Düsseldorf lies on the Lower Rhine at an average elevation of 42 meters above sea level – one of the flattest major cities in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Rhine flows through the city at 28–32 m; the old town and Rhine promenade sit at 31–35 m. Terrain rises gently eastward toward the Bergisch Highlands.
That works out to roughly 138 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 70 m, putting Düsseldorf about 28 m lower.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 42 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51.2217° N, 6.7762° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Cologne | 59 | Germany |
| Essen | 90 | Germany |
| Duisburg | 36 | Germany |
| Dortmund | 94 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Düsseldorf (42 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Krefeld | 39 | Germany |
| Potsdam | 37 | Germany |
| Oberhausen | 36 | Germany |
| Paris | 35 | France |
| Gelsenkirchen | 49 | Germany |
| Berlin | 34 | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Düsseldorf above sea level?
Düsseldorf averages 42 m above sea level. The Rhine flows at 28–32 m; eastern districts rise to about 80 m.
Has the Rhine flooded Düsseldorf?
Yes, the Rhine has historically reached gauge levels above 8 m in Düsseldorf, regularly flooding the old town and harbour. Modern flood barriers now protect the inner city.
Why is Düsseldorf so flat?
Düsseldorf lies in the Lower Rhine Bay, a tectonically subsided lowland. The Rhine has deposited alluvial sediments here over millennia, creating a flat floodplain.