Düsseldorf Germany, settled on the banks of the River Rhine, is one of the bustling financial centers of the country. With dozens of events happening throughout the year, the city is most well known for its humming activity, including the nightlife, fashion, shopping, and trade fairs. The Kirmes fun fair, stretching out over nine days of summer, draws over four million visitors to this Western German city each year. Carneval, which takes place in celebration of Mardi Gras and is an extraordinary occurrence in Düsseldorf; it is a fete not to be missed if you are in the area just before the Lenten season. Scattered across the city are a variety of charming monuments and sights, such as Benrath Palace and Park, Hofgarten, the first public park in Germany, Konigsallee, the main street of the city split by a canal, running down the center of the road, Burgplatz, and Old Town, two delightful districts of the city.

Düsseldorf Germany History

Düsseldorf is first mentioned in text in 1135 AD, when Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa reigned. At the time, to the north of the town, Kaiserswerth became a fortification, where the Rhine could be kept under watch, today, Kaiserswerth is a suburb of Düsseldorf. Fifty years later, Düsseldorf fell under the rule of the Counts of Berg; the castle where the Bergs resided has since been destroyed, save the tower, which is still open to the public today as a nautical museum and coffee shop. One of the most important dates is that on which, following a passionate struggle with the Archbishop of Cologne, the reigning Count of Berg, Adolf V, citizens in his favor, granted town privileges to the village after emerging triumphant from the War of Worringen.

Germany Map

Old Town & Burgplatz

Burgplatz is a pleasant area of the city, encompassing several attractions, including the Castle Tower, the only remains of the once splendiferous castle of the Bergs; City Monument, a sculpture by artist Bert Gerresheim, donated by the Düsseldorfer Jongens Society in honor of the 700th anniversary of the city’s establishment; and the Cartwheelers, a sculpture commemorating the tradition of joyful cartwheeling that began after the War of Worringen, when the soldiers returned home, the children were to joyful they ran about cartwheeling. Old Town is a resurrected portion of the city that was destroyed after World War II and rebuilt according to historical blueprints, making it look particularly historic. In Old Town, visitors and locals congregate for the stores, coffee shops, brew houses, restaurants, and bars; the district is active day and night, especially on weekends.

Rhine River Cruises & Rhine River Promenade

Along the River Rhine is a beautiful promenade, praised as the most beautiful in Germany, where folks can stroll, sit at coffee shops, and watch people, the river and boats. Strictly constructed for pedestrians, vehicles have been prohibited from the underground tunnel with the intention of creating a commons area by the river. Tour cruises are offered on the River Rhine, taking passengers along the river and docking at various points on the promenade. Dusseldorf is also a frequent port call for ships on longer Germany river cruises.

Düsseldorf Hotels & Lodging

Accommodations in Düsseldorf range over all budgets, from hostels to luxury resort hotels, all offering unique experiences. Oftentimes, vacationers will find a wealth of friendly advice at hostels and bed & breakfasts. The finer hotels in the city offer great views of the city and river, as well as a selection of desirable amenities. Centrally located near Old Town is the five star Intercontinental, featuring well-appointed rooms and suites, a fitness center, restaurant, and bar. Set right in heart of the harbor and with stunning views of the river, the sleek Hyatt Regency (pictured) offers a variety of dining options, bars and lounges (including a smoking room).