Kleve

Kleve, known in Dutch as Cleve, is a town in the northwestern part of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is the administrative seat of Kreis Kleve and lies on the Rhine near the border with the Netherlands. The town is part of the Lower Rhine region and has long-standing cross-border connections through trade, culture, and travel.

Historically, the area sits on the site of the medieval Duchy of Cleves. The Schwanenburg, a hilltop castle overlooking the town, served as the ducal residence. In the 17th century Cleves became part of the United Duchies of Jülich-Cleves-Berg. After the Napoleonic era, the territory was incorporated into Prussia and later became part of the Rhine Province; following the reorganization after World War II, it became part of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. The duchy is also associated with Anne of Cleves, who became queen consort of England in the 16th century.

Population and administration: Kleve has about 50,000 residents and functions as the administrative center of Kreis Kleve. The town hosts a campus of the Rheinische Fachhochschule or, more broadly, the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, which maintains facilities in Kleve.

Economy and culture: The local economy is a mix of services, education, and light industry, with agriculture in the surrounding district. Cultural life centers on the historic old town, the Schwanenburg, museums, and regional events that reflect the town’s Rhine-facing heritage.

Sights: The Schwanenburg (Swan Castle) is the principal historic landmark, complemented by the Markt (market square), the Rhine promenade, and nearby churches and museums.

Notable people: Anne of Cleves, a 16th-century queen consort of England, is linked to the historic Duchy of Cleves.