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State in Germany
Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
North Rhine-Westphalia (German: Nordrhein-Westfalen) is the most populous state in Germany, with 18 million inhabitants, located in the west of the country. It consists of two historically independent parts: Nordrhein, the urbanized area across the river Rhine in the southwest, and Westfalen in the northeast, which is quite diverse as it includes both the heavily industrialized and densely populated Ruhr Valley and the very green Teutoburg Forest.
Low mountainous region with lush green woods, rivers and grasslands; long-standing manufacturing cities.
Multifaceted cultural landscape on the River Rhine, several lively cities with millennium-old histories.
Low mountain range with quaint river valleys and romantic small towns.
Prosperous cities steeped in history and rural plains close to the Dutch border.
Agricultural-dominated lowland with more than a hundred castles, palaces and manors; heartland of horse breeding, equestrianism and cycling.
Germany's largest urban agglomeration; formerly dominated by coal mining and heavy industry, it has transformed into a cultural region with industrial heritage sites and extensive green spaces.
Siegerland and Sauerland — rolling hills and low mountain ranges, one of Germany's northernmost skiing destinations, forest and lakes for hiking, cycling and camping.
East Westphalia and Lippe — mix of lowlands and wooded rolling hills; presumptive site of a legendary fight between Romans and Teutons; historic towns, castles, monasteries and cathedrals.
By train
Several ICE high speed lines go through the state, among them the Frankfurt Cologne mainline with speeds reaching 300 km/h.
By bus
There are a number of inner-German as well as international bus lines with stops in most major cities of the state.
By car
As this is the most densely populated state of Germany, numerous long distance Autobahnen run through this state and across the border.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Dortmund · International · DTM
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the state capital on the Rhine, known as a major professional services hub
Spa and university town founded in Roman times and Charlemagne's favorite residence
the former capital of West Germany (1949–1990) and seat of government until 1999; the "Bundesstadt" still hosts many federal and international institutions and offers cultural attractions one might not expect from what author John le Carré called "a small town in Germany"
the fourth largest city in Germany, famous for its cathedral, location by the Rhine, and being the media capital of Germany
biggest city of the Ruhr district, home of frequent Bundesliga champion Borussia Dortmund and a transitioning industrial center
home to the world's largest inland port, featuring industrial heritage sites that are illuminated at night
central hub of the Ruhr region, transforming from an industrial site into a cultural metropolis
a historic city known for its particularly bike-friendly infrastructure and cycling culture
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