Rheinwiesen Oberkassel (Rhine meadows)

The Rheinwiesen in Oberkassel are the wide grass banks on the left side of the Rhine in Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, stretching along the river between the Rheinkniebrücke and the Oberkasseler Brücke. They work as the city's informal summer beach: there is no sand to speak of, the ground is mown lawn sloping towards the river, and the water is the brown-green, fast-flowing Rhine, which is not a safe place to swim because of strong currents and heavy ship traffic. What the meadows offer instead is an open, straight, fully exposed riverbank with a clear view across the water to the Altstadt skyline, the Rheinturm and the Burgplatz promenade. The mood is social and relaxed rather than sporty or family-focused in any organised sense: locals spread out blankets, grill where permitted, share picnics, read, play ball games and watch barges and cruise boats pass. Evenings are popular because the sun sets behind the Oberkassel side and the lights of the old town come on opposite. There are no lifeguards and no loungers, and access is free. Cafés and kiosks on the Rheinuferpromenade supply drinks and snacks, and a cycle and walking path runs along the riverbank for a longer stroll. Toilets are limited, so visitors often plan around the nearby cafés. Each July the meadows host the Größte Kirmes am Rhein funfair, which changes the character of the area completely for about ten days, with rides, stalls and large crowds. Access is easy by public transport: Rheinbahn U-Bahn lines U70 and U74 to U77 or tram 707 serve Belsenplatz and Luegplatz, from where the meadows are a short walk, and the Deutschlandticket is valid. Parking in Oberkassel is limited and usually metered, so the train or bike is the better choice. The meadows suit visitors who want the feel of a riverside beach day without bathing, with the best light for photography in the late afternoon and early evening.