Ratingen

Ratingen is a town in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It lies in the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region, in the district of Mettmann, about 14 kilometers northeast of Düsseldorf, on the eastern bank of the Rhine. The town covers an area of around 88 square kilometers and has a population of roughly 90,000, making it one of the larger towns in the district.

History: The area has been settled since ancient times, with records dating to the early medieval period. Ratingen developed from a small settlement around a parish church and a market. For many centuries it belonged to the Electorate of Cologne and later became part of Prussia, before becoming part of the modern state of North Rhine-Westphalia after World War II. The town has maintained a historic town center alongside modern neighborhoods and infrastructure.

Economy and transport: Ratingen hosts a mix of service-oriented businesses, light industry, and retail. Its proximity to Düsseldorf and the Düsseldorf Airport supports business activity and commuter traffic. The town is connected by regional rail and an extensive road network, with access to major motorways that link Ratingen to the wider Rhine-Ruhr area.

Education and culture: Ratingen operates several primary and secondary schools and offers cultural facilities such as libraries, museums, and sports venues. The historic town center preserves traditional timber-framed houses and serves as a civic and cultural focal point for the community.

Notable features: The town includes districts such as Hösel and Mitte, and it maintains green spaces and riverside areas along the Rhine. Ratingen's location near major urban centers combines suburban living with access to urban amenities.