Some people might be thinking, “Why should I take a guided tour of Duisburg? The city was completely destroyed during World War II—there can’t possibly be anything interesting left!” That’s true—Duisburg suffered greatly during World War II, and much of its historic architecture and landmarks have been irretrievably lost. But not everything! Duisburg will surprise you. Amid modern postwar developments, you’ll suddenly find yourself standing before imposing sections of a city wall that’s a thousand years old.
Roman roots, a medieval trading center, the heart of industrialization—there’s so much to share on the Duisburg city tour.
Although the Romans did not found a city in Duisburg, they maintained a small military outpost there to keep an eye on a ford in the Rhine and the mouth of the Ruhr. Later, the Franks took over the site and established a royal court on the flood-free high terrace at the confluence of the Rhine and the Ruhr. From the early Middle Ages onward, Duisburg was an important trading center, for which the Rhine served as both a lifeline and an economic artery. And also its destiny—on the Duisburg city tour, you’ll learn how Duisburg lived with the river, which changed its course so drastically on more than one occasion that Duisburg’s harbor silted up, forcing the trading city to reinvent itself time and again.
With the arrival of the 18th century and the transition to Prussian rule, Duisburg slowly but surely became a focal point of Germany’s industrial history. The Ruhr River was developed into a shipping route. The port in Ruhrort was built, and the first factories were established. The 19th century brought the first modern industrial enterprises: chemical plants, shipyards, and finally the steel and iron industry. Duisburg grew far beyond its pre-industrial boundaries and proudly became the boomtown of the Ruhr region. And then? On the Duisburg city tour, you’ll also learn how Duisburg is grappling with decline and structural change and reinventing itself once again. Join us on a journey of discovery through a city that has so much to offer. A city where tranquil corners and industrial landmarks lie side by side. Let the Duisburg city tour surprise and inspire you!
City Hall (Google Maps)
Qualified tour guides will lead you through the island’s narrow streets. You can look forward to:
Upon request, we offer this city tour in various foreign languages. We charge an additional fee of €20 for this service. Please let us know your preferred language when you make your request.
