Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is one of the German capitals of culture, industry, fashion and lifestyle. Undoubtedly this is one of the richest and most prosperous cities in Germany. Düsseldorf is located in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the whole city is spread on an area of 217 sq. km. Residents of Düsseldorf are about 600 000 and of these about 100 000 are foreigners. The largest group of foreigners is the 15 000 Turks. A curious fact is that over 300 000 people living in Düsseldorf are women. Düsseldorf is one of the largest commercial, industrial and port cities along the Rhine.

In historical texts Dusseldorf was mentioned for the first time in 1135, but only in 1288 was recognized as a town. In the 18th century, it developed rapidly, but this period of "flowering" was soon marred by violent clashes during the Napoleonic wars. After this, the town suddenly started to decline, but not for long. As usual, after a period of decline, comes a period of prosperity. Düsseldorf received a boost during the Industrial Revolution, which drove a fast local economy. Thanks to the sound economic situation, the population Düsseldorf gradually starts to increase.

Thus, from 100 000 in 1882, residents of the western German city reached 200 000 in a period of 10 years. Serial difficult times Düsseldorf occurred during the First and Second World Wars. They are the reason that in the 40s of last century, the city looked dilapidated, surrounded by ruins. Quite quickly, after the Second World War, Düsseldorf recovered and again began hard work in development and expansion and this period of prosperity continues to this day.

One of the main attractions of Düsseldorf is Königsallee. Here, in a distance of only one kilometer are collected most of the banks, expensive restaurants, chic shops and boutiques in Düsseldorf. The historic heart of the German city is undoubtedly the Old Town (Die Altstadt), also known under the name "längsten Theke der Welt" (The longest bar in the world). The name is no accident and comes from the fact that there may be visited more than 250 restaurants and other colorful German pubs. Düsseldorf has some of the best shopping malls in the world. Be sure not to miss the opportunity to visit the old town and visit some of the more than 260 restaurants and pubs and, of course, the longest bar in the world.

Düsseldorf has several universities (Fachhochschule Düsseldorf, Robert-Schumann-Hochschule Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf), an Academy of Arts and numerous opportunities for graduate, professional programs, international programs, study abroad and language courses. The city most regularly holds trade fairs, exhibitions and fairs of various commodities.

In the Old Town of Düsseldorf, directly opposite the Rhine Burgplattz is where you can visit a restored medieval castle. Today from it remains only one large tower, which was last renovated in 1995, it houses the Maritime Museum.

Other cities are close to Düsseldorf are Duisburg, Essen and Cologne.