Duisburg is not only known for its industrial past and port, but also for its vibrant social life.
A perfect example of this is the annual Weinfest. This event attracts no fewer than 50 winegrowers to the city center, where they present their best wines to thousands of visitors. Organized annually since 1986, the Duisburg Weinfest has developed into one of the most important wine festivals in Germany, with an appeal that extends far beyond the city limits.
The start of the festival on Thursday was overshadowed by rain, but that did not stop Duisburgers from flocking to Königstraße as soon as the weather cleared. The streets were so full on Friday evening that it was barely possible to get through. Despite International Beer Day on August 2, no one seemed bothered by the absence of beer. Instead, thousands of people enjoyed a glass of wine and a mild summer evening, creating happy faces among organizers and visitors alike
For many families, the Weinfest is an opportunity to hold a family reunion. “We also attend the city festival, but we like the wine festival better. It's always fun,” they say in unison. The white wine also tastes great to them. The festival is not over for them yet, as they plan to continue enjoying the festivities on Saturday and Sunday.
As the evening progresses, the theater square turns into an open-air disco. When the winegrowers start to close their stands, a spontaneous party arises in front of our hotel at the city theater. Young people dance and jump to current summer hits and are clearly having a lot of fun. This is a tradition that has also recurred in previous years.
spontaneous festivities
A group of young people even brought their own music box, turned up the volume and danced to the latest summer hits. Videos of these spontaneous celebrations quickly appeared on social media such as Facebook and Instagram. However, the party was ended prematurely by the police, who were aware of the spontaneous celebrations. One visitor commented: “Unfortunately the police were well prepared and put a stop to it quickly.” The police explained that there were no major incidents and that they were only ensuring the orderly conduct of the event. However, upon their arrival, the officers were greeted with loud “boo” shouts.
On the one hand, it's great that people enjoy the wine festival so much. On the other hand, the place was later littered with shards. According to one estimate, about 700 revelers were present in front of the theater for an impromptu party that is not part of the official wine festival program. Such meetings are usually planned via social networks or messenger. But the police handled the situation with common sense.
The organized wine tastings have long been fully booked, but visitors can still enjoy private tastings at the various stands. With around 50 winegrowers present on Königstraße until Sunday, there is something for everyone. A 0,1 liter glass of wine costs from three euros. Those who prefer to buy a bottle can toast a successful wine festival together with neighbors and new acquaintances. Wine belongs in glassware, so you also pay three euros as a deposit for the glass with the winegrower's logo.
transport
Duisburg is a well-connected city with an efficient public transportation system that serves both local and international travelers. There are various options to reach Duisburg from the Netherlands, ranging from fast and comfortable trains to affordable bus services.
Duisburg, located in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, is an important city in terms of transport and logistics. With one of the largest inland ports in the world, Duisburg plays a crucial role in international trade. In addition to its economic significance, the city is also well connected by an extensive public transport network, making it an ideal destination for travelers from the Netherlands.
Public transport in Duisburg is mainly provided by Duisburger Verkehrsgesellschaft AG (DVG), which operates buses, trams and metros. Duisburg has an extensive bus network that serves the entire city and surrounding areas. The buses run frequently and are a reliable way to get around the city quickly and efficiently.
The tram lines in Duisburg are modern and well maintained. They connect the main districts with the city center and ensure a smooth flow of passengers. The Duisburg metro is part of the Rhein-Ruhr network and offers fast connections to other cities in the region, such as Düsseldorf and Essen. This makes it easy to explore the entire metropolitan region.
from the Netherlands
From the Netherlands there are several options to reach Duisburg by public transport. Traveling by train is one of the most comfortable and efficient ways to travel from the Netherlands to Duisburg. There are direct connections from several Dutch cities, including the Intercity Express (ICE) which runs directly from Amsterdam to Duisburg and offers a fast and comfortable ride. The journey takes approximately two hours and offers facilities such as Wi-Fi and catering on board.
There are also direct trains to Duisburg from Utrecht. The travel time is comparable to that from Amsterdam, and the ICE trains offer the same comfort and amenities. ICE trains also depart from Arnhem to Duisburg. This route is particularly useful for travelers from the east of the Netherlands.
For budget-conscious travelers, there are also international bus services connecting the Netherlands to Duisburg. FlixBus and other bus companies offer regular services from cities such as Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eindhoven. Although the travel time is longer than by train, the tickets are often considerably cheaper.
Want to learn more about festivities in Duisburg? – click here
