Three-day cultural trip to Düsseldorf - Duisburg and Essen

DÜSSELDORF - ESSEN - DUISBURG heritage, art, and architecture September 4, 5, and 6, 2026 Programma Vrijdag September 4: ESSEN Essen is a versatile city in the Ruhr area and was Culturele Hoofdstad van Europa in 2010. Zeche Zollverein De former coal mine Zeche Zollverein is one of the most famous industrial heritage sites in Germany. The complex has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2001 because of its unique Bauhaus architecture and is often described as the most beautiful coal mine in the world. The impressive industrial complex, built in a sober modernist style, was transformed into a cultural center with museums. In the Ruhr Museum, you will get to know the history of the Ruhr area: from mining and industry to nature and culture. The museum is located in the former coal washing plant of Zeche Zollverein. Dom van Essen De Dom van Essen (Essener Münster) is an impressive cathedral from the 13th century. Here is the famous Gouden Madonna, the oldest fully sculpted statue of Mary in the world. The current church was rebuilt after it was destroyed in the Tweede Wereldoorlog. Museum Folkwang Museum Folkwang is internationally known for its collection of modern art, with works by, among others, Gauguin, van Gogh, Rothko, and Richter. Saturday, September 5: DÜSSELDORF Düsseldorf is the capital of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and is located on the Rhine. The historic Altstadt forms the lively center of the city, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and historic buildings such as the Andreaskirche, the St. Lambertus Basilica, the Rathaus, and the St. Ursula-Gymnasium. Here, the typical Altbier is also brewed, which is served in various traditional breweries (e.g., Züm Schlüssel). Medienhafen Het former harbor area Medienhafen was transformed into a modern district with striking contemporary architecture: the Neuer Zollhof. Due to their playful shapes and different materials, the postmodernist buildings form a striking architectural whole. They cannot be visited. The three Gehry buildings were designed by the famous American architect Frank O. Gehry, known for, among others, the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. Sunday, September 6: DUISBURG Duisburg is located at the confluence of the Rhine and the Ruhr and has the largest inland port in Europe. De Altstadt is pleasant to walk through. A striking building is the Rathaus from 1895 with its monumental facade. Next to it stands the Gothic Salvatorkirche from the 14th century, the oldest church in the city. Lifesaverfontein De colorful Lifesaver fountain, designed by Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, is a remarkable work of art in the city center. Gerard Mercator De famous cartographer Gerard Mercator (Gerard Kremer) was born on March 5, 1512, in Rupelmonde. In 1552, he moved to Duisburg, where he performed his most important cartographic work and died in 1594. It will be a cultural three-day trip full of architecture, art, heritage, and history, organized by Cultuursmakers Eeklo. INFORMATION: Departure: at 6:30 at bus stop watertoren Peperstraat at 6:45 at KBC Markt Eeklo Prijs: € 655 for Cultuursmakers members surcharge single: € 65 Register as soon as possible as the number of places in the hotel is limited. We are staying in Sheraton Essen Hotel ****. The registration is only valid after we have received your deposit, € 300 per person. Cancellation insurance is advisable; if necessary, we can help you with this. Cost: € 24 per person, to be paid together with the deposit. Upon registration, we will provide you with a medical form, which you can fill out if desired and hand in in a sealed envelope upon departure. Please transfer the balance before August 10, 2026. Payment by transfer to account BE51 0001 0759 8662 of Luc Fiers Cultuursmakers with mention ‘Essen + name’ (call first for place confirmation and report boarding location Tel. 09 377 76 46) Included: transport, driver tip, guides, and all visits as mentioned in the program Full board from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening as mentioned in the program, the stay in a double room Not included: drinks with meals and free coffee stop on the outward journey Please note that the program may change slightly due to unforeseen circumstances. Please provide your luggage with a label with name and address.