This is actually a local custom for Hannover but since I’ve never been there and was introduced to it by Hanover transplant Sabsi who now resides in Düsseldorf I’ll put it here. She thoughtfully gave me a special little glass set for my birthday and we got down to business on her balcony. It seems she did not trust her guest to not spill something on her floor! You fill the bigger glass with a brown beer typical of Hanover and the smaller one with clear and potent schnapps. The trick is to drink them both simultaneously without spilling any. It sure seemed I managed it at the time but from the photos it seems a no go. D obviously was an immediate pro.
Updated Jan 15, 2008
There is an old tradition of wheeling in the city (no idea if they were famous wainwrights here or what) and these days cartwheeling is still done by children in the street, usually to collect money for some charity. Outside the Uerige brewpub is this "Radschläger" sculpture to further emphasise this tradition and if anyone can tell me how it all started or why it is so big in Düsseldorf, feel free :)
Written Nov 28, 2006
Düsseldorf lives somewhat in the shadow of its bigger and more famous neighbour Cologne. Competition between the two cities has traditionally been strong, and it is no different now. The rivalry is particularly keen when it comes to beer, with both cities having distinctive and quite different beers. Cologne's beer, a style called Kölsch, is pale and more like a lager, whereas Düsseldorf's Alt beer is darker and similar to British ales. Ordering a glass of Dom Kölsch will not make you very popular, nor will making unflattering comparisons between Düsseldorf and Cologne.
Written Jan 6, 2005
Radschläger wolle mer blieve, wie jeck et de Minsche och drieve.
It's probably some kind of sport for any child in the world but for Düsseldorf turning cartwheels has been a tradition for a many centuries. It was entertainment for visitors of fairs and festivities and begging at the same time - the boys would get a penny or two for each cartwheel.
Today the Radschläger have become a symbol for Düsseldorf, with monuments all around the city, made of cake, the fountain (in the picture), songs, and an annual tournament on the Kö. And girls are allowed these days as well.
Written Dec 14, 2004
A big tradition in Germany is being member of a shooting club, and these people are also famous for having a "Kirmes", huge festivals with funfairs in the summer, when they crown their shooting king and queen.
Part of the festival is always a parade (or more than one) through the city to the festival grounds.
In Düsseldorf the Kirmes takes place every July with a huuuuge funfair. In the picture you can see one of the parades.
On the Friday night they have 30 minutes of fireworks which is a big thing! The fireworks itself it's not that spectacular but you have to go early to get a good spot to watch (take some beer!). All the passenger ships (ferries and the ones for excursions) are lit up and they line up on the river to watch the fireworks. I like the atmosphere, it's usually a nice warm summer evening and it's fun to scream ahhh and ohhhhh with the crowd ;-)
Updated Jul 23, 2004
Düsseldorf is Germany's Stag and Hen night paradise. The old town where you can basically fall from one pub into the other is the perfect location for these nights. So if you see people dressed up funnily and drunk - it's not carnival again. If you see people selling condoms or polishing shoes for money - their friends forced them to do so. It's a German tradition to make a fool out of yourself on those nights... Stupid, I know!
Written May 28, 2003
In the Middle Ages boys begged for money by doing cartwheels. The "Radschläger" is still a Düsseldorfer symbol which you can buy as a marzipan-"Radschläger" or find as a figure on a fountain (at the Burgplatz). Since 1971 there's a "Radschläger"-competion every year in summer on the Königsalle on which also girls can take part.
Since 1981 also Düsseldorfs English partnercity Reading owns a "Radschläger"-Monument.
Written Feb 7, 2003
Website: http://www.duesseldorf-radschlaeger.de/
OK, this sign in the picture says in the
Düsseldorf dialect something like that:
One request
Don't park here - that would harm us,
because Uerig-Beer is packed here.
Thank you (all)! The uerige
Now, if it was proper German,
it would be written like that:
Eine Bitte!
Parkt hier nicht - was würde uns schaden,
denn Uerig-Bier wird hier verladen.
Dank euch - der Uerige
Updated Sep 13, 2002
The symbol of Düsseldorf is the "Radschläger" (somebody who turns a wheel(?). In summer there is a Radschläger tournament along the Kö and I realised today that there is another tradition.
We sat in a bar and kids came up to us saying they were "Düsseldorfer Radschläger" and they turned a wheel for us and we gave them money. Kinda cute (if you see it the first time, ask me what I think about it again in a year ;)
On the pic you can see the Radschlägerbrunnen (Fountain) which you will find in the old town
Written Sep 9, 2002
Dusseldorf people don't really like the Cologne people. When in Düsseldorf don't ask where the cathedral is and don't order a Kölsch (but who would, anyway - the Altbier is soooo much nicer ;-). I have to used to the idea of not defending Cologne anymore tho... as I always wanted to move to Cologne actually...
On the picture you can see 'Cologne Kai' - VT member KaiM - trying to hide that he is from the other side of the Rhine ;-)
Written Aug 24, 2002
1 - 10 of 10
Sponsored Links
Radisson Blu Media Harbour Hotel, Dusseldorf Düsseldorf
3 Reviews and 74 Opinions Situated half way between the centre of town and the airport (well all right nearer the centre),...
InterContinental Duesseldorf Düsseldorf
1 Review and 58 Opinions wonderful,luxurious, and friendly, the very best when looking for the best staff knowledgable of all...
Sorat Hotel Düsseldorf
1 Review and 25 Opinions We had a very pleasant stay here! Spacious room and hospitable staff, nice beds too! Opulent...
Traditions tips and photos posted by real travelers and Düsseldorf locals.
Write a Review
Dusseldorf people don't really like the Cologne people. When in Düsseldorf don't ask where the cathedral is and don't order a Kölsch (but who would, anyway -...
212 members live in Düsseldorf

Q: Hi everybody! I'm planning to move to Düsseldorf next March to try to find a job there. Which are the best areas to live in? Which...

A: Unemployment is lower in southern Germany (Bayern, Baden-Württemberg) than it is in the mid-west, so why Düsseldorf of all places? Besides, I guess it would be best to...
Read 3 Replies
1
Die längste Theke der Welt and ... My new hometown

Düsseldorf is in the west of Germany, the capital city of Germany's most busy federal state, Northrhine Westphalia. And in 2002 it became my new hometown, I moved here to start a new job and somehow...
2

I arrived in Düsseldorf at 6.20am and immediately became confused by the map in the station, trying to leave by the main exit by walking out the back. This was my first experience with the haphazardly...
3

D?sseldorf is Germany's posh city. Expensive, designer stores and luxury shops. And the "natives" think they are little better than the rest of the world. At the same time they are famous for the......
4

I've got some interesting experiences in Düsseldorf. I'd love to share with you the 33 tips I've written, the 57 photos uploaded, and 3 travelogues I've created.
5

********************************************************* UNDER CONSTRUCTION FOR WORLD CUP 2006 ********************************************************* Hello, from today, 12.12. i am going to...
Build your own Düsseldorf page
Sponsored Links