A relaxing oasis full of exotic plants. The Botanical Garden at Ruhr-Universität Bochum covers an area of over 13 hectares. The grounds include a tropical house, the geobotanical department and the Chinese Garden, which was created in collaboration with the University of Shanghai.

Sitting in the sun with your feet in the sand and a cocktail in your hand and letting your mind wander? That's exactly what you can do at StrandDeck on Lake Kemnader in Bochum. Nowhere else in the eastern Ruhr area are you as close to the vacation feeling as here. 1,500 square meters of the finest sandy beach and real palm trees ensure absolute relaxation against the fantastic backdrop of the local recreation area. Relaxing hours in the beach clubWhile the little ones dig in the sand, you can unwind in a deckchair and treat yourself to a cool drink or a first-class cocktail. The beach kitchen offers fresh snacks and tasty delicacies from the grill or fresh waffles and coffee in the afternoon. For those who like to be sporty, take a spin around Lake Kemnader on inline skates or have fun on the two in-house beach volleyball courts. At weekends, the chilled beach café is transformed into an atmospheric beach club. After sunset, popular DJs provide the perfect summer soundtrack and create a relaxed atmosphere.

The 1,00 square meter garden is located in the botanical garden of the Ruhr University Bochum. Its name Qian Yuan means Qian's Garden and is a reference to the poet Tao Qian, who lived between the years 365 and 427 and from whom the legend of the "Report of the Peach Blossom Spring" comes, which tells of a society in harmony with nature. The garden is in the southern Chinese style, the materials - natural stone, brick and wood - are simple and the colors are restrained white, black, grey and dark red, just as they have been for centuries in the gardens of scholars, artists and writers. Half of the area is taken up by the Great Pond, another part by a rocky landscape created from 600 tons of moving rock. The park changes its appearance depending on the season. As the park was subject to severe weather-related decay, the Förderverein Chinesischer Garten e.V. Bochum was formed in 2000, which has been responsible for its maintenance ever since and offers public guided tours every third Saturday of the month from May to August.

It is an artificial inland body of water that covers an area of over 10 hectares and serves as a local recreation area. There is a walking path around the lake that is 1.5 kilometers long and is therefore often used for jogging. There is also a dog meadow on the edge, a circular trail with 16 stations where you can call up information using a QR code and a "green classroom" where you can book excursions with the Herne Biological Station. There is also fitness equipment on the lakeside path. There is also a roller-skating rink, a beer garden and a large playground next to the lake. There are two small islands in the lake itself, which serve as a refuge and breeding ground for a number of water birds, including grey herons, cormorants, coots, kingfishers, Egyptian and Canada geese and mallards. A fountain in the water supplies the water with oxygen. Lake Ümmingen originated from the Suntum mill ponds, which were a reservoir for the Harpen stream. Since the 18th century, Lake Ümmingen has been used to purify the mine water from the surrounding collieries. The solid load, i.e. the coal-containing solids, settled in the calm waters and could be removed from the bottom of the lake after sedimentation. Lake Ümmingen was therefore essential for purifying the water in the area of the surrounding mines. Between 1995 and 2009, the Ümminger Summertime festival was held at Lake Ümmingen, which featured concerts, open-air discos and a model boat regatta.

At the gently flowing water, surrounded by delicate grasses and the quiet rustling of the leaves, you will find a place that invites you to linger. Perfect for relaxing with a good book or discovering nature photography. For children, there are discovery trails on the shore, where they can learn about the local flora and fauna in a playful way.

Around Lake Kemnader there are flat hiking and biking trails waiting for you and your family. In about an hour and a half to one and three-quarters of an hour, you will circle the water, past idyllic sunbathing lawns and unofficial bathing spots. A highlight for children is a visit to the Hardenstein ruins, where little adventurers can immerse themselves in the past. Along the way, excursion restaurants invite you to linger, and the small lighthouse provides maritime flair. Pedal boat rides, where you can explore the lake from the water together with your children, provide variety.

In the middle of the urban hustle and bustle, a green lung invites you to pause for a moment. Walkers can switch off and enjoy nature on lush meadows and comfortable benches.

Experience the harmony of architectural beauty and spiritual depth in a historic monastery. Surrounded by picturesque gardens and meadows, you will find an oasis of peace. Discover the rich history and cultural treasures of the monastery while taking in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Enjoy the ten-hectare park grounds with your family, which offers nature in all its glory. From the sports and gymnastics field to the gondola pond to the greenhouses and the botanical garden - there is something for everyone here. A highlight is the bird enclosure with sabers, pheasants and eagle owls. Tip for children: The open-air stage attracts visitors with exciting events.

Enjoy wide paths and spacious lawns for your perfect picnic and cool off in the park's inviting outdoor pool. A paradise for teenagers and families alike, it also offers a dog park for your four-legged friend. In winter, the slopes are ideal for tobogganing - a year-round destination for leisure activities.

Surrounded by dense forest and the smell of nature, the beer garden offers you a break in the countryside next to a beautiful playground. Soak up the sun and let the experienced kitchen team led by Amadeus Gomez spoil you with seasonal, creative dishes. Here, where tradition and modernity meet, every meal tastes better - a pleasure for young and old.