Rheinpark Duisburg

The Rheinpark Duisburg in the district of Hochfeld has undergone one of the most fascinating transformations in the Ruhr area. Spanning around 60 hectares directly on the banks of the river, its development mirrors the radical shift from roaring heavy industry to a green space for recreation and innovation.

For nearly 150 years, the area of today's park was completely sealed off from the public and deeply shaped by coal and iron. Founded in 1851, the site quickly grew into a massive center for iron and steel production. Blast furnaces dominated the riverbanks, and iron ore and coal were delivered directly via the adjacent harbor. Several prominent relics from this era remain in the park today, including the 33-meter-high, heritage-protected water tower built in 1949 and the massive, long concrete ore bunker walls.

The Rheinpark is currently in the middle of its biggest redesign yet. It is fully closed to the public right now as the grounds are being developed into an official "Future Garden" for the upcoming IGA 2027 (International Garden Exhibition).