Bochum lies in the Ruhr region at an average elevation of 99 meters above sea level, between the flat Emscher zone to the north (55 m) and the Ruhr valley to the south (65 m). The city developed on the slightly elevated Hellweg plateau; the highest point reaches 175 m in the south. Bochum hosts the German Mining Museum with Europe's largest show mine.
That works out to roughly 325 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 93 m, putting Bochum roughly on par with them.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 99 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51.4819° N, 7.2162° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Dortmund | 94 | Germany |
| Essen | 90 | Germany |
| Duisburg | 36 | Germany |
| Wuppertal | 152 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Bochum (99 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | 100 | Poland |
| Frankfurt | 103 | Germany |
| Halle | 104 | Germany |
| Mannheim | 104 | Germany |
| Leipzig | 113 | Germany |
| Dresden | 113 | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Bochum above sea level?
Bochum averages 99 m above sea level. The Emscher zone in the north sits at 55 m; the Ruhr valley in the south at 65 m; the highest city point at 175 m.
Why does Bochum have a mining museum?
Bochum was the center of Ruhr coal mining for over 150 years. The German Mining Museum has Europe's largest show mine (30 km of tunnels) and documents the history of coal extraction in the region.
Is Bochum on the Ruhr River?
No – the Ruhr flows south of the city boundary. The name 'Ruhr region' derives from the Ruhr marking the industry's southern limit; Bochum itself sits on Emscher tributaries.