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North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Make the most of your time in North Rhine-Westphalia, use the information provided on this web site by clicking on the links to plan your visit.

North Rhine-Westphalia, commonly abbreviated to NRW, is the westernmost Federal State in Germany and the industrial heart of Europe. With over 18 million inhabitants, NRW accounts for some 22% of Germany’s GDP and 20% of its population, making it the most densely populated state in Germany. More than half of the NRW population live in one of the region’s great cities, such as Dusseldorf, Dortmund, Cologne or Duisberg. The Rhine, Ruhr, Wupper, Lippe and Erms rivers also flow through the region, creating the perfect contrast between thriving city and unspoiled river valley.

As the most populated part of Germany NRW is home to some of Europe’s most dynamic cities. Cologne is the largest and most famous city in North Rhine-Westphalia. In addition to having one of Europe’s most spectacular cathedrals, the city has twelve Romanesque churches and is the seat of the Archbishop of the richest archbishopric in Europe. Despite extensive damage during World War II, much of the historic old town is still intact and is a joy to explore on a fine spring or summer day.

The elegant city of Dusseldorf is NRW’s state capital. As a key industrial centre, much of Dusseldorf was destroyed during the war, but has mercifully been reconstructed in faithful and elegant style. Dissected by the mighty River Rhine, Dusseldorf is known far and wide for the many exclusive boutiques and galleries on Königsallee and for the incredible number of pubs in the old town, including the ‘longest bar in the world’. Other towns worthy of note include Essen, Bonn and the university city of Munster.

However, NRW is so much more than Germany’s industrial heartland. Bordered by Belgium and the Netherlands to the west, NRW is one of the most culturally diverse regions of Germany. The natural beauty of the Rhine-Ruhr area is also second to none, from the flat Münsterland region and highland areas such as the Sauerland to the volcanic Eifel region and the romantic Lower Rhine. The Teutoburg Forest is also to be found here. In the year 9 A.D. Germanic tribes under Arminus annhiliated three Roman legions and put an end to Roman rule east of the Rhine. Today a  54-metre high monument commemorating the victory stands near Detmold.

And with an abundance of hiking and cycling trails taking in a wealth of Medieval castles, Renaissance palaces and unspoiled lakes, hills and valleys, North Rhine-Westphalia has everything to offer the inrepid tourist.
 

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