ACTIVE IN DÜSSELDORF

Three golf courses can be enjoyed in Düsseldorf, two of which offer a full eighteen holes. The public nine hole course is located near to the harbour on the flat river banks of the Rhine.

Set in the countryside east of the city, Kosaido International Golf Club is situated in a beautiful, hilly environment. The Golfanlage Düsseldorf Grafenberg is also located in magnificent settings. The course flows directly next to the racecourse and alongside woodlands.

The ice skating rink, Eissporthalle, in centre of Düsseldorf is the former home to the local team. Skaters of all ages along to spin a few rounds on the ice on several days of the week throughout the winter months.

Another ice rink in the southern district of Benrath offers an opportunity for all. They welcome beginners to experiment, novices to practice and the experienced to train on the ice . It is possible to rent skates at the sports facility if necessary.

One of the oldest sports in the world, lacrosse was apparently invented by indigenous American Indians. Following its introduction to students, the game gained popularity across the globe.

The DSC 99 Club in Düsseldorf provides artificial outdoor turf pitches for their adult and youth teams to play lacrosse throughout the year. The club welcomes amateurs who wish to join them, improve on their playing standards and enjoy the sport.

Softball is similar to baseball. The game is played with a larger and slightly harder ball, thus cannot be thrown or hit quite as hard. The Bandits arose after a few young baseball players began playing softball beside the Rhine in Düsseldorf and formed a team a year later.

A colourful history and three decades later, players have fun playing seriously. Members have come from far afield places such as Germany, USA, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Venezuela, Hungary, Romania, England and Egypt. Image © Düsseldorf Bandits.

Germany’s original indoor ski slope offers a unique indoor skiing experience just down the road from Neuss. The 300 metre slope is designed with various skiers in mind. Children and beginners can use the more gentle slopes with an easier gradient of 10 to 18 percent. More experienced and professional skiers or snowboarders will prefer the steeper upper slope with 28 percent incline.

Germans thoroughly enjoy sports and keeping fit, which is reflected in the number of sports clubs, Vereine, in Düsseldorf. Clubs are available for all manner of sports including water sports, riding, tennis, soccer, gymnastics and many more. All have to be registered.

Expats wishing to take up sports with others, can find a sport art for virtually all healthy-minded people. The Stadtsportbund Düsseldorf lists them all. Search by selecting Vereine, the area and then chosen sport, Sportart, to reveal a list  of relevant clubs.

Swimming in Düsseldorf is popular, a fact reflected in thirteen swimming pools, nine of which are indoor and four outdoor. The natural waters and beaches of Unterbacher See also prove popular during summer months.

The greatest fun for some may be had in the recreational pool Freizeitbad Düsselstrand. Revealing many of the original art deco elements from 1902, the refurbished Münster Therme offers an unusual and unique atmosphere. Photo © Bädergesellschaft Düsseldorf.