Duisburg Favorites

Favorite thing: Some decades ago, there was nothing in the Ruhr area but industrial sites and mines and dirt. Today lots of people think it's still the same, but the region has changed so much over the last years, and as you can see, there are lots of trees and green areas around. Nature is taking over again!

Favorite thing: ... I walked to the River Rhine, 10 minutes from my house. During a busy week I pass this bridge several times as it connects the "Niederrhein" (country side of Germany's low lands neighboring to Netherlands)with the industrial part of the City of Duisburg, known to be the biggest inland harbor of Europe. The place where the Ruhr meets the Rhine is historically important for much more than the transshipment industry.

Fondest memory: This year temperatures are extremly hot in summer as it was yesterday with 40.2 C (104 F!!). Level of the water is extremly low and where I am standing normally the water flows.

Favorite thing: The Duisburg Zoo is an absolute must see if you’re in or around Duisburg. It is on huge premises and is one of the best-kept zoos you are ever likely to find. It has the biggest ape house in Europe and has successfully managed to raise dolphins and whales in captivity.

Don’t miss the dolphin show or the whale feeding…..

Favorite thing: Duisburg is a patron city of modern art. Among the more interesting sculptures to see is this huge fountain in the middle of the city by Niki de Saint Phalle, or Catherine Marie-Agnés Fal de Saint Phalle, daughter of a French banker and an American. The colourful fountain is called the "Oiseau amoureux Fountain". The Duisburgers cover their mouths when they say "the Birdman doing a fat chick".

Fondest memory: You can see a number of modern sculptures without paying anything in the pedestrian zone in downtown Duisburg, or in the Immanuel Kant Park nearby, where the Lehmbruck Museum is located.

Favorite thing: One of the most refreshing things you can do if the weather is nice is to talk a long walk along the banks of the Rhine. Since there are no hills between here and the North Sea, you can almost always expect a fresh breeze from the West in the afternoon.

Favorite thing: Landschaftpark Nord is a huge park on the grounds of a former ironworks. Here you can walk around for hours just looking at old factory buildings and wild nature. On weekend evenings the main buildings are illuminated which is really nice as well!

Favorite thing: Well, being in Duisburg for one hour, I can't really tell much, but the park in the center was nice.

Anyhow, to find out more, check the official site:
www.Duisburg,de

Favorite thing: …. And remember: You’re not Crocodile Dundee.