Ratingen

　　Ratingen is a city in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the capital of the district of Mettmann. It is one of the four historic major cities in the Bergisches Land region, featuring vast forests, meadows, and fields. It is known as the green heart and tranquil oasis of the urban landscape belt formed by the Rhine, Ruhr, and Wupper rivers.

　　Ratingen is a city with a long history. As early as 1276, the Duke of Berg granted it city rights, and its residents take great pride in this ancient heritage. Other sources of civic pride include the imposing city walls, historic buildings, and the charming market square, all of which have served their roles since the 9th century and have been preserved to this day. The city's landmarks include the row-house Water Castle, Schloss Linnep, Schloss Landsberg, and the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul—all dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. There is also the "Red Rooster" half-timbered house and a site of high industrial historical value. The city offers a rich variety of cultural and leisure activities. The municipal theater provides an ideal stage for numerous well-known guest performances, while the open-air stage at Lake Blaue Sommer attracts considerable attention. The Doll Museum showcases a large collection of dolls produced in Germany and France after 1850. The City Art Exhibition follows the theme of "discovering hidden lives," and the artists featured here are undoubtedly of world-class caliber.

　　Also worth visiting is the Art Path in Ratingen, which runs across the entire urban area—from Volkspark Volkardey in the west to Angert in the east. Located between the famous Neandertal pilgrimage site and the cradle of humanity, the Neander Valley, the path extends approximately 11 kilometers through diverse landscapes. Ten artists have created sculptures that reflect the charm of these various landscape zones.

　　Ratingen Reason to visit: A serene green oasis city in Germany Continent: Europe 【Europe】 Country/Region: Germany [Germany] Province/State: North Rhine-Westphalia [North Rhine-Westphalia] City: Ratingen [Ratingen]