An impressive sea of colour can be seen each year in Düsseldorf during the lead up to early spring. The so-called Blue Band comprises millions of blue-violet crocuses blooming cheerfully along roughly two and a half kilometres of the Rhine frontage. It is truly a heartwarming sight to behold.
Beginning on the the Rheinwiesen near the Theodor Heuss Bridge where 1 million bulbs it extends to the Rheinpark with 5 million blossoms, and the Hofgarten, which also boasts 1 million. Almost a million can also be seen at the Kaiserpfalz in Kaiserswerth as well as up to a 1 million in various other green spaces across the city.
The meandering sweep of colour echoes the waves of the Rhine to attract walkers, photographers, residents and visitors from across the region. Since 2008, wide support enables maintenance and expansion, as shown with the latest additional planting in October 2025 to restore it’s full splendour.
Spring in Blue
The Spring in Blue non-profit photo competition instigated by Pro Düsseldorf e. V. highlights both the uniqueness and vulnerability of this annual spectacle. The activity invites residents to capture the Blaues Band in imagery to raise awareness for the respectful treatment of this natural resource.
Designed to encourage citizens to engage creatively with urban nature, it will create a unique image archive of the Spring in Blue, Frühling in Blau, as a visual heritage of the city. Furthermore, it strengthens awareness for the protection of green spaces and resources in Düsseldorf.
The blue ribbon of crocuses shapes the cityscape and attracts many people every year. Spring in Blue makes these moments visible. Not just as a beautiful motif, but as an opportunity to reflect upon our environment, resource conservation, and the management of public green spaces.
Join the Initiative
The project is open to individuals as well as companies. Those wishing to enter the competition can expect the competition platform to be published online from mid February 2026. Entries are possible during the month of March. The initial jury phase takes place during April, while online voting and final prize allocation with an award ceremony will follow in June.
Any company wishing to support the competition benefits from the environmental education project for Düsseldorf. Beyond strengthening urban nature, it raises awareness and fosters community spirit, while credibly demonstrating a corporate commitment to the city.
Photo © Pro Düsseldorf e. V.
Words Pro Düsseldorf, story Vincent Green, Dec 27, 2025
