VfL Bochum 1848 has a long and proud history going back over 150 years to 1848 when an athletics club was founded.
Bochum is in the heart of the Ruhrgebeit, which was the heart of industrial Germany – known for its mines and heavy industry. Most of the old industries have gone, and that’s why you will see symbols of pitheads or miners on scarves and banners at the ground.
Stadium
The 30,000 seater Venovia Ruhrstadion is designed to maximise the atmosphere, and every seat is within 30 metres of the pitch.
Tickets
Apart from local derbies games are rarely sold out, so you can probably get a ticket on the day. If, like me, you like to be sure, use the Online Ticket Shop. You can choose and pay for your seat and even print out your ticket before you leave home. You can also get a ticket at the tourist information office at Huestraße 9. There will definitely be someone there who can speak English and who can advise you on where best to sit.
Another advantage of booking ahead of the game is that your ticket entitles you to free travel on public transport to and from the ground on the day.
Directions
Getting there could not be simpler. From Bochum central station you take an underground train (U308), which soon goes overground and stops directly outside the stadium. It is worth getting there with a bit of time before kickoff. The area around the ground is usually teeming with fans well before it opens, meeting friends, eating sausage or drinking beer from several kiosks.
Before going inside take a walk to the back of the stadium. There is a covered area with catering outlets and a shop. Images of miners and pitheads on flags, scarves and souvenirs pointed to the town’s history are everywhere. Interestingly, unlike most German football fans, you will see quite a few people wearing scarves celebrating good relations with Bayern Munich. You might well also see a few Leicester City scarves, as there are growing links between the two sets of fans. They even have a facebook page.
Website
More Information
Motto: in Bochum, from Bochum, for Bochum
Home shirt: blue and white
Away shirt: black
Major honours
- 2 Bundesliga Champions : 1993-94 , 1995-96, 2005-06
- Cup Finalists : 1967-68, 1987-88
- West Regional League Champions : 1969-70, 1970-71
Famous ex players
- Stefan Kuntz
- Martin Kree
- Michael Kramer
- Thomas Christianson
Where to stay in Bochum
Ibis – there are two Ibis hotels – both really good value and right in the city centre
Mercure – also in a central location
Hotel Excelsior – really handy for the football
Five things to do in Bochum
1. Go to the German Mining Museum (Das Deutsche Bergbaumuseum) :
This museum, built on the site of a former mine, tells the story of mining from its beginnings to the present, looking at economic, social and cultural aspects of this key industry.
It gets 400,000 visitors a year making it one of the most visited sites in Germany and is recognised all over the world.
You will see original machines and tools, models and displays, but the best attraction a 2.5 kilometre tour of a mine shaft – 15 to 20 meters below the surface.
The winding tower above the museum comes from a pit called Zeche Germania in Dortmund. You can go to the top and see from a height of 60 meters a superb view of Bochum and its surroundings
The museum, which is closed on Mondays is within easy reach of the town centre. It’s 18 minutes away on foot and three minutes away by U-bahn (U35 towards Herne Schloß Strünkede – get off at Deutsches Bergbau-Museum). It will cost you a 6.50 to get in.
2. Take a walk through the City Centre
The City centre, which was completely rebuilt after the war is well worth a visit. It is modern pedestrian friendly and has every shop you could imagine. Look out for the Bermuda Triangle – a collection of bars restaurants and clubs.
3. Go shopping
If you are really, really into shopping (or with someone who is) the Ruhrpark, Germany’s second-biggest shopping mall, is just outside town. You can get there by bus (336 / 344 / 355 / 364 / 366 / 368) or train (NE 2)
4. Visit the Planetarium
Bochum has a planetarium, which is open every day.
5. Tour a brewery
VfL are sponsored by a local brewery – Fiege. They do guided tours every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening. Tours start at 6.30 and end – of course, with a few beers.
If you are planning to spend a few days in Bochum you might want to pick up a Ruhr Topcard
This will set you back 49.90 euros but it will get you reduced entry to attractions all over the Ruhr region.
