Düsseldorf Alive - The Podcast about the city, for the city.

About Düsseldorf Alive - The Podcast about the city, for the city.

Düsseldorf Alive brings you the stories, news, and conversations that keep Düsseldorf moving. From culture and business to sports, local politics, events, and the occasional bizarre headline, we cover it all with humor and a local perspective. If it's happening in Düsseldorf, chances are we're talking about it. New episodes every Tuesday.

Publisher

tobihoffmannshow

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 Jun 2026

Latest episode

19 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

11 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   19 Aug 2026

   Summerbreak 2026

   Hey guys, even though it's not looking like it outside, it's summer. And we're on a short summerbreak. We'll be back with a brean new episode on August 31th. Stay healthy. Your "Düsseldorf alive"-Team

2. 

   3 Aug 2026

   Episode 10 - Low Waters & High Spirits

   E-Mail us: info@duesseldorflebt.de Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duesseldorflebt_podcast/ This week, we're broadcasting from a very special location: the "Düsseldorfer Ansichten" Gallery, surrounded by artwork that celebrates the city's unique character. In this episode of Düsseldorf Alive, we discuss the historic low water level of the Rhine and what it means for Düsseldorf, from shipping to everyday life along Germany's most famous river. We also take a look at the recent police operation in Düsseldorf's Old Town and the ongoing efforts to improve safety in the city's entertainment district. We highlight the incredible work of Düsseldorf's fire brigade, whose firefighters have travelled to Spain to assist in combating devastating wildfires, and celebrate the reopening of the public restroom at Burgplatz—a surprisingly welcome piece of local news for residents and visitors alike. We also talk about the prestigious Henkel Prize of Diana, one of Germany's most important horse racing events, and congratulate Düsseldorf's mayor, Dr. Stephan Keller, on his recent engagement. Finally, we explore the "Liebe das Leben" Festival, a celebration of community, culture, and enjoying life in one of Germany's most vibrant cities. As always, we bring together the stories, history, culture, and people that make Düsseldorf unique—relaxed, entertaining, and proudly local.

3. 

   28 Jul 2026

   Episode 9 - From Fairgrounds to Fine Art

   Summer is in full swing, and so is Düsseldorf. In this episode of Düsseldorf Alive, we take a look at the city's biggest summer stories. From ongoing public transport upgrades and construction projects in the historic Old Town to a €2 billion investment in new schools, Düsseldorf is changing both above and below the surface. We also revisit this year's Rheinkirmes, looking back at one of Germany's largest funfairs, its spectacular drone show and fireworks, and the unique atmosphere that attracts millions of visitors every summer. Along the way, we explain the story of St. Apollinaris, Düsseldorf's patron saint, and why he remains an important part of the city's history and traditions. Culture takes center stage as we explore Düsseldorf Fashion Days, welcome Hollywood star Johnny Depp, who is bringing his art exhibition to the city, and recommend a visit to the beautiful Open-Air Cinema by the Rhine, one of the city's favorite summer experiences. As always, we bring you the stories, history, culture, and events that make Düsseldorf one of Germany's most fascinating cities—relaxed, entertaining, and proudly local.

4. 

   20 Jul 2026

   Episode 8 - The Great Paddle Boat Escape

   Get in touch: info@duesseldorflebt.de This week, Düsseldorf proves once again that reality can be stranger than fiction. We discuss the improvements made after the chaotic opening of the city's new Open Air Park, the millions of euros collected from speeding fines, and the restoration of one of Düsseldorf's historic Rhine water level gauges. Then come the stories you simply can't make up: thieves attempting to escape in a stolen paddle boat, customs officials destroying 650 kilograms of confiscated cannabis, and spectacular fireworks and drone shows lighting up the famous Rhine Fair (Rheinkirmes). As always, Düsseldorf Alive brings you the biggest local headlines, unusual stories, and everything worth talking about from Germany's most livable city.

5. 

   13 Jul 2026

   Episode 7 - From Heavy Metal to Summer Festivals

   Summer is in full swing, and so are Düsseldorf's headlines. This week, we discuss the troubled opening of the city's new Open Air Park during the System Of A Down concert and why the following Broilers show proved that large events can be organized much more successfully. We also talk about the start of Düsseldorf's famous Rhine Fair (Rheinkirmes), one of Germany's biggest annual funfairs. We take a closer look at the alarming number of drowning victims across Germany, Tour de Düsseldorf, and another dominant performance by Rhein Fire as they prepare for their rematch against the Vienna Vikings. As always, there are plenty of quirky local stories too: alcohol-free Altbier at the historic Schlüssel brewery, a scarecrow making an appearance at a public swimming pool, and the return of storks to northern Düsseldorf. Finally, we read and respond to your feedback before wrapping up another week of the biggest stories from Düsseldorf—covering news, sports, culture, and everything in between.

6. 

