Nature

• Botanical and Chinese Garden
  Idyllically situated in a little wood south of the N-buildings of the Ruhr-University, the botanical garden offers an unexpected diversity of plants stemming from all continents and climate zones. Everything can be found here: from a tropical to a desert house over alpine zones up to biotopes of Europe, Asia and America.
  Especially grand: the Chinese Garden "Qian Yuan". The meditative simplicity of the enclosure in which architecture and nature are harmonically linked offers pure recuperation from university-induced stress.
  
  
• Kemnader See (Lake Kemnade)
  is an artificial lake made up of the backed-up Ruhr, and unfortunately swimming is forbidden. If swimming, however, isn't allowed, at least you can surf or row on it or cross it on the steamboat "MS Kemnade". Even more people use it to stroll along, jog or circle it on inlineskates or bikes. At barbecue-sites, sunbathing areas, playing miniature golf, beach-volleyball or tennis, much spare time can be spent. At the boathouse, a sailing license can be obtained.
  For those who really want to swim: The nearby adventure pool Heveney, Querenburger Straße 35, awaits you with: out-pool, 100 metre long water-slide, Bio-Sauna, etc. Entrance fees from 5.80 €, day ticket 11.20 €. Mo-Sa 9-23 o'clock, Su & bank holidays 9-21 o'clock.
  
  
• The river Ruhr
  can be strolled or cycled along on the old lin-path, or crossed on the water in rowing- or sport-boats. You pass Hattingen and Dahlhausen, come to the South of Essen to the Villa Hügel, a museum with changing exhibitions, and at some stage you reach the Rhine, too.
  
  
• Stadtpark (town park)
  was 127 years ago one of the first people's parks in Germany. With a neat restaurant, a great view onto green Bochum from the Bismarck-Tower and with a lot of space for sunbathing, it is until today a very popular place. Next to the huge playground is a well-maintained miniature golf course and the famous "milk house" ("Milchhäuschen"), which is always good for a yummy milk-shake. Integrated into the town park ist the Bochum zoo.
  
  
• The Westpark
  Between old industrial ruins all around the century hall ("Jahrhunderthalle") the Westpark has been developed over the past few years. This one is an adventure at night also: The most beautiful light installations can be seen alongside the paths and within the birch woods.
  
  
• The Ümminger Lake
  is the water in the suburb of Langendreer. The big beer-garden ("Suntums Hof") is very popular when the weather plays along. In the summer, the festival "Ümminger Summertime" takes place here.
  
  
• The Weitmar Wood
  Yes, even the Ruhr area has some woods: In the suburb of Weitmar there is one containing a hogs' enclosure, a miniature golf course and plenty of ramblers and joggers. From the highest point you get a great view across the Ruhr valley.
  
  
• The Geological Garden
  was the first of its kind in Germany and is very educational. A path circles geological formations, erratic blocks lie on the lawn and a hut presents fossils right next to "Tim – I love you"-carvings. The garden is situated in Altenbochum on the Querenburger Straße.