Dusseldorf, Germany

Dusseldorf is elegant, cultivated--and playful. Cartwheels are the ubiquitous symbol of the city, found in its fountains, door knockers and even its storm drains. An annual cartwheel competition celebrates it. The origins are in dispute, but the joyfulness is universally embraced.

This Rhine River metropolis is set in the heart of Europe. Thirty-five percent of the European Union population lives within a 500-kilometer radius. Dusseldorf is home base to some 5,000 global firms. Finances, technology, advertising and fashion are its top economic drivers. The Gallery Dusseldorf, a biannual event, attracts fashion designers and buyers from around the world for a showcase of runway collections. Königsallee, or simply Kö as it’s known locally, is one of the most luxurious shopping destinations not just in Germany but on the continent. More than two dozen museums and exhibition venues, along with excellent international schools, have helped Dusseldorf capture the number 6 spot out of 230 countries in the Mercer 2015 Quality of Living Rankings.

The development of condominiums, especially larger ones, is on the rise in response to demand. Interest is also high for single-family homes and urban villas.

The city’s ten administrative districts span from its historic core, Old Town, with centuries-old preserved buildings to the daring modern architecture of the Media Harbor at the southern end of the Rhine promenade. The mixed-use complex features buildings by global architects like Frank Gehry, Steven Holl and David Chipperfield.

Dusseldorf is filled with quiet, leafy residential neighborhoods of privilege. They include Niederkassel on the left bank of the Rhine opposite the Central District. Niederkassel has a large Japanese population and is the site of Europe’s first Buddhist temple. Neighboring Oberkassel is known for its abundance of Art Nouveau architecture and historic townhouses. Some of the choicest properties in Oberkassel offer views of the Dusseldorf skyline.

View our collection of luxury real estate in Dusseldorf, and connect with an experienced Sotheby’s International Realty agent for assistance.