Ruhr Motorway Church closes its doors forever this weekend

The Ruhr Motorway Church, a long-standing refuge for travellers in the Ruhr region, will shut permanently this Saturday. Known for its quiet support of road users, the church also served as a memorial space for victims of traffic accidents in Bochum and nearby areas.

For years, the church welcomed around 15 visitors each day. Its 'Komm zur Ruhe' banner, visible from the A40 motorway, became a familiar sight. But now, signs and decorations will be taken down on Memorial Day, marking the end of its role as a place of rest.

The building, part of a Bochum parish, was recently sold to a private buyer. As a result, the space will lose its consecrated status, making Christian services impossible. Plans for a memorial site for road traffic victims had been discussed but will no longer go ahead.

A farewell event for volunteers is scheduled for today. The church also hosted special gatherings, including an annual bikers' meet on the Day of Motorway Churches. This weekend's closure brings an end to those traditions.

The church's final day arrives after years of service to drivers, bikers, and those mourning lost loved ones. Without a consecrated space, its role as a memorial and place of worship has come to a close.