ExtraSchicht Bottrop — BernePark

ExtraSchicht — the Ruhr region's largest cultural event

ExtraSchicht — officially 'The Night of Industrial Culture' — is the largest cultural event in the Ruhr region. Since 2001, it has transformed between 40 and 50 former industrial sites into theatre backdrops, concert stages, acrobatics platforms, and light show venues on a single summer night each year (always the last Saturday in June). The organizer is Ruhr Tourismus GmbH. In 2026, ExtraSchicht falls on Saturday, June 27.

BernePark — Industrial Heritage as a Cultural Park

BernePark in Bottrop-Ebel is one of the most visually impressive venues for ExtraSchicht. Located on the so-called Emscher Island — the strip of land between the Emscher river and the Rhine-Herne Canal —, it is strategically situated between the Gasometer Oberhausen and Nordsternpark Gelsenkirchen. The park originated from a former wastewater treatment plant from the 1950s, which was redesigned as part of the EMSCHERKUNST.2010 art project — a prime example of the creative transformation of the Ruhr region's industrial heritage.

The Park Hotel in the Sewer Pipes — the Most Famous Attraction

A special feature of BernePark is the Park Hotel: five converted sewer pipes that now serve as hotel suites — each with a porthole window for stargazing. In addition, BernePark features a walk-in lake with industrial equipment, a sunken garden with thousands of perennials and ornamental grasses, and a restaurant in the historic machine building with preserved industrial mechanics. This mix of industrial architecture, art garden, and nature makes BernePark an attraction year-round — and a magical stage during the ExtraSchicht night.

2026 Program — Comedy, Acrobatics, Music

The program at BernePark Bottrop follows the ExtraSchicht tradition: comedy performances amidst industrial walls, acrobatic performances with equipment and aerial artistry, walk acts accompanying strolling guests, and live music on stages spread throughout the park. The exact acts will be communicated by Ruhr Tourismus GmbH shortly before the ExtraSchicht night — they change every year.

One Ticket — All Venues plus Public Transport

The ExtraSchicht ticket is a combination ticket: it grants access to all ExtraSchicht night venues — over 40 locations throughout the Ruhr region. It includes free public transport use within the VRR tariff area and a shuttle service between venues. This allows visitors to experience multiple ExtraSchicht locations in one night — from the Gasometer Oberhausen and BernePark to Nordsternpark Gelsenkirchen, or to Jahrhunderthalle Bochum, Zeche Zollverein Essen, and Henrichshütte Hattingen.

Prices — Early Bird to Box Office

Prices are tiered according to pre-sale phases: Early Bird (March 17 to May 18, 2026) €15 — the cheapest option for early-bird festival fans. Regular Pre-sale: €22 regular, €17 reduced. RUHR.TOPCARD and RuhrKultur.Card holders (May 19 to June 26): €11 — a significant discount. Box Office (June 27 on-site): €25.

Location and Directions

BernePark is located at Ebelstraße 25a in Bottrop-Ebel — directly on the Emscher Cycle Path. Public transport: Bus lines SB 90 or 268 from Bottrop Hbf. ExtraSchicht shuttle during the festival night to BernePark. By car: A2 exit Bottrop or A42 exit Essen-Altenessen, then follow signs for Bottrop-Ebel. Parking is scarce during the ExtraSchicht night — public transport service is highly recommended.