Duisburg: World's Largest Inland Seaport Reinvented with Culture - Rhineland, Germany
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Königsstraße “Fountain Mile” - a.k.a. the “Lifesaver” statue
Destinations > Europe > Germany > Duisburg: World’s Largest Inland Seaport Reinvented with Culture
Duisburg: Reinvented with Culture and Nature
Duisburg is a gem of a German city between Düsseldorf and Essen in the western part of the country. Located on the Rhine, the rich history of the area is deeply tied to Germany’s industrial past.
During the Industrial Revolution, large iron and steel producing firms sprang up in this inland port city and quickly made it a major logistical center in the Ruhr area. During World War II, that made it a primary target of the Allied forces, and “the single most heavily bombed German city” with a total of 299 bombing raids. Roughly 80 percent of Duisburg had been completely or partly destroyed. However, with the largest inland seaport in the world, the whole city managed to be rebuilt overtime.
That allowed Duisburg to be reimagined, and recreated, as something completely new - a transforming sustainable city, focused on nature development, ecological objectives, and cultural aspects all while retaining an echo of its industrial past. Today, it is full of green spaces, arts, crafts, and an abundance of cultural treasures.
Learn more about this country, and its customs and culture, by reading the short Culture Smart! book today!
Wyndham Duisburger Hof - next to Theater Duisburg and the Duisburg Philharmonic
Where to stay in Duisburg: Wyndham Duisburger Hof
You can’t stay in a more central location in Duisburg than the Wyndham Duisburger Hof. Located within a 5 minute walk from the main train station, it’s the perfect starting point for your Duisburg adventure.
The hotel offers breakfast, but it is also only a block away from Königstraße – the Main Street in the city center. FORUM Duisburg, a large shopping mall, as well as many standalone shops and restaurants are all along the pedestrian street. Starting in November until the end of December, you’ll also find the Duisburg Christmas Market – the longest running Christmas market in Germany. Book your stay here.
Old Market Archeological Site (left) and Duisburg City Hall, a.k.a. “Rathaus Duisburg” (right)
Duisburg: Scavenger Hunt through the City
Immerse yourself in a German experience with a scavenger hunt through Duisburg. You’ll get to discover the sights of Duisburg and learn their historical background in a fun game as you solve puzzles which point you to your next destination.
The scavenger hunt can be done solo or with groups of up to 10 people. It starts at Königstraße and includes stops at the new inner harbor, Kantpark, Dellplatz, and more. Choose your adventure date here.
Alternatively, book a guide to show you some of the most amazing filming locations located in Duisburg!
View from the top - Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
Germany has a complicated history that encompasses both nature and industry, and Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord showcases both sides of these apparent opposites. Recrafting an abandoned industrial site, the designers integrated the natural world and the industrial history of the area. Rather than remove the ruins, they incorporated and repurposed them into a vast wonderland that now includes a diving center, a climbing garden, a ropes course, and a viewing tower. Hike the parklands or explore on bicycle. There are guided tours that delve into the area’s industrial past, and be sure to catch the evening light shows.
Konig Brewhouse - Wirtshaus in Duisburg
Konig Brewery
Visitors to Duisburg won’t want to miss Konig Brewery, located northwest of the city. This historic landmark was founded in 1858, and has been brewing the pilsner it’s famous for since 1911. Take a tour of the brewery to learn about the history and their brewing process. At the end of the tour, you can try out the various brews and have a snack to go with them.
Apart from the Konig Brewery itself, there is also a Konig Brewhouse located in the city of Duisburg as well.
Stop at the Konig Brewhouse for a bite to eat and a local pint when you make it to the Duisburg Inner Harbor area during the scavenger hunt!
Haus Hartenfels - Duisburg City Forest
Duisburg City Forest
Duisburg City Forest, or Duisburger Stadtwald, is part of a series of urban green spaces that taken together create 30 square kilometers of forested parkland. In addition to the expected walking trails, there are also spaces dedicated to natural education about the local flora and fauna, art spaces including a sculpture path, dedicated cycling paths, and bridle paths for horseback riding. Be sure to check out the wild boar enclosure next to the forester’s house.
Lion enclosure - Duisburg Zoo
Duisburg Zoo
If you’re interested in wildlife, another great stop is the Duisburg Zoo. The zoological gardens are home to more the 5000 animals from all over the world, and they take conservation and the welfare of their animals very seriously. You can also spend some family fun time in the play areas, pirate ship, or the low rope course. There are refreshments throughout the park and plenty of open green spaces where you can enjoy them.
