Essen is more a starting point than a destination, but a few things are worth pausing for. The Karmel monastery on the edge of town is a peaceful site with a small museum dedicated to a local mystic, the old railway station witnessed a remarkable moment of First World War history, and the Hemelrijk recreation lake offers swimming and walking on summer days.
The Kempen heathlands stretching east and north of the town are crossed by an excellent network of marked cycle and walking routes — pick up a map at the tourist office before setting out.