What would Düsseldorf be without it? Düsseldorf's Königsallee is more than a street to shop on – it's a business card, a real splendour and an international trademark. Affectionately called the "Kö" by Düsseldorf's residents, it's the main reason for the city's image of an elegant shopping destination and a sophisticated lifestyle.

The "Who's Who" of the fashion world presents itself on the Kö. Numerous flagship-stores, small boutiques, luxurious juwellers and impressive shopping-malls invite for a leisurely stroll. A personal shopper will meet you for a shopping tour through selected fashion shops if you like, additionally many street cafés offer a rest to "see and be seen".

The west side of the Kö has developed into a top address for luxury hotels: the highly traditional Breidenbacher Hof, the Steigenberger Parkhotel and the Intercontinental are to be found. All three hotels with their five stars have been commended as "Superior".

History of the Königsallee

The boulevard with its generous stretch of water down the centre was commissioned from the court master builder Huschberger in the place of the existing fortifications, when the area was redeveloped in 1802. It was completed in 1804. The excavation of a moat of 31 m width and 5 m depth required the Düssel to be diverted to provide the nececessary water. Two wooden bridges crossing the moat were provided with toll huts. On the suggestion of the landscape architect Weyhe, trees were planted alongside, and the boulevard was later on named Kastanienallee (Chestnut Avenue).
The origin of its today's name is as legendary as it is itself: after horse manure was thrown at King Friedrich Wilhelm IV (1848), it's name was changed from Kastanienallee (Chestnut Avenue) to Königsallee (King's Avenue) as a sign of goodwill.

Further information