View from Duisburg Inner Harbor park
Duisburg Inner Harbor
Duisburg Inner Harbor, connected to the Rhine River and the world’s largest inland port, was a locus of industry and trade, particularly at the height of the Industrial Revolution. With the decline of trade, the area became somewhat run down, but various renovation projects have been on-going since the 1980s, and now the area is home to an art museum, a culture and history museum, and a wide variety of restaurants and pubs overlooking the water. A walking bridge connects the marina to a Garden of Remembrance memorial.
Explore this area more with the Duisburg city scavenger hunt!
Duisburg Theater
Theater Duisburg
For fans of culture, a visit to the Theater Duisburg is a must. The opera house was originally built in 1912, but it was destroyed in World War II. After the war the theatre was rebuilt in the dramatic Neo-classical style you see today. The opera company that performs there also performs in Düsseldorf, but the Duisburg Philharmonic and other performances also call the theatre home, so be sure to check out the schedule and see what’s coming up when you’ll be visiting.
This is one of the locations you’ll stop at on the Duisburg scavenger hunt!
Flic Flac - DIE Show!
Flic Flac - DIE Show!
When it comes to theatrical entertainment, be sure not to miss Flic Flac - DIE Show! A circus performance founded by brothers in the 1980s, Flic Flac was a touring show. However, in October of 2021 they opened a permanent site in Duisburg, giving guests the opportunity to regularly experience the wonder of their acrobatics and stunts, and the humor of their slapstick and musical numbers. The wholesome fun and technical intricacy definitely make it worth the show.
Moers Castle Park - Grafschafter Musenhof
Grafschafter Musenhof
Across the Rhine to the west of Duisburg, a fun outing is the Schlosspark in Moers. While the castle may look somewhat small from the outside, the real treasure in Moers Castle Park is Grafschafter Musenhof. The museum demonstrates what life in the castle would have been like, and delves deeply in to the rich history of the area. The living history demonstrations and displays are easy to understand, even if you don’t speak German, providing a glimpse into the past from Roman times through to the present.
Historic City Wall of Duisburg - adjacent to the Culture and City History Museum of Duisburg and the Museum Garden at Duisburg Inner Harbor park
Duisburg Reimagined
With the world’s largest inland port, incredible green spaces and a rich and ancient history, Duisburg offers a wide variety of cultural and outdoor activities while retaining its history. There is truly something for everyone in here. Additionally, it makes for an amazing central point for visiting the many Christmas Markets in the area during the holiday season!
Learn more about this country, and its customs and culture, by reading the short Culture Smart! book today!
FAQ’s
How can I get to Duisburg by public transportation and how much does it cost?
You can get to Duisburg by train, bus, or tram from various cities in Germany and neighboring countries. The price depends on the distance and the type of ticket you choose. You can use the VRR website or the Deutsche Bahn website to plan your journey and buy tickets online. Alternatively, you can use the eezy app to check in and out of public transport services and pay only for the distance you travel.
What are some of the cultural events and festivals that take place in Duisburg?
Duisburg hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Duisburger Akzente (https://www.duisburger-akzente.de/), a festival focusing on modern social, political, and cultural topics; the Duisburger Filmwoche (https://www.duisburger-filmwoche.de/), a documentary film festival; the Traumzeit Festival (https://www.traumzeit-festival.de/), a music festival featuring diverse genres and artists; the Duisburger Weihnachtsmarkt (https://www.duisburg.de/microsites/weihnachtsmarkt/), a Christmas market with over 130 stalls and attractions; and the Duisburger Hafenfest (https://www.duisburg.de/microsites/hafenfest/), a harbor festival celebrating the city's maritime heritage.
What are some of the best places to eat and drink in Duisburg?
Duisburg offers a range of culinary options, from traditional German dishes to international cuisine. Some of the best places to eat and drink in Duisburg are: Bolero Duisburg (https://duisburg.bolerobar.de/), a restaurant and cocktail bar with a Latin American flair; Brauhaus Webster (https://www.brauhaus-webster.de/), a brewery and restaurant serving local beer and hearty food; Finkenkrug (https://www.finkenkrug-duisburg.de/), a cozy pub with a fireplace and a beer garden; Küppersmühle (https://www.restaurant-kueppersmuehle.de/), a fine dining restaurant with a view of the inner harbor; and Pizzeria Pinocchio (https://www.pizzeria-pinocchio-duisburg.de/), a family-run pizzeria with authentic Italian pizza and pasta.
Family Photo - Duisburg City Forest
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