Düsseldorf’s first permanent racecourse opened on the Lausward meadows in 1884. Expansion of the Rhine harbour ended racing there in 1905, prompting the city to offer a new site in Grafenberg’s woodland. While the new venue was being built, the club staged its meetings at neighbouring Neuss for three years.
Grafenberg’s triangular course follows the natural contours of its woodland setting. From the lowest point near the 1,000-metre start, the ground rises 6.5 metres over just 200 metres. Another gentler climb precedes the final turn, while the back straight descends over 500 metres. These changes in elevation make the terrain an integral part of racing here.
Rhine promenade. Walk from the Old Town along the river, with waterside views and cafés for a relaxed city stop.
Little Tokyo. Explore the Japanese restaurants, shops and food culture around Immermannstraße, a distinctive part of everyday Düsseldorf.
Düsseldorf has 659,312 residents.
