Land: North Rhine-Westphalia
Essen, lying between the rivers Emscher and Ruhr, is the largest city on the Ruhr. It owes its importance as the metropolis of the Ruhr and the headquarters of many large industrial organizations (including Ruhrkohle AG, the largest German mining company, and Rheinisch
-Westfälische Elektrizitäts AG) to its situation in the middle of the Rhineland-Westphalia industrial area. In addition to its heavy industry (associated particularly with the name of Krupp) it has a variety of other industries (electrical engineering, chemicals, etc.).
Factory tours
Many industrial plants in Essen can be visited on conducted tours. For details consult the local tourist information office.