Gelsenkirchen

Lore & Background

Gelsenkirchen was first documented in 1150, but it remained a tiny village until the 19th century, when the Industrial Revolution led to the economic and population growth of the region. In 1840, when the mining of coal began, 6,000 inhabitants lived in Gelsenkirchen; by 1900 the population had increased to 138,000. In the early 20th century, Gelsenkirchen was the most important coal mining town in Europe. It was called the 'city of a thousand fires' for the flames of mine gases flaring at night. In 1928, Gelsenkirchen was merged with the adjoining cities of Buer and Horst. The city bore the name Gelsenkirchen-Buer, until it was renamed Gelsenkirchen in 1930.

In Their Own Story

The rain slicks the streets of Buer as thousands converge on the arena, their breath visible in the cool evening air. Inside, the sliding pitch has settled into place for the match, and the roar from the Glacis rises like a physical wave, shaking the retractable roof. An old miner's descendant stands shoulder-to-shoulder with his grandson, both draped in blue scarves, chanting the same songs their fathers sang decades ago at the Parkstadion. The floodlights cut through the mist, illuminating a pitch that has seen empires rise and fall, but tonight, it belongs only to the Royal Blues.

Reader's Guide

The city is home to the football club Schalke 04, which is named after Gelsenkirchen-Schalke. The club's current stadium Veltins-Arena, however, is located in Gelsenkirchen-Erle. The club was founded in 1904 in the Schalke district. The original name was 'Westfalia Schalke'. The nickname 'Die Königsblauen' refers to the team's color.

Did You Know?

• Gelsenkirchen was called the 'city of a thousand fires' for the flames of mine gases flaring at night.
• The club Schalke 04 was originally named 'Westfalia Schalke'.
• The Veltins-Arena is located in Gelsenkirchen-Erle, not in Gelsenkirchen-Buer.