Axe throwing is more than a modern leisure activity: it has a long history across cultures around the world. Axes were survival tools in the Stone Age, when early humans made stone axes without handles for hunting and building shelters. Over time, axes developed wooden handles and were made from materials including stone, copper, bronze, iron and eventually steel.

In the Middle Ages, different types of axe were designed for different purposes, including the archer's axe as both a tool and a weapon, and the battle axe for soldiers. Another well-known axe, the tomahawk, was used almost exclusively by Indigenous peoples in North America. War tomahawks were thrown, while pipe tomahawks served ceremonial and diplomatic purposes.

Axe throwing as we know it today has roots in Canada's lumberjack traditions. Workers in logging camps tested their skills by throwing axes at targets in friendly competitions. It was a way to let off steam while sharpening their skills. The tradition gradually developed into a competitive sport, with the first formal competitions in the early 20th century.

In recent years, axe throwing has enjoyed a revival, attracting people of different ages and backgrounds. From corporate team-building events to competitive leagues, it has carved out a place among leisure sports. Urban axe-throwing venues have helped drive this revival by providing controlled settings where people can learn under the guidance of trained professionals.

Alma Park in Gelsenkirchen brings this tradition into a modern leisure setting, with axe throwing alongside a wide range of other activities. It is an ideal destination for an unusual day out. Axe throwing here offers more than a game: it connects today's adventurers with a centuries-old practice and the thrill of landing that perfect throw.