First Beach Unveiled in Castrop-Rauxel by Emschergenossenschaft
In a Surprising Twist, Castrop-Rauxel Now Boasts an Emscher Beach
By Dirk Planert | Jun 13, 2025
Crunching sand underfoot, those golden rays warming your skin, and lush greenery all around - it's a beach vibe, but with a twist! The only thing missing is a dip in the water - but swimming isn't an option on the Emscher. The first beach on the Emscher, opened on a warm Friday, promises a scenic retreat.
Located smack-dab in nature's playground — the Nature and Water Experience Park in Castrop-Rauxel — this 1000 square meter sandy haven cost the Emscher Association a tidy €40,000. Liana Weismüller, the sustainability rep for the Emscher Association, spills, "We're all about creating a place people can unwind and enjoy nature."
Waterfront Escapes Expanding to Gelsenkirchen, Oberhausen, and Bottrop
Looking forward, another beach is slated for Nordstern Park in Gelsenkirchen next year, followed by Oberhausen and Bottrop. Surprisingly enough, around here, the Emscher's been sewage-free since three years ago, with the park opening two years ago. Once a sewage-lined waterway, now a beautiful haven teeming with greenery and a restored Emscher flow.
Though you can't take a swim, as of now, there's just a sandy stretch for sunbathing. But don't fret! The Emscher Association is taking suggestions onsite to develop this oasis further, with ideas for benches, Kneipp pools, and more floating about.
Bringing New Life to the Neighborhood
Locals Heinz-Jürgen Beckmann and his daughter Caroline stopped by with ideas. Caroline longs for a "Kneipp pool" to dip her toes, while Heinz-Jürgen dreams of benches. They're thrilled this "finally something's here."
Susanne and Siegfried Brühn dropped in from Becklem, expressing joy in the new space. Susanne admits some doubts about its use, but there's no denying the beauty and serenity it offers. A nearby snack bar with shade and a toilet facility cater to visitors, sitting pretty nestled amidst the green vista.
Even passersby can't help but appreciate it, commenting on it being a "nice place to unwind."
Stay Tuned for More Emscher Beach Developments
Bask in the sun, unwind, and embrace nature's splendor at the Nature and Experience Park Castrop-Rauxel, open daily from 8 am to 8 pm.
Revisit our website Studios NRW for updates until Jun 13, 2027.
Sources:- On-site reporter- Emscher Association interview- Interviews with local passersby
In the spirit of expanding outdoor-living and home-and-garden oases, the Emscher Association plans to develop more lifestyle destinations, including Nordstern Park in Gelsenkirchen, followed by Oberhausen and Bottrop, allowing for more people to unwind and enjoy nature (more). Seeking input from locals, the association is considering adding amenities such as benches, Kneipp pools, and possibly more, aiming to create a more immersive and relaxing environment at the Emscher Beach (lifestyle).
