
On a journey through time: six discoveries in Kaiserswerth
On a journey through time: six discoveries in Kaiserswerth
Experience the Middle Ages and modernity in one afternoon? It's possible in the north of Düsseldorf!
Half-timbered houses, a former imperial fortress and a Rhine location that is second to none - doesn't that sound just like Kaiserswerth? Around 8,000 people live in Düsseldorf's oldest district, enjoying the best of both worlds: the idyll of the village quarter and the hustle and bustle of the big city, which is just a few kilometers away. Thousands of years of history are within walking distance of modern cuisine and shopping opportunities. Experience the charm of this very special gem, which was still an imperial city in the 12th century.
Off into the past
Want to experience history live? Then start your Kaiserswerth tour at an impressive contemporary witness. Start not far from the banks of the Rhine at the Imperial Palace! The ruins of the former base of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa date back to the 12th century and go back to the founding of the monastery by the monk Suitbert (more on this in the next point). To this day, you can climb through the mighty walls made of a mix of bricks, quarry stone and trachyte blocks. It has long been without a roof, windows and doors. The building was blown up between 1702 and 1711 after Frederick Barbarossa's troops drove out the French occupiers. Since the Kaiserpfalz was last restored from 1998 to 2002, the former "Island of the Emperor" has become a kind of open-air museum, attracting visitors from all corners of Germany. To make sure you don't miss anything on your tour of Kaiserswerth, follow the blue numbered signs and let the wind of the past blow around your nose as you walk.
Back in the day, the second
The star on the roof points the way to the tuff pillar basilica from afar. It is located on Stiftsplatz, which has a historic feel with its eleven lime trees (representing the four cardinal points and seven sacraments) and tens of thousands of cobblestones. The founding of the monastery of St. Suitbert once made Kaiserswerth famous. The town has only officially belonged to Düsseldorf since 1929. You will find a highlight in the basilica: the bones of St. Suitbert lie in the golden reliquary from the 13th century. The missionary lived here in the eighth century and also died here. In the wall of the churchyard towards the Rhine, you will discover more gravestones, some dating back to 1837! The church is still popular with orchestras and musicians today due to its excellent acoustics. The organ has more than 2700 pipes.
Still up to date
Sometimes whitewashed in pink, sometimes with green-blue shutters, the many baroque houses from the 17th and 18th centuries on Kaiserwerther Markt are one of the defining features of the area. Most of them are very well preserved or restored, and fans of unusual buildings such as the Old Customs House from 1635 are in for a treat. It is only logical that the city placed almost the entire area within the old fortress walls under a preservation order back in 1988. The protective buildings mentioned date from the 16th and 17th centuries; Kaiserswerth had five bastions.
In the modern age
Even though the district is a historical highlight of Düsseldorf, it is not dusty here. On the contrary - especially on and around the central Kaiserswerther Markt, you will find the Wunderhaus boutique (number 38) with everything that is currently in fashion. In the neighboring "Deli and Friends" you can enjoy Italian classics. In the "Nordik-Haus" (house number 5) you can buy beautiful household items. You will also find everyday stores on site. In the summer months, residents and visitors alike like to queue up in front of the "Lido" ice cream parlor at Kaiserswerther Markt 14. It has been around since 1960.
Switch off for a few hours
The calming effect of the water is particularly effective in Kaiserswerth. Here you can stroll along the banks of the Rhine for hours. Alternatively, strap your inline skates under your feet or get on your bike and ride all the way to Duisburg. Or take the ferry across to Meerbusch! Before that, enjoy the idyllic setting under the treetops of ancient oaks and beeches in the "Galerie Burghof". In front of the classicist building dating back to 1872, you can enjoy a glass of cool Schlüssel-Alt. From the beer garden table, you can catch a glimpse not only of the Rhine ships passing by, but also of the famous imperial palace.
In tune with the times
Even if Kaiserswerth hasn't been on your bucket list yet, you've probably heard of the restaurant "Im Schiffchen" (Kaiserswerther Markt 9). Here you can end your trip in the best possible way; in the evening hours, the antique English ship's light on the beautiful brick house from 1733 (!) lights your way. The restaurant at the end of the main shopping street is known for its excellent French cuisine. And indeed, the menu reads like a love letter to the outstanding composition of different foods. During fine dining, for example, you can experience the taste of delicately smoked sturgeon foam with wasabi cream, small Breton lobster and Chocolat Grand Cru. There is also the option to choose dishes à la carte, such as king dorade in salt dough with rock pulp, shellfish and lemons from the Amalfi Coast. Settle down on the upholstered chairs or benches to let the aromas take effect on you - with your eyes closed if in doubt. We wish you the very best of appetites!