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Ruins of the church in Dvorine from above. — Dvorine

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Bronze hen near the spring. — Hønekilden (The Hen Spring)

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The Bard is represented on the sign. — The Shakespeare

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Developed by Farrell Monaco, our Black Banquet included dark loaves of bread, beans, dates, and fish—all inspired by an ancient tombstone. — Recreating an Ancient Roman Dinner of Death

These unassuming lichens growing on rocks in Antarctica may have a sexy secret. — The Secret Sex Lives of Lichens

This pygmy hippo at the 1939 World's Fair Firestone exhibit was probably Gumdrop I, Billy's first surviving calf. — Before Moo Deng, There Was ‘William Johnson Hippopotamus’

Bronzed and pleasantly spicy from a dry-brine of chiles and mint, this turkey is anything but bland or boring. — Talking Turkey With Eric Kim

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Germany

Essen

The Atlas Obscura Guide To Essen

4 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Essen, Germany

Updated July 13, 2017

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Unusual Attractions in Essen

Essen, Germany

Villa Hugel

The monumental home of Prussia’s eccentric "Cannon King."

Slab for the Ruhr

Essen, Germany

Slab for the Ruhr

This monolithic slab of art metal crowns a German slag heap.

Soul of Africa Museum

Essen, Germany

Soul of Africa Museum

Tucked away in a small German apartment is an eclectic museum devoted to West African vodun culture.

Essen, Germany

Zollverein

The Bauhaus-style former industrial complex is considered the world's most beautiful coal mine.

Are we missing something unusual?

Tetrahedron in Bottrop

Bottrop, Germany

Tetrahedron in Bottrop

This massive steel pyramid can be entered by a set of jagged steps that let visitors stand in its heart.

4 miles from Essen

"Magische Orte" installed in the Gasometer in 2012

Oberhausen, Germany

Gasometer Oberhausen

An industrial relic is now one of Europe's most staggering art spaces.

6 miles from Essen

Duisburg, Germany

Zoo Zajac

The world's biggest pet store.

9 miles from Essen

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Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Essen, Germany

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Mines 2

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