Discover the Hidden Gem of Mülheim an der Ruhr
Mülheim an der Ruhr is a true hidden gem in the heart of Germany, defying the typical industrial image of the Ruhrgebiet with its embrace of nature and water. Imagine strolling along the serene banks of the Ruhr River, enjoying the lush greenery that has earned it the nickname STADT AM FLUSS (City on the River). Beyond peace and nature, Mülheim also holds historical treasures such as the imposing Broich Castle and the intriguing Camera Obscura Museum, the largest camera obscura in the world.
The surroundings offer a fascinating journey through industrial heritage transformed into art and culture, such as the UNESCO Zollverein site in Essen or the striking Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, as well as the magnificent castles of Westphalia, all easily accessible. Whether you are passionate about architecture, history, or simply looking for a rejuvenating break, this region will surprise you with its unique balance of modernity, history, and environment.
Culinary Delights of the Ruhr Region
The cuisine of the Ruhr Region (Ruhrgebiet) is historically a ‘poor’ cuisine influenced by the diet of miners and workers: it is hearty, nutritious, and rich in potatoes, meat, and cabbage. However, in recent years, there has also been a great fusion with international cuisine due to migration. Here are the local dishes and specialties you must try in the Ruhr:
The Four Kings of Starters
🥔 Hearty Dishes
- Pfefferpotthast: One of the most classic and ancient dishes of the region (originating from Dortmund). It is a spicy and thick stew, made with beef (or pork), onions, and often vinegar and capers. Perfect for warming up.
- Himmel un Ääd (Heaven and Earth): A poetic name for a very simple dish: mashed potatoes (Earth) and apple compote (Heaven), served with roasted sausage (Bratwurst) or blood sausage (Bratwurst or Flönz). It is a classic of the Rhenish and Ruhr region.
- Reibekuchen: These are crispy and golden pancakes made with grated potatoes and onion. They are fried in a pan and traditionally served with applesauce (Apfelmus), or in the savory version, with smoked salmon and sour cream.
Street Food and Snacks
- Currywurst: Although popular throughout Germany, Currywurst is an institution in the Ruhr. It is boiled and then fried pork sausage, cut into slices and covered with a spicy tomato sauce with plenty of curry powder. It is served with French fries (Pommes).
- Pommes Schranke: French fries are an omnipresent side dish. “Schranke” means “barrier/gate” and refers to the way they are served: a portion with a generous layer of mayonnaise and a generous layer of ketchup, reminiscent of the red/white colors of barriers.
🥬 Vegetarian Options
- Grünkohl mit Pinkel: A much-loved winter dish. It is curly kale cooked for a long time until it becomes creamy, served with a special smoked sausage called Pinkel. Very typical in the western and northern Ruhr area.
Beers
The Ruhr does not have a unique beer style, but each major city has its own tradition:
- Pilsener (Pils): Very popular and widespread.
- Dortmunder Export: A full-flavored lager, less bitter than Pils, historically the miners’ favorite beer for its nourishing and refreshing power.
- Altbier: A dark beer, fermented at high temperature, typical of nearby Düsseldorf but also very popular in the western part of the Ruhr.
️ What to Look For
Look for traditional restaurants called “Gutbürgerliche Küche” (home-style cooking) or the “Kneipe” (local pubs) to find these specialties. If you are in Mülheim in particular, you might ask in a Kneipe if they have the Eintopf (a thick soup/stew) of the day, which often follows traditional recipes from the region.
For more information on how to explore Mülheim an der Ruhr’s unique blend of nature, history, and cuisine, and to find safe spaces through the ARCO Card, connect with us today.
Photo Credit: Liva-Ger, Doc Feelgood, Stefan Scheer