The North-Rhine-Westphalia Land

The North-Rhine-Westphalia land is one of the largest lands of Northern - Western Germany. Stretching along the Rhine River this land comprises Westphalia and Northern part of the Rhine Province (see Germany maps). Although the land has quite history – it was founded in 1946 by merging former Prussian, some Rhine and Westphalia lands – it is worth a visit due to the rich art and culture heritage. Briefly speaking the land has developed such great cities as Cologne, Aachen, Bonn, its capital Düsseldorf and industrial area of Ruhr. Cologne and Aachen gained the valuable positions in the UNESCO World Heritage List due to their significant history, outstanding inhabitants and cultural heritage.

The most impressive part of the North-Rhine-Westphalia land is located along the Rhine River where mountainous highlands bounding green and picturesque forests, fields and lakes. This area history dates back the Roman Empire and remains tens of medieval castles located nearby each other.

The land capital – Düsseldorf, is next to Cologne on the Rhine River. The Düsseldorf status as a city dates back to the 13 th century although the settlement of Düssel existed from the 7 th century. The city does not beat Cologne in the architectural and historical heritage; however, it is honestly called the art center of Germany presenting eighteen museums, several theaters, concert halls and opera house. Here you can learn the history of glass, painting, music (both ancient and modern), film, ceramics and many other arts.

May be the most significant sights are those which represent the city’s great inhabitants – Goethe and Heine. Goethe-Institut and Heine-Institut comfortably settled along the Rhine River on Altstadt – the main and world-famous street in Düsseldorf. The heart of the city also delights its visitors with unique cuisine, medieval gothic churches including the famous St. Lambertus church.

The Düsseldorf center entertains tourists in the Hofgarten huge park and the riverside boulevard called King’s Alley. The ditch was piped in 1802 through the Düsseldorf center to provide its inhabitants with the Rhine River water. Later it was decorated with the trees and plants and architecturally designed. Now the King’s Alley is one of the most beautiful boulevards in Europe.

Related links:

Find the North-Rhine-Westphalia on Germany map

Enjoy the Düsseldorf virtual tour