There are few shopping streets in Germany whose names are as resonant and legendary as Königsallee. Framed by overhanging plane trees, the grand Kö boulevard is lined with luxury boutiques, shopping malls and elegant hotels.
At one time, the Kö was known as Kastanienallee because it was lined with magnificent chestnut trees. However, in 1848 the King of Prussia, Frederick William IV, announced a visit to Düsseldorf – then a quite sleepy town. Enraged by what they saw as unjust Prussian edicts, the populace gave the king an anarchic welcome – pelting him with horse dung. One such missile is even said to have actually hit his coat. To restore the city to the king’s good graces, Kastanienallee was swiftly renamed “Königsallee” (King’s Avenue).
Today, the Kö is one of Europe’s leading luxury shopping streets and, measuring 87 metres across, it is also Germany’s widest street. There are many French and Italian fashion and couture houses here, particularly at the upper end of the Kö. Fashionistas will truly find every luxury brand that their hearts desire. One can also soak up the Kö’s distinctive charm at one of the many pavement cafés. Simply take a seat at one of the pavement cafés, order a latte or a sundae, and watch people strolling past. Then it’s almost like a fashion show. At the northern end, you will come to magnificent Corneliusplatz, the opera house and Hofgarten – Germany’s oldest public park. These delights are followed by the Kö-Bogen with an architectural highlight: the proposed structure designed by star architect Daniel Libeskind is a further shopping highlight housing many international brands and sublime dining. At the same time, this ensemble forms the end of the splendid boulevard.
Breuninger department store
Königsallee is not only a street for taking a stroll, however – during the summer months it is constantly changing. It is namely here in the shadow of the overhanging plane trees that the “Bücherbummel” book fair, the Gourmet Festival and sporting events such as the “Rund um die Kö” bicycle race or the marathon take place. Königsallee also has much to offer in cultural terms, as it is home to high-calibre galleries, which exhibit art by world-famous artists. The whole world of art is on display here, from the works of the old masters to modern classics and from abstract expressionism to contemporary art.
Further information at duesseldorf-tourismus.de