Krefeld lies in the Lower Rhine Bay at an average elevation of 39 meters above sea level. The Rhine flows west of the city at about 28 m; Krefeld itself sits on the slightly elevated Lower Rhine sand ridge. From the 17th to early 20th century, Krefeld was Europe's leading silk weaving center – the nickname 'Silk City' remains in use today.
That works out to roughly 128 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 46 m, putting Krefeld roughly on par with them.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 39 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51.3388° N, 6.5853° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Düsseldorf | 42 | Germany |
| Duisburg | 36 | Germany |
| Cologne | 59 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Krefeld (39 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Potsdam | 37 | Germany |
| Oberhausen | 36 | Germany |
| Paris | 35 | France |
| Berlin | 34 | Germany |
| Gelsenkirchen | 49 | Germany |
| Brussels | 29 | Belgium |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Krefeld above sea level?
Krefeld averages 39 m above sea level. The Rhine west of the city flows at 28 m; the city sits at 35–50 m on the Lower Rhine sand ridge.
Why is Krefeld called the 'Silk City'?
Krefeld became Europe's leading silk weaving center from the 17th century onward. Huguenot refugees brought weaving expertise; under Prussian patronage, Krefeld became the silk capital. The industry declined in the 20th century due to synthetic fibers.
Is Krefeld on the Rhine?
Krefeld is near the Rhine but not directly on it – the river flows 3–5 km west of the city center. Krefeld has a Rhine harbor at Uerdingen, but the center sits on the sand ridge east of the river.