How serious is the Dusseldorf and Cologne rivalry?

The rivalry goes back a number of centuries - both cities lie along the Rhine river, but Cologne has been inhabited virtually continuously since Roman times and was a great trading port along the Rhine river. read more

In contrast to Cologne, Düsseldorf embraced a more secular society. Years later, Düsseldorf was named the capital of the North Rhine-Westphalia region over Cologne. In recent years, the rivalry has been fueled by different factors – predominantly sports and beer. read more

What’s more, in a land famed for its bottom-fermented lagers, they’re both top-fermented, the same as pale ales and stouts. Perhaps, I think, as my train pulls into Cologne’s central station, that similarity is the first hint that this is a rivalry that’s more friendly than fratricidal. read more