The Epic Places in Dusseldorf Even Locals Don’t Know About

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

The Julia Stoschek Collection is a little-known private art collection. It centers around time-based media art in the form of installations, videos, photographs, paintings and sculptures. Here, art enthusiasts can study historical references and expert analyses of each item in the collection. Exhibitions are often organized, where along with displaying the existing works, there is also a platform for emerging artists, curators and projects.

Dusseldorf is obsessed with art, and art can be found in unexpected places in the city, for example, public bathrooms! Reinraum, an abandoned public bathroom, was lovingly restored by a group of local artists in 2002, with the aim to promote art through exhibitions, live performances and themed events. The little Reinraum, which ironically means ‘clean room’ is very easy to miss amid a jumble of concrete, but once you’ve taken the trouble of finding it, you’ll be rewarded with the realization that art can flourish just about anywhere, even in a room lined with old tiles and urinals.

Though the Rhine promenade is a big hit with locals and tourists alike, very few know about the Dusseldorf-Reisholz Rhine Powerline Crossing. Under the legs of this pylon runs a gauge railway to Holthausen substation. This makes it one of the very few lattice towers in the world with railway tracks. This pylon, constructed in 1917, is one of the oldest in the country.

EKŌ Haus is a small gem that is more often than not overlooked by tourists and even locals. Dusseldorf has one of the biggest Japanese communities in the world outside of Japan. EKŌ Haus was founded to give the Japanese people living in Dusseldorf a small haven to enjoy and practice their cultural traditions. However, the EKŌ Haus is sure to win hearts of non-Japanese visitors too, with its beautifully manicured gardens, adorable bridges, beautiful temple and house and fountains. They often organize traditional Japanese performances, tea ceremonies, art workshops and exhibitions. In cherry blossom season, the park is truly a sight to behold.

The Zoopark is often overshadowed by its more flamboyant cousins Hofgarten and Nordpark and rarely features in the itinerary of holiday makers. But this green oasis has its own charm. Formerly a zoo, the park was reduced to rubble during the Second World War. The reconstructed park does not have animals any more, but the name has stuck. There are winding walkways crisscrossing through lush green meadows and in Autumn, the trees burst into stunning colors, while towering cherry blossom trees make joggers stop in their tracks. Hundreds of ducks and geese which call the little pond their home are only too happy to eat from the hands of visitors. There are also two playgrounds, a tennis academy and table tennis.

The Schifffahrtsmuseum is located in a baroque-style castle that has stood witness to a lot of history – wars, destruction, restoration and renovation. Today, the castle tower houses a small ship museum, where visitors can access ship models, pictures and information on historic Rhine navigation.

With only about 7000 members, this Jewish synagoge leads a quiet existence. However, it is a great place to visit for anyone interested in learning about Jewish history and culture. With traditional food, schools, graveyard and church, there is a wealth of education and experience waiting to be absorbed in this peaceful part of the city.