Ratingen

Ratingen is one of four capitals in the “Bergisches Land” region. It is located at the heart of the Rhine-Ruhr-Area. Ratingen is considered as the “Green Heart” of the region, with large forests (75 % of the total area) consisting of greenwoods, grasslands and fields that comprise the elements of this picturesque landscape.

Approximately, 93,000 citizens make Ratingen the largest city in “Kreis Mettmann”. The city has an excellent business climate, and is home of numerous well-known corporations that operate world-wide. The favourable locality, excellent transportation facilities, close proximity to the Düsseldorf International Airport and the modern infrastructure makes it an attractive business hub. The workforce has doubled since 1970, with almost 38.000 job vacancies in 2007 alone, that were available to prospective employees. Approximately 8,000 job vacancies, nearly 20%, were within the growing technology sector.

Citizens and guests of Ratingen can choose numerous leisure or cultural activities. The theatre offers guests an atmospherical frame to play a wide – range of well – known plays. In the city hall you can find fairs and events, various exhibitions and occasionally, gala evening balls. Famous artists and local culture meet during spring time and in the summer the open-air theatre “Blauer See” attracts with favoured activities. More cultural highlights are offered in the Museum of Ratingen, which is famous for it´s historical doll collection. Other points of interest for visitors are the city library and media centre in the town centre and the Rheinische Industrial Museum “Cromford” which is home of the oldest mechanical cotton spinning mill on the European continent.

Ratingen received its town charter 1276 from the Duke of Berg, and is therefore older than its “big sister” Düsseldorf. Citizens of Ratingen are of course very proud of their colourful and emblematic history. Impressive ramparts, historical buildings and a scenic market place give the city its unique atmosphere and historic charm.

The stone walls, windows, and other architectural highlights combined with numerous natural monuments are a century old, witnesses to its place in the Middle Ages. Ratingen’s sight-seeing highlights include the oldest timbered home “Zum Roten Hahn” (15th century); castles surrounded by moats “Haus zum Haus” (12th/14th century); “Schloss Linnep” (12th century); “Schloss Landsberg” (13th century) and the parish church “St. Peter und Paul” built in the 12th to 13th century.

“Dumeklemmer”, which means “crushing thumbs” is another word you hear in connection with Ratinger citizens. The legend tells, that once heathen  inhabitants of Ratingen threw the Holy Suitbertus out of the city wall, because the Holy Suitbertus wanted to convert the citizens to Christianity. Therefore the citizens rebelled, rising up and crushed his thumb in the doors of the city gate! Then the legend says, that as a punishment, all citizens of Ratingen are now born with a “flat thumb.”
Well, that’s what the legend says….

A visit to the City of Ratingen is very worthwhile for anyone with the time to spare.