- Ratingen
Ratingen as a neighbouring city to Duesseldorf is located in the centre of Germany. Home of approx. 93,000 inhabitants, it represents a charming contrast within the region: a well-preserved medieval city centre, a nice shopping zone as well as recreational areas with beautiful lakes, hiking paths and spacious parks attract many visitors not only on weekends.On the other hand, global players such as Esprit, Hewlett Packard and Vodafone have their head quarters here and make Ratingen an interesting location for international business.
Ratingen's connection to the world couldn't be better: Düsseldorf International Airport is just 5 kilometres (about 3 miles) away. Trains connect to anywhere in Germany. By car Ratingen can be reached via motorways A 3 or A 52.
- The region
Since the 1960s the structural change has erased smoking chimneys from the landscape, and many industrial production sites have been turned into impressive museums, locations of culture and art as well as recreational areas.
Culture and arts play a significant role in this region. Düsseldorf as the communal portal of the federal state of North-Rhine-Westphalia has a lot to offer: famous art museums such as the K21, fashion highlights and "Rhenish" life style in the beautiful Old Town make Düsseldorf worth seeing. Be sure to take a walk along the Rhine and to visit the architectural sights in the Media Harbour.
Essen which is about 20 km away (about 12 miles) has just been chosen as European Capital of Culture in 2010. Zeche Zollverein, a UNESCO world cultural heritage site, used to be one of the largest and most beautiful mining and colliery locations in Europe. Villa Hügel, manor style house and home of the Krupp family, who became famous for steel production, are only two sites of international repute. 
Cologne (German: Köln) is about 50 km (about 30 miles) away and is another place worth going, not only during its world-famous carnival. Whether you are interested in exploring the 800-year-old cathedral, finding out more about the relicts of ancient Roman times or in international musicals - you will find it there. Cologne has a life-style which may well be called easy-going and uncomplicated - go to one of the many pubs, order a "Kölsch" and find out.
If you would like to get to know one of Germany´s neighbouring countries - the Netherlands are practically next-door if you start out on a day trip from Ratingen. In the Netherlands you can experience much more than tulips, boats and cheese. Whether you prefer sightseeing in historic Amsterdam or relaxing on the beautiful sand beaches of the North Sea, you can get there within two to three hours by car.