Duisburg Profile ⇒ Facts, Highlights & Attractions

Duisburg – often referred to as the "port city of the Ruhr area" – is a city with many facets. It combines a proud industrial history with modern urbanity and an impressive water landscape. Known for having the largest inland port in the world and its role in the heart of the Ruhr area, Duisburg surprises with green parks, cultural highlights, and vibrant urban development. Whether you want to walk in the footsteps of industrial culture or enjoy nature along the Rhine and Ruhr rivers – Duisburg has something to offer for everyone.

• Unique industrial culture: Discover the decommissioned blast furnaces and factories that are now cultural venues.
• A port like no other: The Port of Duisburg is the largest inland port in the world and an impressive testament to logistics.
• Green recreation: With the Duisburg City Forest and the Landscape Park North, there are numerous opportunities for nature lovers.
• Vibrant neighborhoods: From the multicultural Marxloh to the maritime Innenhafen – Duisburg showcases its diversity.
• Cultural diversity: The Lehmbruck Museum and the Duisburg Theatre represent the artistic side of the city.

• Population: Around 500,000 people live in Duisburg.
• Area: With 232 km², Duisburg is one of the largest cities in the Ruhr area.
• Foundation: The origins date back to the 5th century.
• Inner Harbor: The Duisburg Harbor covers an area of over 10 km² and is the largest of its kind in the world.
• Rhine and Ruhr: Two significant rivers flow through the city – a rare geographical advantage.
• Industrial Culture: Duisburg is part of the Route of Industrial Culture, one of the most important tourist routes in the Ruhr area.
• Landschaftspark Nord: A decommissioned steelworks that is now one of the most impressive leisure and cultural sites in the region.
• Multicultural Diversity: Over 130 nations are represented in Duisburg, making the city a cultural melting pot.
• Duisburg-Essen University: With over 40,000 students, the university is one of the largest in Germany.
• Tiger & Turtle: A walkable sculpture that looks like a roller coaster, it is one of the city's most modern landmarks.
• Sports: MSV Duisburg is the traditional football club of the city and an institution in German football.
• Steel Location: Duisburg remains a center of the steel industry in Europe.
• Film City: The Duisburg Film Week is an important festival for documentary films.

Duisburg's location at the Rhine and Ruhr rivers made the city an important trading center early on. Already in the Middle Ages, it was a significant hub for the transport of goods and a prosperous Hanseatic city. In 1120, Duisburg was granted city rights.

The Industrialization: Steel, Coal, and Port

With the beginning of the 19th century, Duisburg developed into one of the most important cities of industrialization. Above all, the steel and coal industries shaped the cityscape. The inland port became a hub for raw materials and products. Duisburg became known as the "city of steelworks" and was one of the central locations for German heavy industry.

Structural Change: From Industry to Culture

After the decline of the coal and steel industries in the second half of the 20th century, Duisburg began to reinvent itself. The structural change brought projects such as the Landscape Park North and the development of the inner harbor. Today, Duisburg is a cultural and logistical hub in the Ruhr area.

Duisburg is divided into seven districts, each consisting of several neighborhoods. Each district has its own character and charm.

District	Neighborhoods	Known for?
Center	Dellviertel Old Town	City center Inner harbor Cultural highlights
South	Buchholz Huckingen	Recreation areas Sportpark Wedau
Walsum	Vierlinden Aldenrade	Historical colliery colonies Rhein promenade
Hamborn	Marxloh Neumühl	Multicultural flair Duisburg Central Mosque
Meiderich/Beeck	Meiderich Beeck	Landscape Park North Industrial monuments
Rheinhausen	Friemersheim Bergheim	Living in greenery Rhine bank
Homberg/Ruhrort/Baerl	Ruhrort Baerl Homberg	Duisburg Harbor Maritime atmosphere

 

Duisburg is not only a city with history but also an important economic hub and educational center in the region. The mix of industry, logistics, and culture makes the city unique.

Population Statistics: Who Lives in Duisburg?

