This industrial German city on the Lower Rhine earned its nickname "German Manchester" through textile production. Its parks, art galleries and three local breweries add character.
In Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, you can walk through the halls of a medieval moated castle, examine contemporary art in two modernist Mies van der Rohe buildings, or join local fans cheering for the Krefeld Penguins ice hockey team. The city maintains its centuries-old connection to textile manufacturing through its museums and design schools, while the Rhine River flows past its eastern districts.
Getting to and Around Krefeld
You can reach Krefeld via regular Intercity and Regional trains at Krefeld Hauptbahnhof. To move around the city, take the Rheinbahn Stadtbahn service, which connects all major areas through the central Rheinstraße station. The short distance to Düsseldorf makes Krefeld an easy destination for both day trips and extended visits.
Museums and Modern Architecture
Walk across the drawbridge of Museum Burg Linn to explore a medieval castle with its water-filled moat and surrounding park. Visit two architectural landmarks by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe - Haus Lange and Haus Esters - which now display rotating contemporary art exhibitions. Learn about silk and velvet production at the German Textile Museum, or browse the modern art collection at Kaiser Wilhelm Museum.
Districts and Urban Life
Walk down Blumenstrasse and Prinz-Ferdinand-Strasse in the Stadtmitte (city center) to see restored 19th-century buildings. Head to Uerdingen to explore its historic streets and watch cargo ships pass through its Rhine harbor. Near the train station, the Kulturfabrik, a converted slaughterhouse, runs a year-round program of concerts, plays, and cabaret performances.
Sports and Recreation
Watch the Krefeld Penguins compete in Germany's second ice hockey league, where games regularly draw crowds from neighboring cities. Visit the Galopprennbahn Krefeld for horse racing events throughout the season. Join local sports clubs across the city's nineteen districts for activities from soccer to swimming.
Academic Environment
Study at Hochschule Niederrhein among 20,000 students in programs covering engineering, design, chemistry, and computer science. The university's focus on textile and clothing management continues Krefeld's manufacturing tradition. International students can take English-language courses in textile trade, technology, and management.
