Today’s digital nomads might seem like they have an easy life. However, making it look so effortless is hard work: millennial creatives put a lot of effort into their gigs, enabling them to live it up.
More so, even the digital nomads could learn a thing or two about the work-hard-play-hard mentality in western Germany. North Rhine-Westphalia today – particularly the three capitals of Cologne, Düsseldorf, and the Ruhr Area – is transforming into a destination ideally suited for international mobile creatives to live, work, learn, and play.
These cities are closely linked – not only by proximity but also by spirit. The banana-shaped urban jungle (recently rechristened urbanana) forms a multi-faceted creative landscape for residents and visitors alike. Furthermore, this region is steeped in commerce: Cologne has been a trade center since Roman times, the Ruhr Area was the industrial engine of Germany, and Düsseldorf’s present-day industries and Japanese community make it one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Germany.
Moreover, western Germans know how to have fun even while working. This region is home to a lively startup scene, myriad social coworking spaces, and the cheeky Pirate Summit, Europe’s largest application-only conference for early-stage startups and the investors who fund them (no ties allowed).
Winter, spring, and fall bring their share of delights; however, summer is the perfect time to visit this part of Germany. Long, sunny days allow visitors to wander through leafy squares to cafes for a post-work drink or enjoy a picnic by the Rhine River. The German Summer Cities program and urbanana attract visitors and locals to various cultural offerings in the region – from one of Europe’s largest Pride parades in Cologne to the DC Open Galleries festival in Düsseldorf and Cologne, celebrating its thirteenth edition this year. Consequently, summer in western Germany is an ideal time to balance hedonism with hard work.
Creative Industrial Renewal
The Ruhr Area once stood as the heart of industrial Germany, known for its massive factories, plants, and mines, dubbed ‘cathedrals of industry’ by contemporary observers. Today, it is home to 53 cities and over five million residents, who have innovated on their industrial legacy rather than disregard it. The Industrial Heritage Trail, starting in Essen, stretches 400km through the valley, highlighting approximately 1,000 former industrial sites.
Creativity flourishes along this trail. For example, Essen’s UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein was a sprawling coal mine operational from 1932 to 1986. UNESCO recognized its Bauhaus-style design, declaring it a World Heritage Site in 2001. The mine has since been transformed into a cultural hub, encompassing performance spaces, galleries, museums, cafes, and playgrounds for all ages.
Continuing along the trail to Duisburg, don’t miss the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord. This former iron works now offers a leafy getaway from urban life, featuring a diverse array of adventurous activities. Visitors can free-climb the old ore bunkers, venture to the top of the blast furnace, and even dive into the former gas tank. At dusk on weekends, enjoy a light show by British artist Jonathan Park.
In Dortmund, do not miss Dortmunder U, a former brewery now transformed into a cultural center housing the Hartware Medienkunstverein. The HMKV is not only a must-see for fans of Brutalist architecture but also a treasure of exhibitions centered on cutting-edge social issues.
Cutting Edge Art and Design
If you’ve had enough of traipsing around old steel mills and coal mines but haven’t quite satisfied your craving for visual arts, the region has plenty to offer. In Cologne, the newly reopened Museum für Angewandte Kunst showcases an array of beautiful everyday objects. From Eames chairs to Olivetti typewriters, the exhibition features not just furniture but works of art by esteemed architects.
Meanwhile, in Essen, the Red Dot Design Museum hosts an equally impressive collection of award-winning designs in a former furnace hall, redesigned by the architect Norman Foster. This fusion of history and artistry creates an immersive experience for visitors.
Lastly, in Düsseldorf, the prestigious Julia Stoschek Collection reigns as the world’s largest private collection of ‘time-based art’ – a term for video art. With over 870 works by nearly 300 artists, this collection emphasizes moving image experiments, particularly from the 1960s and ’70s. Through rotating exhibitions, curators select pieces that reflect current events and societal issues.
Social Pop Culture
If you thought Berlin was the only place to find a vibrant club scene in Germany, prepare for a delightful surprise. In Cologne, Bootshaus has been a popular destination since 1991 and was ranked the 6th best club in the world by DJ Mag in 2020. The club has hosted electronic music icons like Steve Aoki, Charlotte de Witte, and DJ Snake across its three dance floors and outdoor area. In Düsseldorf, art enthusiasts gather at the Salon des Amateurs, known for its progressive electronic music and occasional performance art. The crowd blurs the lines between artists and attendees, creating an inclusive and captivating atmosphere.
For those who prefer outdoor festivities, the region offers a plethora of options. With over 500 festivals annually, from electronic music to high art, there’s something for everyone. In Düsseldorf, the New Fall Festival spans two months, featuring an eclectic mix of rock, electronic, and indie acts, all while attendees relax in beach chairs. Dortmund and Cologne host the annual PollerWiesen Festival, an open-air party showcasing techno music from top DJs. For history buffs, the gargantuan ExtraSchicht Festival comprises over 500 events spread across 50 venues within repurposed industrial sites in the Ruhr Area, presenting a range of artistic performances against a backdrop of steampunk chic.
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