We admit it: Duisburg, in the heart of the Ruhr area, with districts like Marxloh and its industrial past, doesn’t exactly have the best reputation. But we think that anyone who likes a bit of morbid charm and funky industrial culture will love Duisburg! At least, if you take these seven funky tips for Duisburg to heart! Because they are well worth seeing.
Küppersmühle Museum of Modern Art
At Duisburg’s inner harbor, modern new buildings stand side by side with historical jewels – such as the historic Küppersmühle. Since 1999, the former grain silo has been home to one of the best museums of modern art in Germany, known as the MKM.
The entire complex has been extensively remodeled by none other than the architectural team Herzog & de Meuron (who, for example, are also responsible for the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg). Inside and out, it’s simply stunning: beautifully curved staircases, open spaces, great views – here, chic industrial charm meets innovative architecture.
And then, of course, there are the impressive works of art on display here. The gallery, which mostly comes from two private collections, comprises over 1,000 works and is one of the largest collections of German post-war art. The changing exhibitions are excellently curated and simply a pleasure to visit! And to top it all off, the complex houses an incredibly delicious gourmet restaurant. Be sure to book in advance.
A trip to Duisburg is worth a visit to the Küppersmühle alone! We are not exaggerating.
Tiger & Turtle – Magic Mountain
The large sculpture at the Heinrich-Hildebrand-Höhe in the Angerpark in Duisburg is reminiscent of a rollercoaster. The “Tiger & Turtle – Magic Mountain” was realized as part of the Ruhr.2010 program for the region as a cultural capital and has since become a popular photo spot.
No wonder! Whether during the day or at night when it is lit up, the winding stairs created by artists Heike Mutter and Ulrich Genth immediately transport you to another world. It is no coincidence that steel was chosen as the building material here; after all, the slag heap was created as a landfill site for the nearby zinc smelter. The stairs are – except for the looping – accessible. From up here you have a magnificent view over the whole Ruhr area, and when the weather is fine you can even see the Rhine Tower in Düsseldorf. Our tip: the sunsets here are magical – fitting to the name!
Landscape Park Duisburg-Nord
Fans of industrial heritage will love the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park! This 180-square-meter park, which includes many playgrounds and sports fields, art and culture, is located around a disused steel mill. Young and old can explore the remains of the blast furnaces, cranes and much more on their own, including the views.
What feels like a gigantic adventure playground has actually been named one of the ten most beautiful city parks in the world by The Guardian. Festivals take place regularly around the large event hall, for example the street food festival with all kinds of delicacies, live music and a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you are taking a long walk, on the European Route of Industrial Heritage or out and about with children, the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park is a must-see attraction in Duisburg. It is also worth visiting in the evening, when the old steel girders and industrial towers are illuminated in bright colors.
Harbor tour through the largest inland port in the world
Where the Ruhr and Rhine meet, in the heart of Duisburg, is the largest inland port in the world. From here, goods are shipped across Europe’s rivers to the whole world. Over 20 port basins covering an area of 40 kilometers – the best way to explore this tip for Duisburg is by boat.
The Weiße Flotte (White Fleet) departs several times a day from the Schwanentor and Schifferbörse piers, depending on the season. The excursion boat, which has a sun terrace with refreshments, sails to the most important stops in the inland port of Duisburg, explaining all kinds of exciting facts about this important shipping hub. Just get on board, relax and be amazed!
Pure local recreation at the Six Lakes Plateau
In the south of Duisburg, the Wambachsee, Masurensee, Böllersee, Wolfssee, Wildförstersee and Haubachsee form the so-called Six Lakes Plateau. This recreational area is the perfect place to relax in nature. Dense forest surrounds the often reed-covered shores. Flat walking and bicycle paths lead along the lakes for about 25 kilometers, with playgrounds, restaurants, lidos and picnic areas in between. Water sports enthusiasts will also find various sailing and water sports providers, as well as a water ski facility.
If you prefer to just watch, you can watch the best rowers in the world at the adjacent regatta course. The 1935 facility is world-famous and the 2023 Canoe World Championships were recently held here. The best view of the Six Lakes Plateau is from the 22-meter-high viewing platform.
A visit to the MSV
Yes, the MSV, originally from Duisburg-Meiderich, may now only play in the third division. But as far as the atmosphere in the stadium is concerned, a game of the blue-and-white cult club is one of the great highlights in Duisburg and is absolutely top-notch. The stadium is one of the most beautiful in the Bundesliga – that moment when you walk up the stairs and suddenly the whole stadium is at your feet.
However, the reason why we include a visit to the MSV in our tips for Duisburg is different: the fans of the “Zebras”, as the players are affectionately known because of their striped jerseys and mascot, are so loyal and welcoming that you simply have a good time! For example, when the club was relegated to the third division in 2024, the fans almost all kept their season tickets. And so the MSV continues to play consistently in front of five-digit crowds even in the third division! Oh yes – a currywurst is of course a must when visiting the stadium.
Old Cemetery at Sternbuschweg
Sounds strange at first, but the Old Cemetery at Sternbuschweg in Neudorf is one of our 7 tips for Duisburg. Gigantic avenues of chestnut trees lead to the Gothic chapel from 1874 with its pretty domed roof. Mausoleums from past centuries rest on either side. The cemetery, which was moved here from two other locations in 1870, is a small oasis in the middle of the city and a real sightseeing spot. Here, for example, you will find a section (right at the entrance on Sternbuschweg) with Jewish graves from the 19th century. Next to the chapel, Sinti and Roma in particular maintain gigantic gravesites that commemorate the deceased kings and fellow human beings in golden letters and with photos and statues. Right across from the cemetery is the café The Coffee House Duisburg, which invites you to take a break inside or outside.
