Right in the “Black Country" - right in the green belt
The hostel which was renovated and enlarged in 2001 is located in a quiet woodland area on the Ruhr hills. Lake Baldeney situated downhill from the hostel offers many recreational activities for families.
Its location right in the former “Black Country” makes the youth hostel an ideal starting point for exciting trips into the industrial history of the Ruhr area. In the immediate vicinity of the hostel there are a great variety of well-maintained hiking and cycling trails. The Ruhr valley is an excellent area for canoeing trips.

Special features for families

• Around nearby Lake Baldeney, hiking and cycling is excellent. And if it’s too far, just change to one of the pleasure boats (you can take your bike on board). The trails along the lake shore are suitable for inline skating. There are also restaurants, playgrounds, a mini golf area and a pedal boat hire by the lake.
• Starting from the youth hostel, you can follow the Industrial Culture Route and discover the fascinating industrial past of the area at more than 40 stops.
• The Zollverein Pit is one of the stops on the Industrial Culture Route and is part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. You can follow the way of coal from mining to processing in this impressive industrial monument and exhibition centre.
• Baby’s cot, bottle warmer and high chair are available at the hostel if booked in advance.

This is fun for kids In Essen

• Lake Baldeney
• "Oase" fun pool
• Gruga Park
• Indoor skateboard and BMX rink
• Villa Hügel
• Heissiwald game reserve with nature trail
• Zollverein Pit

Excursions

• Bottrop: indoor skiing, "Movie Park Germany"
• Bochum: Mining and Railway Museum, starting point for canoeing tours on the Ruhr
• Industrial Culture Route
• Gelsenkirchen: Zoom-World of Experience
• Helene Pit: large indoor climbing facility

Prices 2010
Special family rates '3 for 2' during Easter, summer and autumn holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia
Accommodation 3 days for the price of 2 days in family room, including breakfast and bed linen:
Children up to and including 2 years: free
Children aged 3 to 5: 23.70 €
Children aged 6 to 12: 33.18 €
Adults and children aged 13 and over: 47.40 €