Gelsenkirchen lies in the flat Emscher zone of the northern Ruhr region at an average elevation of 49 meters above sea level – one of the lowest-lying Ruhr cities. The Emscher flows at 30–35 m. The city is home to FC Schalke 04 and features large solar installations on former mining spoil heaps.
That works out to roughly 161 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 80 m, putting Gelsenkirchen about 31 m lower.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 49 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51.5177° N, 7.0857° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Essen | 90 | Germany |
| Bochum | 99 | Germany |
| Dortmund | 94 | Germany |
| Oberhausen | 36 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Gelsenkirchen (49 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Düsseldorf | 42 | Germany |
| Magdeburg | 56 | Germany |
| Hanover | 58 | Germany |
| Cologne | 59 | Germany |
| Krefeld | 39 | Germany |
| Mönchengladbach | 59 | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Gelsenkirchen above sea level?
Gelsenkirchen averages 49 m above sea level. The Emscher zone sits at 30–35 m; mining spoil heaps within the city rise 20–40 m above the surroundings.
How high is the Halde Rungenberg in Gelsenkirchen?
The Rungenberg spoil heap rises to about 90 m above sea level – roughly 60 m above the surrounding city. It hosts a solar installation and observation tower at its peak.
Is Gelsenkirchen the home of Schalke 04?
Yes – FC Schalke 04 is based in Gelsenkirchen and plays at the Veltins-Arena (formerly Arena AufSchalke), which holds 62,271 spectators. The club was founded in 1904.