Bochum is worth a quick stop if only to get 'down and dirty' in the German mining museum, one of the nation's most-visited museums. Besides learning about all aspects of life unter Tage (below ground), you can descend into the earth's belly for a spin around a demonstration pit followed by a ride up the landmark winding tower for commanding views. U-Bahn 35 goes to the museum from the Hauptbahnhof.
