North Rhine-Westphalia is a state of contrasts. With cosmopolitan cities like Cologne, a rich industrial heritage and the spectacular mountain landscapes of the Eifel region, this part of Germany is worth exploring.
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10 reasons to love North Rhine-Westphalia
Düsseldorf's Communication Tower
For centuries, Düsseldorf and its neighbor Cologne have been engaged in friendly rivalry. When it comes to business, art, or even tradition, the western cities are keen to outdo each other. In terms of modern architecture, Düsseldorf arguably has the edge, with its Rhine Tower, the Gehry buildings (right) and the Media Harbor. Behind the Rhine Tower: the state parliament building.
10 reasons to love North Rhine-Westphalia
Cologne Cathedral
the city's most famous landmark, Cologne Cathedral is known the world over. Towering almost 160 meters high, it dominates the skyline. While the foundations were laid in 1248, the cathedral was not completed until the nineteenth century. Inside, the Shrine of the Three Kings, a masterpiece crafted in gold and said to contain the bones of the Three Wise Men, is well worth a visit.
10 reasons to love North Rhine-Westphalia
Carnival in the Rhine Region
Every year, carnival revelers conquer the cities along the Rhine in the run-up to Ash Wednesday. Millions dress up in colorful costumes and celebrate in the streets and pubs. Things get particularly wild in Cologne, where Germany's biggest Rose Monday parade is held: When there are no COVID restrictions, around 12,000 carnival revelers parade through the streets, throwing sweets to onlookers.
10 reasons to love North Rhine-Westphalia
Former Government Quarters in Bonn
Another particularly notable city in the western German state is Bonn. It saw its heyday as the capital of West Germany from the post-war period right up to re-unification. Some of the old government buildings are now open to the public to visit today, while others have retained their function as ministerial centers. DW's headquarters are located in the "Schürmann-Bau" (below center of photo).
10 reasons to love North Rhine-Westphalia
Hiking in the Eifel Mountains
North Rhine-Westphalia doesn't just attract city slickers; it's a haven for nature-lovers too. With its varied landscapes, the Eifel mountain range is a big hit among cycling and hiking enthusiasts. The National Park prides itself on protecting the three "Ws": Water, Wildlife and Woodland. More than 7800 animal and plant species have been identified, of which a quarter are listed as endangered.
10 reasons to love North Rhine-Westphalia
Aachen Cathedral
In 1978, Aachen's Cathedral became the first German building to be listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Commissioned by Charles the Great, or Charlemagne as he is better known, the cathedral's foundations were laid in the year 796. The Aachen Cathedral Treasury houses the famous fourteenth-century Charlemagne Bust. The leader himself is buried in the church.
10 reasons to love North Rhine-Westphalia
Biking in Münster
When it comes to biking, Münster reigns supreme. The city of 300,000 inhabitants is apparently home to half a million bicycles. The city is synonymous with cycling, as this photograph of the Prinzipalmarkt square illustrates. The "Promenade" ring road, which circles the city, is restricted to pedestrians and cyclists. With more than 55,000 students, Münster is also a well-known university town.
10 reasons to love North Rhine-Westphalia
Corvey Abbey
Corvey Abbey, now a UNESCO heritage site, was home to Benedictine monks until 1792. Situated in the city of Höxter, it's one of the most important examples of Carolingian architecture. The abbey's "Princely Library," where the poet Hoffmann von Fallersleben once worked as a librarian, boasts a collection of 75,000 books.
10 reasons to love North Rhine-Westphalia
Swimming at Zollverein Industrial Site
The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex is a visitors' magnet. The site once housed one of Europe's largest coal mines and coking plants. Today, like Aachen Cathedral and Corvey Abbey, it's a UNESCO world heritage site. The old industrial buildings are now centers of art and culture. The swimming pool on the site attracts huge crowds in the summer.
10 reasons to love North Rhine-Westphalia
Football Derby in the Ruhr region
The Ruhr area is famous for football too; there are supposedly more regular players here than anywhere else in Germany. The biggest teams, Schalke and Dortmund, are known all over the world. A meeting of the two teams is a must-see event in the German football calendar.
Author: Elisabeth Yorck von Wartenburg
Located in the far west of Germany, North Rhine-Westphalia is the country's most populous state, contributing the greatest share to the national economy — even though its once mighty coal and steel industries are now history. From unique natural sites to historic landmarks, this German state has plenty to discover.
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Travel tips for North Rhine-Westphalia
UNESCO World Heritage in Essen
Just as Cologne would be unthinkable without its cathedral, the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex is an integral part of Essen. Its striking, winding tower is the landmark and symbol of the coal mining legacy in the region. In the past, three million tons of coal were mined here every year. Today, cultural events and concerts are staged at this former industrial site.
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Essen's Zollverein Coal Mine Complex
Rhine metropolis Cologne
Most North Rhine-Westphalia residents do not live in the state capital of Düsseldorf, but in Cologne. Its inhabitants are considered especially affable, cosmopolitan and tolerant. JoinCheck-in presenter Lukas Stege as he explores Cologne's way of life.
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Cologne: A City that Lifts the Spirits
State capital Düsseldorf
Before the coronavirus pandemic, Check-in presenter Nicole Frölich traveled to Düsseldorf to find out what sets it apart from Cologne. In fact, the city offers many unique aspects that make it worth a visit. Check out the episode and join Nicole as she visits the city's Japanese community, embarks on a unique shopping trip and treats herself to a famous Altbier lager.
