Düsseldorf

🎭 Activities

• Japan Day – May: This colorful festival celebrates Japanese culture with music, dance, and traditional food, culminating in a spectacular fireworks show over the Rhine. It attracts thousands of visitors eager to experience Japanese traditions and atmosphere. 

• Kirmes am Rhein – July: One of Germany’s largest fairs, located along the Rhine, offers plenty of attractions, food stalls, and a festive atmosphere for all ages. It’s an event enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike. 

• Christmas Market – December: The Christmas markets in Düsseldorf are renowned for their cozy atmosphere, unique stalls, and delicious warm drinks like mulled wine and hot chocolate. It’s the perfect place to get into the holiday spirit. 

• Düsseldorfer Karneval – February: The Düsseldorfer Karneval is one of the largest in the country, featuring colorful parades, costumes, and parties that bring the city to life. The celebration attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. 

• Rheinisches Fischmarkt – Monthly: Each month, the Rhine Fish Market comes alive along the Rhine, offering fresh fish, street food, and the vibrant atmosphere of market stalls. It’s a beloved spot for both locals and tourists. 

• Altbier Safari – All Year: In Düsseldorf, you can join the Altbier Safari year-round, visiting local breweries and tasting the famous Altbier. It’s a fantastic way to discover the city’s unique beer culture. 

• Boot Düsseldorf – January: Boot Düsseldorf is one of the world’s largest water sports trade shows, showcasing a wide range of boats, accessories, and water sports technology. It attracts visitors from around the globe interested in the latest trends on the water. 

• Jazz Rally Düsseldorf – May: During the Jazz Rally, live jazz performances are held at various locations throughout the city, making it a festival for music lovers from around the world. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see both established and emerging artists. 

• Rhine Marathon – April: The Rhine Marathon, held in April, draws both professional runners and recreational participants who race along the picturesque Rhine. It’s a sporting event that unites the city and attracts huge crowds of spectators. 
• Open Source Festival – June: The Open Source Festival is an alternative music and arts festival that focuses on creativity and innovation. It provides a unique setting for artists and musicians to share their work with a passionate audience.
• Filmkunstkinos Festival – October: During the Filmkunstkinos Festival, arthouse films and exclusive premieres are screened in Düsseldorf’s classic cinemas. It offers film enthusiasts a chance to enjoy high-quality, often independent cinema. 
• Pflanzenmarkt im Botanischen Garten – April/May: The plant market in the botanical garden offers a wide range of rare plants and flowers, perfect for gardening enthusiasts looking to expand their collections. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy nature and discover new plants. 

🔹 Small Facts

• Düsseldorf Mustard Tradition: Known since the 18th century for its spicy mustard, a significant export product still made using traditional recipes. 

• Fortifications of Düsseldorf: Until the 19th century, Düsseldorf was surrounded by city walls and moats, remnants of which lie hidden under the streets and are sometimes archaeologically explored. 

• Lambertus Tower Mystery: The leaning tower of St. Lambertus Church is a striking city feature, said to have tilted due to an ill-fated marriage blessed by the church. 

• Altbier Rivalry: Düsseldorf has long-standing rivalry with Cologne over which city brews the best beer, with Altbier and Kölsch as their iconic representatives. 

• Underground Rhine Water Pipeline: Secret tunnels constructed in the 19th century to transport Rhine water to the city still exist and often inspire urban legends. 

• Napoleon in Düsseldorf: When Napoleon visited in 1811, he used the city as a strategic base for his military campaigns in Germany and strengthened the harbor. 

• Hofgarten as Germany’s First Park: Established in 1769, Hofgarten was Germany’s first public park, designed as a green space for both nobility and commoners. 

• Historical Market Statues: At Carlsplatz, statues depict ancient trades like the lamplighter and cooper, professions that have since disappeared. 

• Rheinturm Light Clock: The lights on the Rheinturm form the world’s largest decimal clock, allowing you to read the time. 

• Fire of 1288: A devastating city fire in 1288 destroyed almost all of Düsseldorf, after which it was rebuilt with wider streets and stone houses for safety.