opladen

Opladen is a district of the city of Leverkusen in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It lies in the southern part of Leverkusen, within the Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region. Historically, Opladen developed from a small rural town that expanded in the 19th and early 20th centuries as industry grew in the area. The town center, anchored by a market square and several historic churches, remains a local reference point for residents.

In 1975, during the municipal reform in North Rhine-Westphalia, Opladen was incorporated into the city of Leverkusen and became one of its districts. Since then, it has retained a distinct neighborhood identity while sharing administration and services with the larger city. The district is connected to the regional transport network and provides a range of local amenities, including schools, shops, libraries, and cultural venues.

Opladen is often associated with its residential neighborhoods and its role as a commuter suburb of the larger Rhine-Ruhr economy. It hosts local events and markets that reflect traditional town life in North Rhine-Westphalia. The district forms part of the broader Leverkusen urban area, notable for its proximity to industrial sites, research institutions, and the nearby Rhine river landscape.