Germany Guide
North Rhine-Westphalia
The Altstadt
All that remains of the castle of the counts of Berg is a stumpy tower on riverside Burgplatz. Today the Schlossturm (Tues– Sun 11am–6pm; €3) houses a museum on Rhine shipping and is topped by a café. Along with the distinctive spire of the nearby church of St Lambertus (Mon– Thurs 8.30am–6pm, Fri 11am–6pm, Sat 7am–6pm, Sun 9am–6pm; free) it forms the visual focus of the agreeably walkable Altstadt. The church's spire owes its twisted shape to the use of unseasoned timber when it was rebuilt after a lightning strike in 1815. Inside, the highlights are the rocket-like fifteenth-century Gothic tabernacle and the splendid Renaissance memorial to Duke Wilhelm V.
Düsseldorf's favourite Elector, Jan Wellem, sits plump and pleased with himself astride his horse in front of the Renaissance Rathaus to the south on Marktplatz. Legend has it that there wasn't enough metal to cast Gabriel di Grupello's splendid equestrian likeness – created towards the end of Jan Wellem's life – and that locals were forced to donate their best silver to complete it. To the east and south, the streets are animated day and night as tourists and locals descend on a vast array of bars, cafés and restaurants.