Located 20km east of Düsseldorf, this North Rhine-Westphalia town dates back to 806, built on Roman ruins. Now home to SAP SE headquarters and 78,000 residents.
Ratingen lies 12 kilometers northeast of Düsseldorf. Walk through its medieval market square, explore Europe's first mechanical cotton mill, or climb the towers of the 13th-century St. Peter und Paul church. The town connects directly to Düsseldorf by S-Bahn, making it easy to visit both Ratingen's local sites like the turquoise waters of Blue Lake and the urban center of Düsseldorf just 15 minutes away.
Transport Links to Düsseldorf
Take the S6 S-Bahn line from Ratingen Ost station to Düsseldorf central station every 20 minutes. The journey takes 15 minutes. Local buses run between all major neighborhoods in Ratingen. Walking from the market square, you can reach the medieval walls and Cromford textile museum within 10 minutes.
Exploring the Medieval Center
Medieval walls and defensive towers from the 14th century encircle the old town. The market square has hosted traders since 1371, with original timber-framed townhouses still standing along its edges. The St. Peter und Paul church, built in the late 13th century, represents one of the earliest Gothic hall churches in the Rhineland, with three naves of equal height supporting its vaulted ceiling.
Cromford Industrial Museum
Step inside the Textilfabrik Cromford, established in 1783, to see working cotton spinning machines from the Industrial Revolution. Tour the factory owner's Baroque mansion, where each room preserves its original 18th and 19th-century furniture and decorations. Guides demonstrate the machinery and explain the daily routines of the workers who operated them.
Parks and Lakes
Walk through Cromford Park's gardens, opened to the public in 1977, or follow the circular path around Blue Lake, a former limestone quarry with clear turquoise water. The Grafenberger Wald forest spans 2,500 hectares, with marked trails leading through oak and beech trees to designated spots for observing local wildlife.
Business and Technology District
Companies like Vodafone, SAP, and Hewlett-Packard have established offices in eastern Ratingen. This area includes modern office buildings and lunch restaurants catering to business workers. The western part of town maintains its residential atmosphere, with small shops and neighborhood cafes along its streets.