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Düsseldorf: City on the Rhine
The cycling city of Münster
The greenery of Westphalia contrasts with the densely populated, urban Rhineland area. The former is where Germany's bicycling capital, Münster, lies. Cycling is an integral part of life in this university town — and not just for students. Join Check-in host Lukas Stege as he goes for a cycle ride through this lovely city.
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Münster: Cycling capital
Wuppertal, a city in transition
Around 150 years ago, Wuppertal was an epicenter of the textile industry. But by the 1970s the industry crashed and the city was forced to reinvent itself. Join Check-in host Lukas Stege as he explores all that Wuppertal has to offer, including the unique suspension railway.
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Wuppertal - Insider tips in the Bergisches Land
Bonn
There are certainly bigger metropolises on the Rhine river than Bonn, yet few are as unique. Not only was it the German capital for decades after World War II, it's also the birthplace of a musical genius: Ludwig van Beethoven.
10 reasons to visit Bonn
Beethoven Monument in Münsterplatz
What would Bonn be without Beethoven? The city is proud of its famous son and built his monument in Münsterplatz in 1845. Not far from there is the house where he was born, which is now a museum.
10 reasons to visit Bonn
Old Townhall on the Market Square
Behind this fancy rococo façade, Bonn´s mayor receives his guests. The Golden Book of the City, situated in the old town hall, has been imprinted with many famous signatures over the years. From 1949 to 1990 – while Germany was divided – Bonn was the provisional capital of the German Republic.
10 reasons to visit Bonn
Plenary Chamber in the Old Waterworks
The old waterworks on the Rhine is an authentic place to reflect on Bonn's time as national capital. The German Bundestag sat here for six years until it was moved to Berlin in 1992. For those interested in history, tours to the old plenary chamber are available.
10 reasons to visit Bonn
House of History
With more than 850.000 visitors annually, it is one of the most visited museums in Germany. The permanent exhibition allows one to experience history since 1945. More than 6000 objects and documents can be admired here. An eye-catcher is Konrad Adenauer´s work car. The first German chancellor had a Mercedes 300.
10 reasons to visit Bonn
Beer Garden by the Old Customs House
Where once the customs house collected its dues from seafarers, one can now enjoy a drink in the beer garden. Kölsch, a beer from Cologne, is traditionally served. Except people from Bonn call it "Bönnsch". Included in the experience is a great view of the river Rhine, the Siebengebirge, and the Post Tower. At 162,5 meters, the latter is the tallest building in North Rhine-Westphalia.
10 reasons to visit Bonn
Deutsche Welle
Next to the Post Tower, Deutsche Welle has its headquarters. Employees from more than 60 nations produce multimedia content in 30 different languages daily. Those who are interested can look behind the scenes after registering for a tour.
10 reasons to visit Bonn
Cherry Blossoms in the Old Town
This extraordinary natural spectacle takes place annually in the spring. Tourists from all over the world admire the pink sea of blossoms the old town of Bonn turns into. Especially beautiful at that time of the year is Heerstraße, widely regarded as one of the most stunning tree-lined streets. The cherry trees were originally planted in the 1980s to bring some color into the old town.
10 reasons to visit Bonn
Poppelsdorf Castle
The Prince-Electors of Cologne once resided in this castle. Today Bonn university's scientific collection is housed here. The neighboring Botanical Garden counts as one of the oldest and most varied in the world. An inspiration for anyone with a green thumb, admirers of classical music also shouldn't miss out on the castle concerts that are held every summer.
10 reasons to visit Bonn
The Drachenfels in the Siebengebirge
The hill known as "Dragon´s Rock“ is one of the most visited recreation destinations in the Rhineland. Those who are ambitious hike up. The others just take the cable car. The reward at the top is a breathtaking view of the Rhine, with the city of Bonn in the distance.
10 reasons to visit Bonn
Rhine in Flames
Every first weekend in May the city transforms into an enchanted world full of light and color. In addition to illuminated castles and ships there are fireworks accompanied by music. These create a festive atmosphere. After the performance, people head to the Rheinaue to enjoy the various music stages.
Author: Luisa Wolf
Born in 1770, the influential classical music composer lived in the city for 22 years. Bonn has now become a place of remembrance for its famous son and even holds an annual Beethovenfest, a musical celebration dedicated to the composer. Check-in presenter Lukas Stege traced Beethoven's life in Bonn in a segment that was filmed before the coronavirus pandemic.
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Beethoven City Bonn
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Brühl
The rococo Augustusburg and Falkenlust castles in Brühl are among the most important palaces of the 18th century. Join us on this tour of the UNESCO World Heritage site from a drone’s perspective.
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Augustusburg and Falkenlust castles in Brühl
Aachen Cathedral
In the far west, on the border with the Netherlands and Belgium, lies the old royal city of Aachen. This is where Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage site, the Aachen Cathedral, stands. It's part of the imperial palace built for king Charlemagne in the late 8th century. It also has a further royal significance: for years, it was a prestigious location where German kings were crowned.
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UNESCO World Heritage Site: Aachen Cathedral
A Highlight in our 360-degree video
One of Germany's most popular theme parks is also located in North Rhine-Westphalia. At the Phantasialand in Brühl, near Cologne, visitors can easily pass a day in leisure and have the chance to take a ride on Germany's steepest log flume.
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The wild side of the Eifel region
Germany’s Eifel region is one of a kind, boasting unique natural features, including geysers and deep craters. Join Check-in presenter Nicole Frölich as she discovers this breathtaking landscape in the state’s far west, hiking through Eifel National Park and meeting a fisherman from Lake Laach.
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A Trip to the Eifel
Your trip to Germany
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