Tag der Steige — Essen hikes the Kettwiger PanoramaSteig

Hiking in the Ruhr Metropolis

With the 'Tag der Steige' (Day of the Trails), Essen has established a hiking event since 2024 that focuses on the scenically demanding steep slopes along the Ruhr River. The 3rd edition on Saturday, April 18, 2026, will be one of Germany's largest free hiking events. The organizer is Essen Marketing GmbH (EMG) in cooperation with the Sauerländischer Gebirgsverein (SGV) and the City of Essen.

The Kettwiger PanoramaSteig

The namesake Kettwiger PanoramaSteig, with a total length of 34.4 kilometers, is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the southern part of Essen. It leads through the district of Essen-Kettwig on the Ruhr — a picturesque half-timbered town center with an old town, church, Ruhr reservoir, and Hugenpoet Castle. The trail showcases the beauty of the Ruhr valley landscape and the surprisingly green side of the industrial metropolis of Essen.

Five Routes for All Fitness Levels

The event is deliberately designed to be inclusive: there are five routes for different age groups and fitness levels:

• 4 km Family Route – through the historic Kettwig old town along the Ruhr, ideal for children and seniors.
• Medium Routes – approx. 8 and 10 km, with initial ascents.
• 13 km Castle Route – past the Schlosshotel Hugenpoet and Landsberg Castle.
• Intermediate Route – approx. 20 km with challenging climbs.
• 35.8 km Pro Route – the complete Kettwiger PanoramaSteig trail.

Opening and Stamp Passes

The official opening will take place with Lord Mayor Thomas Kufen at the central stamp station Am Ruhrbogen (meadow next to the Kettwig Rowing Club). Stamp stations are active from 8 a.m. (central stamp station at Werden station and at Kettwig reservoir); the main event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Anyone who completes a full route and collects all stamps will receive a hiking pin — children will receive their own medal.

Accompanying Program: Observatory and Castle Route

Several highlights complement the hiking itself: The Walter Hohmann Observatory will open its outdoor area from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along the Pro Route. In clear weather, the sun can be observed through special telescopes. The 13 km Castle Route connects the luxurious Schlosshotel Hugenpoet with the historic Burg Landsberg, making the castle and manor history of the Niederberg region the theme of the hike.

Essen — Industrial City with a Green Side

With around 580,000 inhabitants, Essen is the fifth-largest city in Germany and the center of the western Ruhr area in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The city has moved beyond its mining and steel history and is now an administrative and service center with the UNESCO World Heritage site Zollverein Coal Mine. It is little known that Essen has over 50% green space; the Tag der Steige makes this fact tangible.