EXPERIENCE BOCHUM

Bochum

 

Located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Bochum has a population of about 370 thousand people (April 2023), and is the sixth-largest city in North Rhine-Westphalia, one of the most populous German federal states, and the 16th-largest city in Germany. On the Ruhr Heights (Ruhrhöhen) hill chain, between the rivers Ruhr to the south and Emscher to the north (tributaries of the Rhine), it is the second largest city of Westphalia after Dortmund, and the fourth largest city of the Ruhr after Dortmund, Essen and Duisburg. It lies at the centre of the Ruhr, Germany's largest urban area, in the Rhine-Ruhr Metropolitan Region, the second biggest metropolitan region by GDP in the European Union, and belongs to the region of Arnsberg.

Bochum is the sixth largest and one of the southernmost cities in the Low German dialect area. There are nine institutions of higher education in the city, most notably the Ruhr University Bochum (Ruhr-Universität Bochum), one of the ten largest universities in Germany, and the Bochum University of Applied Sciences (Hochschule Bochum).

 

History

Bochum's history as a city dates to the early Middle Ages, with the first documented mention occurring in 1321. Originally a small village, it began to grow significantly during the 19th century due to the industrial revolution, particularly with coal mining and steel production.

The establishment of coal mines and factories transformed Bochum into a major industrial center. By the late 19th century, it became a hub for heavy industry, contributing significantly to the economy of the Ruhr area. The city's population surged as workers migrated for jobs in the mines and factories.

In the 20th century, Bochum continued to thrive as an industrial city, but it faced challenges after the decline of coal mining and steel production in the late 20th century. The shift towards a service-oriented economy prompted diversification and revitalization efforts.

Today, Bochum is known for its educational institutions, including the Ruhr University Bochum, and its cultural offerings, reflecting its rich industrial heritage while adapting to modern economic trends. The city also promotes urban development and sustainability, making it a vibrant place to live and visit.

 

Culture

Bochum's culture is vibrant, consisting of artistic and historical influences that reflect its rich industrial heritage. The city is home to several prominent theaters, most notably the Schauspielhaus Bochum, which is celebrated for its innovative productions and diverse range of performances, from classical works to contemporary dramas. Another key cultural landmark is the Starlight Express Theatre, where the famous musical "Starlight Express" captivates audiences with its unique roller-skating performances, drawing visitors from around the world.

Art enthusiasts will find plenty to explore at the Kunstmuseum Bochum, which focuses on contemporary art and hosts exhibitions featuring regional and international artists. The museum also offers various events and workshops that engage the community. Additionally, the German Mining Museum, the largest museum dedicated to mining in the world, provides an extensive look at the history and technology of the coal mining industry, highlighting Bochum's industrial roots.

Bochum’s culinary scene is diverse, featuring a range of dining options from traditional Ruhrgebiet cuisine to international fare. Local specialties are popular, and the city boasts numerous cafes and restaurants that reflect its multicultural character, offering flavors from Italian to Turkish and Asian cuisines.

The presence of the Ruhr University Bochum enriches the cultural landscape, with public lectures, art exhibitions and various cultural events that engage both students and residents. Community initiatives also promote engagement through workshops, art projects, and performances.

 

Geography

The city lies on the low rolling hills of Bochum land ridge (Bochumer Landrücken), part of the Ruhrhöhen (highest elevations) between the Ruhr and Emscher rivers at the border of the southern and northern Ruhr coal region. The highest point of the city is at Kemnader Straße (Kemnader Street) in Stiepel at 196 metres (643 ft) above sea level; the lowest point is 43 metres (141 ft) at the Blumenkamp in Hordel.

The terrain of Bochum is characterised by rolling hills that rarely have more than three per cent graduation. Steeper graduation can be found at the Harpener Hellweg near the Berghofer Holz nature reserve (3.4%), at Westenfelder Straße in the borough of Wattenscheid (3.47%), or at Kemnader Straße, which begins at the banks of the Ruhr in Stiepel (71 m, 233 ft), and rises to its highest point in the centre of Stiepel (196 m, 643 ft, a 5.1% increase).

The city extends north to south 13.0 km (8.1 mi) and 17.1 km (10.6 mi) east to west. The perimeter of the city limits is 67.2 km (41.8 mi).