The land of North Rhine-Westphalia is one of Europe's most beloved regions. What attracts the guests to the "land of coal and steel"? Despite industrial development, this area is marked by natural resources. Most of the territory is covered with forests, meadows and fields. On the most densely populated federal land there are 14 nature reserves, each of which is not similar to the rest.
-. Westphalia is located in the west of Germany, the area adjacent to the Lower Saxony, Hesse, Reynaldo-Palatinate, Belgium and the Netherlands. The area of the federal land is just over 34,000 square meters. km. It is suitable for year-round visits and can offer foreigners ample opportunities for recreation, from excursions to kayaking trips.
Capital - Dusseldorf
Largest cities - Cologne, Dortmund
Japan North Rhine-Westphalia characterized by transport accessibility. Which is not surprising, since more than 10 million tourists come to this part of Germany every year. For their convenience in the region there are two international airports and four air harbors, through which established communication with European cities. In Duisburg, there is a river port - the largest in the world. A dense road and rail network allows you to travel anywhere in the world.
Search for air tickets to Düsseldorf (the nearest airport to North Rhine-Westphalia)
Climate
North Rhine-Westphalia has a temperate climate. The former Prussian province will not surprise guests with sharp temperature fluctuations, even precipitation falls here in an insignificant amount - about 600 mm in valleys. Another picture is observed in the mountains, where rain and snow can fall by a total of 1,400 mm per year. The average annual temperature varies depending on the area of the federal land, for some corners it is +5 ° C, for others it is +10 ° C.
Cuisine
In the edge of forests and lakes it is worth eating local delicacies. This is not only traditional for German gastronomy beer, sausages and stewed cabbage. Delicious Aachen gingerbread will be remembered for a long time by the guests of the land of North Rhine-Westphalia, as well as the Westphalian ham. Try this delicacy - a special honor, the dish is often served at the festive table. In addition to Westphalian ham, North Rhine-Westphalia has the greatest demand for meat from Rhine and malted pumpernickel bread.
In general, locals prefer simple, but not losing their charm food. On their tables flaunts fried herring, potato pancakes, roast of delicious marinated beef, beef with garnish of beans and other simple dishes.
Walking around Cologne and Dusseldorf
Do not fall in love with the North Rhine - Westphalia is difficult. The "green" heart of Europe became the birthplace for many famous cultural figures - Heinrich Heine, Ludwig van Beethoven, Joseph Beuys. Numerous museums, monuments of architecture, reserved islands, colorful fairs, musicals, sports attract tourists here. It is worth noting that in this part of Germany is concentrated around ten municipalities with the lowest crime rate (out of twenty on a national scale).
tourist mecca number 1 in the region and throughout Germany Cologne Cathedral is recognized. Besides Cologne, symbol, attention foreigners enjoy the Aachen Cathedral, coal mine in Essen, Augustusburg Palace (Brühl)
North Rhine-Westphalia will be the best choice for active sports. First of all, water. There are about 200 lakes in the region, more than 70 reservoirs, and the total length of rivers is 1,500 km. You can devote time to rowing, kayaking, in the summer months - walking on a catamaran or a carefree beach holiday
The land is famous for its pedestrian routes, among which the most famous route is Rotharshteig. Comfortable for movement bike paths cover the entire territory of the region, the routes run past ancient fortresses, palaces, spacious parks. Distinguished North Rhine-Westphalia and a variety of folk festivals, there are carnivals, fairs. It is possible to allocate a part of the holiday for shopping or relaxation in thermal complexes with mud baths
Cologne
The information capital of Europe received such a name because of the abundance of publishers, newspapers, television and radio broadcasting companies whose representative offices are open territory of Cologne . The largest city in the region is famous for its cathedral, in the church built from the 13th to the 19th century, the cancer of the Magi who brought their presents to the baby Jesus at Christmas . is kept. Architectural miracle, related to the late Gothic period, it is possible see from many points of Cologne - the maximum point of the church is 157 meters in height . The area of the windows of the Cologne Cathedral is 10 000 sq. m . km in total, the average nave in height exceeds the mark of 43 meters .
Cologne regularly hosts international trade fairs. Once there, take a tour with a tour of the Roman churches - in the city of their 12, the ruins of ancient Roman buildings.
Photo of North Rhine-Westphalia (88)