Schlossturm and Burgplatz

The Schlossturm is the surviving tower of the old Düsseldorf castle and stands on Burgplatz, at Burgplatz 30 in the Altstadt, where the old town meets the Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The castle, once the residence of the rulers of Berg, was largely destroyed by fire in 1872, and the single round tower that remains has become a symbol of the old town. The tower interior is normally closed to the public, so the visit is about the square and the river rather than climbing the tower. Burgplatz is a broad open space paved down toward the water, with a view across the Rhine toward the Rheinkniebrücke and the harbour towers. Its wide steps, known as the Rheintreppe, descend to the promenade and are one of the most popular places in the city to sit on a warm evening, with locals gathering to watch the river and the passing barges. Nearby, the Basilika St. Lambertus and the Marktplatz are only minutes away, and the Altstadt's lanes of pubs and breweries begin just behind the square. A visit typically takes 30 to 45 minutes, more if combined with a walk along the river or a drink on the steps. The best photo angles are from the river steps looking back at the tower with the Altstadt behind, and from the promenade at sunset. The square is open at all times and free to enter. Mornings are quiet, while summer evenings and weekends are the busiest, particularly when events take place on the square. The U-Bahn lines U70 to U79 stop at Heinrich-Heine-Allee, about eight minutes away on foot, and the walk from the Marktplatz is short.