The industrial metropolis of Gelsenkirchen, on the Rhine-Herne Canal, is the center of the Emscher Lippe region. In the past, the dominant elements in the economy were coal-mining and heavy industry, but there is now also a considerable textile industry. Increased efforts are being made to promote the establishment of small and medium-sized firms.
Gelsenkirchen is home to Germany's largest solar power plant and was the site of the 2006 FIFA world football championship.
In Gelsenkirchen's western district of Horst lies Nienhausen Park (30 hectares/75 acres), a recreation area with a "Leisure House" (Freizeithaus), a swimming pool (artificial waves), sports facilities and play areas. To the northwest is the Gelsentrab trotting track (1,203 m/1,316yd long).
Activities include tennis, basketball, mini-golf and bowling.
Gelsenkirchen is well supplied with parks and gardens. In the northern district of Buer is a green belt, with the Berger See. There is also a moated house (Haus Berge) and the Parkstadion, a stadium with seating for 70,000 spectators, once operated.
The stadium is no longer used for any major events and has been partially demolished.
Notable buildings in the central area of Gelsenkirchen are the Hans-Sachs-Haus (Town Hall), built of clinker brick, and the Music Theater with its great areas of glass wall.
In Gelsenkirchen's northern district of Bismarck, on the Rhine-Herne Canal, is the Ruhr Zoo, with more than 1,000 animals, African and South American steppes, etc.
The latest addition is the landscapes and species from Alaska.
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Gelsenkirchen
