Burgplatz | Dusseldorf

Information

Landmark: Burgplatz
City: Dusseldorf
Country: Germany
Continent: Europe

Burgplatz, Dusseldorf, Germany, Europe

Burgplatz is a historic central square in the Altstadt (Old Town) of Düsseldorf, situated directly on the Rhine embankment. It is officially recognized as one of the most beautiful German squares of the post-war era.

Visual Characteristics

The square is an open, paved plaza defined by its irregular shape and the Schlossturm (Castle Tower), a lone round tower that remains from the city's former electoral palace. To the east, the square is bordered by the St. Lambertus Basilica with its twisted spire. The western side opens completely to the Rhine River, separated only by the stairs of the Rheinuferpromenade. A central landmark is the Radschlägerbrunnen (Cartwheeler Fountain).

Location & Access Logistics

Located at Burgplatz, 40213 Düsseldorf.

Public Transit: Served by major interchange Heinrich-Heine-Allee (all U-Bahn lines), followed by a 5-minute walk through the Altstadt.

Walking: Connects the Altstadt's pedestrian zone to the Rhine embankment.

Parking: Pedestrianized. Use "Parkhaus Altstadt" or "Parkhaus Rheinufertunnel."

Ferry: The "Karola" ferry operates nearby, crossing the Rhine to Oberkassel.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The square marks the site where the Düssel river originally flowed into the Rhine. It was the location of the Düsseldorf City Palace, which burned down in 1872 and was finally demolished in 1888, leaving only the Schlossturm. The current layout was finalized during the 1995 construction of the Rheinufertunnel, which removed vehicular traffic and reconnected the square to the riverfront.

Key Highlights & Activities

Schlossturm: Houses the Schifffahrtmuseum (Maritime Museum), detailing the history of Rhine navigation.

Radschlägerbrunnen: A 1954 fountain commemorating the "Cartwheelers," a traditional symbol of Düsseldorf joy following the 1288 Battle of Worringen.

City Monument (Stadterhebungsmonument): A complex bronze sculpture by Bert Gerresheim depicting the city's history and the granting of city rights.

Wheel of Vision: A large seasonal ferris wheel often installed in the autumn/winter months, offering views of the Rhine and city.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Burgplatz serves as a primary event space, hosting the Jazz Rally, France Festival, and parts of the Christmas Market. It features numerous outdoor café terraces. Public restrooms are located underground near the Schlossturm. The square is fully wheelchair accessible. 5G signal is robust.

Best Time to Visit

Sunset: The stairs leading to the Rhine (Rheintreppe) are a premier location for viewing the sunset over the river.

Düsseldorf Carnival: A central hub for the "Hoppediz" awakening and street celebrations.

Japan Day (Japan-Tag): The square is a focal point for Europe's largest Japanese cultural festival, culminating in fireworks.

Facts & Legends

A technical oddity is the Schlossturm's lantern, which changes color to indicate weather forecasts. Historically, the square was the fortified heart of the city; archaeological excavations frequently uncover remnants of the 13th-century city walls.