Oberhausen

Oberhausen is a city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, located in the eastern Ruhr region. It sits between Essen, Duisburg, and Mülheim an der Ruhr, near Bottrop, and is part of the larger Ruhr metropolitan area. The city has approximately 210,000 residents.

Historically, Oberhausen developed as an industrial center for coal mining and steel production in the 19th and early 20th centuries, contributing to the Ruhr’s rapid urban and economic growth. After industrial restructuring in the late 20th century, the city transformed toward services, retail, culture, and housing, while retaining remnants of its industrial heritage.

Key landmarks and institutions include the Gasometer Oberhausen, a 117-meter-tall former gas holder that now hosts exhibitions and events. The CentrO shopping and leisure complex—one of Europe’s largest and built on a former industrial site—forms a focal point for retail and entertainment. The König-Pilsener-ARENA hosts concerts, sports, and other large events, complementing a range of theatres and museums in the city. The area also features attractions such as an aquarium and various cultural venues.

Economy and infrastructure wise, Oberhausen relies on retail, services, and logistics, with the CentrO complex serving as a major economic driver. Transport links include major highways (such as the A3 and A42) and Oberhausen Hauptbahnhof, which provides regional and national rail connections. The city is integrated into the Rhine-Ruhr canal network, supporting freight movement in the region.

Administration-wise, Oberhausen is a independent city within North Rhine-Westphalia, governed by a city council and mayor, and functions as a local center within the Ruhr urban area.