Along with its geographical situation, cultural heritage and past, the city of Düsseldorf is characterized by Christian beliefs and celebrates an openness to other religions.


The churches in Düsseldorf reflect both past and present. As in most Rhenish cities the Catholic community forms the largest religious group in Düsseldorf. More than one third of people belong to the Roman Catholic Church. In the 16th century the city became a centre of the Protestant Reformation in Western Germany and the adherents to the Lutheran-Evangelic Church are almost equally represented.

The third most notable religion is Muslim. Large immigration waves of labourers from Islamic countries, notably Turkey, Morocco and Iran, came to work in the region’s booming industries in the 1960s and 1970s. Arriving as expatriates with the intention to work in Germany for several years only a very small number actually returned to their home country.

The local Jewish community, nowadays counting many thousands of members, is the third largest in Germany after Berlin and Munich. A wide-cross section of activities are supported and the community takes a lively part in public life.

Less remarkable in size but also represented are Mormons, the Anglican Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses and a Buddhists community.