Essen is a large city in the Ruhr area of Westphalia, Germany; so large that it is made up of eleven cities, making it a megatropolis. Take advantage of car hire from Essen, and explore these eleven cities in the Rhine-Ruhr region. Each location is distinct from the other, like the old town of Werden which is one of the oldest towns in Germany.
The Ruhr has been occupied since before 250,000BC, and it is still common to find objects that are over 5,000 years old. Essen is also known as the ‘shopping city', which is not surprising given its size. Hiring a car from Essen is one of the best ways to explore the retail parks in the area.
Essen's size and scale means that you can enjoy a day trip without even having to leave its borders. Lake Baldeney (Baldeneysee in German), is a reservoir which was built in 1933. It's easy to get to by hiring a car from Essen, and once there you can enjoy the cycling and walking track around the edge of the lake, or go rowing on the calm water. There are also several restaurants within easy reach.
The Grugapark is another great attraction, and has lovely scenery, home to eagles, parrots, flamingos, ibis, fallow deer and ponies.