• Population: About 500,000 people live in Duisburg.
• Age structure: The average age is 44 years.
• Migration background: Around 35% of the population has foreign roots, making Duisburg one of the most multicultural cities in Germany.
• Population density: Approximately 2,160 inhabitants per km².

Key Industries

Duisburg is known for its steel industry and its role as a logistics center, but it has also developed in other areas.

• Steel industry: Duisburg remains an important location for German steel production, particularly through thyssenkrupp's facilities.
• Logistics and trade: With the largest inland port in the world, Duisburg is a key junction for international goods transportation.
• Education: The University of Duisburg-Essen is among the leading higher education institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia.
• Services: Banks, insurance companies, and IT service providers have gained significance in recent years.
• Energy sector: Duisburg is increasingly developing as a site for renewable energy and environmental technologies.

Economic Overview

The city significantly contributes to the economy of the Ruhr area, with a focus on logistics and industry. However, sustainable technologies and cultural projects are also becoming important to broaden its economic base.

Whether it's spectacular events, relaxing excursion destinations, or insider tips – Duisburg has much more to offer than meets the eye. Let the city's diversity inspire you and discover exciting aspects off the beaten path.

Events You Shouldn't Miss

Every year, Duisburg attracts people from near and far with a variety of events. From music and culture to sports and gastronomy, there’s something for everyone.

The Most Important Events in Duisburg

Event	Period	Info	Admission
Ruhrort Harbor Festival	July	One of the largest maritime festivals in Germany with fireworks	Free
Duisburg Film Week	November	A festival for documentary films with international renown	From €10
Duisburg Dances!	September	A dance festival with performances and workshops throughout the city	Free
Light Market in Landscape Park North	November/December	Atmospheric Christmas ambiance amid industrial backdrops	Free
Ironman 70.3 Duisburg	August	International triathlon with spectacular routes through the city	Variable

Tip: The harbor festival in Ruhrort is particularly impressive. The grand fireworks over the water and the various activities draw thousands of visitors every year.

Recommendations for Your Stay in Duisburg

The city offers numerous opportunities for exciting excursions, romantic moments, or relaxing family experiences. Here you will find the best tips for your visit.

Five Destinations in and Around Duisburg

1. Six Lakes Plateau: A recreational area that delights with hiking and cycling paths, swimming opportunities, and viewpoints. The Wolfsberg observation tower offers a panoramic view over the lakes.
2. Ruhrort Harbor Scenery: The charming streets of Ruhrort and the maritime atmosphere around the harbor are perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
3. Küppersmühle Museum (MKM): Modern art in an impressive former grain mill – a cultural highlight at the inland port.
4. Duisburg Sports Park: A vast recreational area with a climbing garden, water sports opportunities, and an impressive regatta area.
5. Bieger Park: One of the most beautiful parks in the city, ideal for walks, picnics, and relaxing hours in nature.

Three Recommendations for Couples

1. Boat Trip through Duisburg Harbor: Enjoy the special atmosphere of a romantic tour through the heart of the city.
2. Dinner at the Inland Harbor: The restaurants along the water offer atmospheric settings and excellent food.
3. Light Show in the Landscape Park: Especially in the evening, the park transforms into a romantic setting with its impressive light installation.

Three Recommendations for Singles

1. Bar Tour in Dellviertel: The vibrant bar scene in this district is perfect for meeting new people.
2. Climbing Park in Duisburg Sports Park: An active way to meet like-minded individuals and have fun.
3. Open-Air Cinema in the Landscape Park: Enjoy films in a unique industrial setting – ideal for a relaxed evening.

Three Recommendations for Families

1. Duisburg Zoo: The dolphinarium and the lemur island are especially highlights for young and old alike.
2. Adventure Playground at Toeppersee: With slides, climbing frames, and a large sunbathing area, it's perfect for a day trip.
3. Children's Tours in the Landscape Park: Exciting tours where children can learn playfully about industrial culture.

