagined industrial space.
Trails on trend

Modern Essen would be unrecognisable to anyone who knew it back in FDR days.
And visitors now enjoy verdant four urban hiking trails, rides and outdoor activities the equal, if not better, of anyone.
So much so that Booking.com has only put Essen their popular German destination on their trend list for 2025.
They flag up Essen’s showpieces too, the Zeche Zollverein (UNESCO World Heritage Site) which has been transformed from an industrial complex.
Then there is the Folkwang Museum, home to four works by Vincent van Gogh, retreats such as the Grugapark or the picturesque Baldeneysee.
And travellers can also make new travel companions and acquaintances at a local beer tasting while we’d also recommend Rot-Weiss Essen hangout bar 11 Freunde Die Bar.
Urban funfare

Now Booking.com trends that survey travellers want to rethink their habits and swim against the tide.
To discover less crowded destinations (53%), wellness retreats (52%) and night-time activities (43%).
Our old friend from the town’s showpiece German Travel Mart, the Lord Mayor Thomas Kufen, was naturally beaming.With Essen’s green blessing from Booking.com.
He said: “We have been working continuously since 2018 to position Essen as a destination for explorers. Our city has the perfect mix of nature, culture and urbanity.
“We have strong and organic growth in arrivals and the potential to grow further.”



