Sterkrade: Industrial Heritage, Nature and Tradition

Sterkrade combines striking traces of industrial history with extensive green spaces and recurring events. This makes the district an interesting place for all kinds of exploration: you can learn about its industrial past, explore Volkspark and Sterkrader Wald as distinct natural landscapes, or discover local festival and market traditions.

Industrial history and historic sites

For two centuries, Sterkrade’s industrial development was shaped largely by Gutehoffnungshütte (GHH), its metalworking operations and its mines. This history began in 1782 with the founding of the Neue Hoffnung ironworks in the area of what is now central Sterkrade. Ruhrchemie in Holten is also part of this historical context: it was co-founded in 1927 by GHH and the Concordia colliery.

A striking testament to the area’s mining history is the three-legged headframe of the former Sterkrade colliery, built in 1903. It is one of the few surviving structures of its kind in the Ruhr Metropolis and one of the oldest surviving headframes in North Rhine-Westphalia. The structure brings industrial history to life in a tangible way.

Another historical trace leads to the Provost Church of St. Clemens: until 1809, the Cistercian convent of “Maria ad rivulum” stood on this site. Industrial history, mining and religious heritage offer different ways to explore Sterkrade.

Forest and park: distinct nature experiences

Sterkrader Wald is a 204-hectare mixed beech forest crossed by the Handbach stream. Of this area, 81 hectares are designated as a nature reserve. Its landscapes and habitats include a valuable bog-moss alder carr, old meanders of the stream and marl pits that serve as breeding ponds for endangered amphibian species. It also provides habitats for numerous animal and plant communities, including some endangered species.

The nature reserve protects dry to moist oak-hornbeam forests and valuable stands of old European beech trees more than 100 years old. These, too, provide habitats for numerous animal and plant communities, some of them endangered. The range of forest types and habitats described here offers a different focus from industrial history: the emphasis is on the natural environment and its conservation and habitat functions.

Volkspark Sterkrade is a more compact green space in the centre of the district. Covering 13.5 hectares, it is characterised by walking paths and a large pond. Sterkrade’s natural spaces are therefore quite distinct: the forest encompasses large, partly protected habitats, while the Volkspark is characterised by its central location, paths and pond.

Festivals, literature and food

The traditional Sterkrader Fronleichnamskirmes is a folk festival whose origins date back to 1829. For the Sterkrader Lesesommer, the town centre became a stage for literature, stories and encounters from 28 August to 13 September 2026. Readings, talks, participatory activities and creative events took place in unusual locations. Since 2016, the event series has featured a diverse programme for all ages.

Sterkrader Spätschicht also combines a regular meeting place with culinary offerings: the after-work market has been held at Kleiner Markt since late 2017, bringing together market stalls selling food and other culinary offerings. Specific dates may change; if a festival or market is a deciding factor in your travel dates, check the latest event dates in advance.

For another way to explore the area, the RevierRoute RuheRäume is a helpful guide. It recommends Oberhausen-Sterkrade station as a starting point.

Which aspects of Sterkrade suit your trip?

If you’re mainly interested in experiencing nature, the forest and the Volkspark offer two distinct options. Those interested in the region’s development can explore the former colliery, its industrial history and the former convent. Events offer a reason to visit at a particular time of year, while Sterkrader Spätschicht brings together market stalls and culinary offerings. You can focus your further research on the experiences that matter most to you.

For an overview of the wider area: Oberhausen.