Duisburg lies at the confluence of the Rhine and Ruhr at an average elevation of 36 meters above sea level, hosting Europe's largest inland port. The Rhine flows at 16–20 m through the western city; the Ruhr hills to the east rise to 100 m. Industrial heritage has reshaped Duisburg's topography – mining spoil heaps (Halden) now rise above the cityscape.
That works out to roughly 118 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 71 m, putting Duisburg about 35 m lower.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 36 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51.4344° N, 6.7623° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Düsseldorf | 42 | Germany |
| Essen | 90 | Germany |
| Cologne | 59 | Germany |
| Dortmund | 94 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Duisburg (36 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Oberhausen | 36 | Germany |
| Paris | 35 | France |
| Potsdam | 37 | Germany |
| Berlin | 34 | Germany |
| Krefeld | 39 | Germany |
| Brussels | 29 | Belgium |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Duisburg above sea level?
Duisburg averages 36 m above sea level. The Rhine flows at 16–20 m; the eastern outskirts reach up to 100 m.
Why is Duisburg's port Europe's largest inland harbour?
Duisburg Harbour has 21 basins with 40 km of quayside and handles around 70 million tonnes annually. Its position at the Rhine-Ruhr junction makes it the key transshipment hub for bulk goods in central Europe.
What are the Halden spoil heaps in Duisburg?
The Halde Rheinpreußen, topped by the Geleucht sculpture at about 90 m, is the most famous. These artificial hills were created by centuries of coal mining and now serve as green recreational landmarks.