Quite a Dorf

Düsseldorf or “village on the Dussel” started as a small fishing village at the intersection of the Rhein and Dussel rivers. Obviously, it is not a village anymore, having the reputation for being one of the richest cities in Germany. A city of approximately 600,000 people, the city has risen like a phoenix from the ashes of WWII, as 80% of the city was destroyed following the war but has since been rebuilt.

Today, Düsseldorf serves as the administrative capital of North Rhine-Westphalia (one of the states in Germany). It is quite a cosmopolitan city, with a vibrant atmosphere. Architecturally, it is a mixture between the old (i.e. Altstadt/Old Town, the Ko, and lots of brownstones peppered throughout the city) and the new (industrial offices, skyscrapers and modern buildings).

Five bridges connect the city of Düsseldorf, with our district, Oberkassel, being connected by one of these bridges, Oberkassler Brucke. As the Rhein River runs through the city, parks and esplanades line the riverbanks. Although this city has historically been manufacturing town, it has thankfully not followed the trend of just becoming another “ugly manufacturing” town.

The main shopping avenue, known as Konigsallee, is a testament to this affluence. Abbreviated to “the Ko”, this area is actually a double-wide tree-lined avenue that is divided by an ornamental waterway (actually part of the Dussel River). Originally, this waterway formed a moat that surrounded the Elector’s Palace but the palace no longer stands today. Along this avenue, you’ll find the trendiest boutiques, expensive furriers and jewelers, and high-tone shops…think NY Fifth Avenue but on a much, much smaller scale. Most of the time, we reach this area, as well as Altstadt, by taking the trolley.

Nearby, Altstadt, or Old Town, is a wonderful area filled with cafes, pubs, shops, and boutiques. Most of the area has been converted to a pedestrian walkway, so walking in the area is quite easy. In the evenings, this place really rocks.

Buddy’s office is located in another area of the city called Golzheim. He can reach the office in about 15 minutes, even during the Düsseldorf version of “rush hour”. Although we did look at some apartments in this area, we felt there was not as much to do or shopping (grocery, cleaners, post office, etc.) as in other areas. Good decision on our part.

Tomorrow, some info and pictures on our neighborhood, Oberkassel. Tchus!