NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA

North Rhine-Westphalia, coat of arms

North Rhine-Westphalia, car license plate

North Rhine-Westphalia: Gothic Cologne, stylish Düsseldorf, mysterious Aachen and industrial Essen – history and modernity intertwine.

NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA: THE MOST INTERESTING

North Rhine-Westphalia on a map of Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen), or NRW as it's known locally, is Germany's most populous state, located in the western part. About 30% of the country's population lives here.

Best known for its industry and large cities, Bonn, Beethoven's birthplace, harks back to its time as the capital of West Germany. Düsseldorf, a city of art, fashion, and exhibitions, gleams along the Rhine embankment. Cologne is renowned as the birthplace of cologne and Kölsch beer.

Even if you're not a big football fan, you'll be impressed by a Borussia Dortmund match at the local stadium – the fans' support and show are considered the coolest in Europe.

For industrial enthusiasts, there's the "world's largest mine," Zollverein in Essen, now a gigantic museum chronicling the region's coal industry. For the soul, there's the grandiose Cologne Cathedral, a Gothic wonder towering over the Rhine, built over 600 years, and Aachen Cathedral, a medieval gem with the tomb of Charlemagne.

NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA: HISTORY OF THE COAT OF ARMS

Today's state of North Rhine-Westphalia was created in 1946 from the former Prussian provinces of Westphalia and the northern part of the Rhineland. After World War II, this territory was in the British occupation zone. Its enormous economic potential lay in the numerous industrial sectors and mineral extraction of the Ruhr Basin. Other victorious powers also hinted at their share of this lucrative pie, but were met with cold incomprehension from the British: "The new administrative unit is indivisible."

Rhine Province, coat of arms 1871-1918

The coat of arms of North Rhine-Westphalia was approved in 1953 and contains three constituent parts.

The white curve symbolizes the Rhine River, flowing through fertile lands. It was adopted for the Prussian Rhine Province in 1817. Back then, the creators likely didn't realize that the "upper left to lower right" direction subconsciously creates a negative perception — apathy, disbelief in the future, and an unwillingness to pay taxes.

Province of Westphalia, coat of arms 1871-1918

In the Middle Ages, Westphalia was a duchy under the Archbishop of Cologne. Since then, a white steed has remained an element of the Westphalian coat of arms. It originated from the symbol of the Lower Saxony region. However, malicious tongues claim that the steed reared, steadfastly refusing to venture further west, into the Dutch swamps. A more cynical version asserts: "The editor forced the horse to fit into the context without losing its volume, proportions, and charm."

Coat of arms of the von Lippe family

The lower silver field depicts the "Lippe Rose," the dynastic symbol of the House of Lippe . This wealthy and famous family has been known since ancient times. The rose was first documented on the seal of Hermann II of Lippe in 1218 and has symbolized the von Lippe family's holdings ever since. Note that the five golden sepals on the von Lippe coat of arms are positioned with the star facing down, while on the federal coat of arms they are turned with the star facing up. Heraldists are puzzled, suspecting a possible mystical origin.

NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA: THE FUN FACTS

Coat of arms of Bernhard von Lippe-Biesterfeld

One of the most prominent representatives of the von Lippe family was Bernhard von Lippe-Biesterfeld , who lived from 1911 to 2004. Bernhard was married to Princess Juliana, and when she became Queen of the Netherlands in 1948, he received the title Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands. Not a king.

This is likely not least due to the prince's controversial past. Bernhard was born in Germany and, like many of his peers, was a member of various Nazi organizations.

Despite this, after Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands in 1940, the prince personally fired machine guns at German landing planes from the roof of his palace. Later, while in London, he offered his services to British intelligence, and his handler was a certain Ian Fleming, who later imbued his character James Bond with many of the prince's traits.

Bernhard was also a passionate horseman, aviator, race car driver, and the first president of the World Wildlife Fund. A brilliant personality in every respect.

NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA: ALPINE SKIING

Winterberg might be a bit of a surprise, but it bills itself as "The Kingdom of Snow / The Kingdom of Adventures / The Kingdom of All Things." Comfortable, well-groomed slopes on seven mountains offer snow fun and sports on a grand scale. Toboggan runs aren't the only things that offer great entertainment for little snow bunnies. Colorful figures, gates, and "magic carpets" are featured in the children's areas, where little ones can learn their first turns in a playful way.