Donald Duck gets on his bike: A duck on a mission in the Ruhr region

​The story is entitled ‘An Extraterrestrial Sensation’ and combines humour, industrial heritage and a cycle tour. Donald’s editor-in-chief has had enough of his exaggerated reports about monsters and UFOs. Instead of more sensationalist stories, she wants him to produce an honest, down-to-earth feature on the Ruhr region. So he grabs his ‘old bike’ and sets off.

But even whilst still in Westfalenpark, the assignment starts to go off the rails: a real spaceship lands right before Donald’s eyes. For the Duckburg reporter, this is the worst possible situation. He has to cover up the sensational story, even though events like this are normally right up his street.

​From Westfalenpark to the Zollverein Coal Mine

On his eventful cycle tour, Donald encounters not only aliens but also the famous sights of the Ruhr region. The comic-style journey takes him, amongst other places, to the German Mining Museum and the Planetarium in Bochum. In Essen, Villa Hügel and the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are on the itinerary.

The tour continues to the Gasometer in Oberhausen and the ‘Tiger & Turtle – Magic Mountain’ sculpture in Duisburg. The itinerary thus presents an unusual selection of regional highlights. Historic industrial sites, striking buildings and modern art provide the backdrop for Donald’s escape from the truth and, later, from the Panzerknacker gang.

After all, they, too, are out and about in the Ruhr region, exploring the area. And so the planned feature story turns into a fast-paced chase. Donald has to pedal hard whilst at the same time trying to fulfil his journalistic assignment.

​A refreshment hall instead of a lay-by

There is one important stop along the way that must not be overlooked in this story: the traditional refreshment kiosk. For Donald, the ‘kiosk’ provides the perfect opportunity for a quick drink. At the same time, the scene highlights a place that, in the Ruhr region, is far more than just a place to do some shopping.

Drinking halls are regarded as part of the region’s everyday culture. They are meeting places, hubs for news and an integral part of many neighbourhoods. The fact that Donald’s cycle tour stops at a drinking hall therefore anchors the comic adventure in the Revier not only geographically but also culturally.

It is precisely this blend that gives the story its special appeal. The Ruhr region is not portrayed as just another run-of-the-mill holiday setting, but as a region with its own distinct character. Against a backdrop of industrial relics, leafy paths, urban landmarks and warm, down-to-earth hospitality, a picture emerges that makes you want to go on a cycle ride, even outside the pages of the comic.

​The magazine

Mickey Mouse Magazine issue 17/26 has been available in shops since 31 July 2026. The issue costs 5.99 euros in Germany, 6.50 euros in Austria and 11.90 Swiss francs in Switzerland. It can also be ordered via the Egmont Shop. Information: micky-maus.de