Three Hotel Recommendations in Duisburg

1. Mercure Hotel Duisburg City (4 stars): Centrally located, modern rooms, and a breakfast buffet that leaves nothing to be desired.
2. Hotel Rheingarten (3 stars): Located directly on the Rhine, this hotel offers great views and a peaceful atmosphere.
3. Youth Hostel Duisburg Landscape Park: An unusual accommodation right on the grounds of Landscape Park North – perfect for travelers seeking something special.

The city offers numerous opportunities for exciting excursions, romantic moments, or relaxed family experiences. Here you will find the best tips for your visit.

Five Excursion Destinations in and around Duisburg

1. Six Lakes Plateau: A recreation area that delights with hiking and cycling trails, swimming options, and viewpoints. The Wolfsberg observation tower offers a panoramic view over the lakes.
2. Ruhrort Harbour Scenery: The charming streets of Ruhrort and the maritime atmosphere around the port are perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
3. Küppersmühle Museum (MKM): Modern art in an impressive, former grain mill – a cultural highlight at the inland port.
4. Sportpark Duisburg: A huge leisure area with a climbing garden, water sports opportunities, and an impressive regatta area.
5. Biegerpark: One of the most beautiful parks in the city, ideal for walks, picnics, and relaxed hours in nature.

Three Recommendations for Couples

1. Boat trip through Duisburg Harbour: Enjoy the special atmosphere of a romantic tour through the heart of the city.
2. Dinner at the Inland Port: The restaurants along the water offer atmospheric settings and excellent food.
3. Light Show in the Landscape Park: Especially in the evening, the park transforms into a romantic setting with its impressive light installations.

Three Recommendations for Singles

1. Bar tour through Dellviertel: The vibrant bar scene in this district is ideal for meeting new people.
2. Climbing Park in Sportpark Duisburg: An active way to meet like-minded individuals and have fun.
3. Open-air cinema in the Landscape Park: Enjoy movies in a unique industrial setting – perfect for a relaxed evening.

Three Recommendations for Families

1. Duisburg Zoo: Especially the dolphinarium and the lemur island are highlights for both young and old.
2. Adventure Playgrounds at Toeppersee: With slides, climbing frames, and a large sunbathing area, it's perfect for a day trip.
3. Children's Tours in the Landscape Park: Exciting tours where children can learn about industrial culture in a playful way.

Three Hotel Recommendations in Duisburg

1. Mercure Hotel Duisburg City (4 stars): Centrally located, modern rooms, and a breakfast buffet that leaves nothing to be desired.
2. Hotel Rheingarten (3 stars): Located right on the Rhine, this hotel offers great views and a peaceful atmosphere.
3. Youth Hostel Duisburg Landscape Park: An unusual accommodation right on the grounds of the Landscape Park North – perfect for travelers seeking something special.

A visit to Duisburg can be well-planned if you keep a few basic things in mind. Here you will find helpful tips for getting there and for your stay.

How to get to Duisburg

• By train: Duisburg Central Station is a major hub and is easily accessible from all major German cities. The ICE train will take you to DüD?sseldorf, Cologne, or the Ruhr area in a short time.
• By car: Duisburg is excellently connected to the highway network via the A3, A40, and A59. However, be aware of the environmental zone in the city center.
• By plane: Düsseldorf Airport is only 20 kilometers away. By train or car, you can reach the city center in about 20 minutes.

No-Gos in Duisburg

• Don’t underestimate the size of the city: Duisburg is large in area, so you should plan enough time to explore the different neighborhoods.
• Going to the Landschaftspark without warm clothing: The park is cooler than the surrounding areas even in summer due to the old industrial facilities.
• Being late at the harbor: Especially during events, you should arrive early to secure a good spot.

Whether you are looking for exciting industrial culture, relaxing green spaces, or vibrant city life – Duisburg uniquely brings all of this together. The blend of historical significance, modern change, and vibrant culture makes the city a fascinating travel destination that continues to surprise.