   6 Jul 2026

   Episode 6 - From Croissants to Circle Pits

   Contact us: info@duesseldorflebt.de From a French festival and a returning Airbus A380 to rock concerts and local debates, Düsseldorf had another eventful week. In this episode, we share our experiences from the France Festival before discussing safety in Düsseldorf's Old Town, the latest birth rate figures, and the celebrations of Moroccan football fans that sparked public discussion. We also cover the return of the Airbus A380 to Düsseldorf Airport, two newly announced concerts by legendary German punk rock band Die Toten Hosen, and the opening of the city's new Open Air Park with System Of A Down. Finally, we take a look at a new magazine designed especially for children in Düsseldorf, the reported crime hotspot in Oberkassel, and one of the city's most beloved summer traditions: the annual book market along the Rhine. As always, Düsseldorf Alive brings you the biggest local stories, cultural highlights, and the conversations shaping Germany's most livable city.

7. 

   29 Jun 2026

   Episode 5 - Too Hot to BBQ

   Düsseldorf is feeling the heat and not just because of the weather. In this episode, we look back at the biggest local stories of the week, including the ongoing heatwave, a dramatic rescue after a swimming accident in the Rhine, and new fines for anyone ignoring Düsseldorf's park barbecue ban. We also discuss how the low water level of the Rhine is affecting the city and why Düsseldorf now boasts the highest number of ice cream parlors per 100,000 residents in Germany. On the business side, we cover Rheinmetall's falling share price and why Düsseldorf continues to generate the highest business tax revenue in North Rhine-Westphalia. In sports, Rhein Fire and the Düsseldorf Panther both celebrate victories, while stadium beer suuplier Schumacher Alt signs a new contract at the Merkur Spiel-Arena. We also talk about the opening of the new House of Cultures, the musical Six bringing the story of Anne of Cleves to the stage, children performing "operations" on teddy bears to learn about medicine, and a preview of next weekend's France Festival. From summer heat and city politics to sports, culture, and wonderfully quirky local stories, this is another week of Düsseldorf Alive.

8. 

   22 Jun 2026

   Episode 4 - Bad Bunny & Baby Geckos

   Contact us via info@duesseldorflebt.de A summer heatwave, carnival royalty, international superstars, and a box full of smuggled geckos. Düsseldorf certainly kept things interesting this week. In this episode of Düsseldorf Alive, we discuss the hot weather currently affecting the city and what the ongoing heatwave means for everyday life along the Rhine. We also take a look at the Rhine ferry and preview the upcoming Rheinkirmes, one of Germany's largest and most iconic funfairs. Carnival season may still be months away, but Düsseldorf has already introduced its new Prinzenpaar, giving us an opportunity to explore one of the city's most beloved traditions. We also visit ART Carlsplatz and discuss how Düsseldorf continues to combine creativity, culture, and urban life. Music fans have plenty to celebrate as well. We talk about the excitement surrounding Bad Bunny's concerts in Düsseldorf and the impact major international artists have on the city. Sports are never far away from the conversation. We review another successful weekend for Rhein Fire, while the Düsseldorf Panther had a more difficult outing. We also look at the Gottfried Schultz Mittsommer Race Day and the Düsseldorf300 cycling race, two events that brought athletes and spectators together across the city. Meanwhile, customs officials made headlines after confiscating illegally imported geckos, providing one of the week's most unusual stories and proving once again that local news can be stranger than fiction. As always, we explore the stories, events, people, and oddities that make Düsseldorf unique. Relaxed, entertaining, and proudly local.

9. 

   15 Jun 2026

   Episode 3 - The Geese Are Taking Over

   Artificial intelligence, Canadian geese, and international sports events ! Welcome back to another week in Düsseldorf. In this episode of Düsseldorf Alive, we discuss the decision to end plans for Düsseldorf's new opera house and why the German Taxpayers Association has praised the move. We also tackle one of the city's more unusual challenges. Canadian geese, whose growing presence in local parks is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore. Technology is also on the agenda as we take a look at Rheinbahn's latest experiments with artificial intelligence and the return of the Rhine ferry service in cooperation with Uber, offering another way to cross Germany's most famous river. On the sports front, Düsseldorf has been selected as one of the host cities for the 2027 Ice Hockey World Championship. We also celebrate victories for the Düsseldorf Panther and Rhein Fire, two teams that continue to put the city on the sporting map. Beyond sports, we explore some of the cultural highlights currently shaping city life, including the Art:Walk event, the Park Life festival, the opening of Die Toten Hosen's farewell tour, and the Marilyn Monroe exhibition attracting visitors from across the region. As always, we combine local news, culture, sports, and the occasional bizarre headline to give you a unique look at life in Düsseldorf. Relaxed, entertaining, and proudly local. If you have any concerns, wishes, requests, feedback, or anything else on your mind, send us an email at info@duesseldorflebt.de (mailto:info@duesseldorflebt.de).

10. 

    15 Jun 2026

    Episode 2 - Opera Stopped, Caskets Dropped, Robbie Rocked

    If you have any concerns, wishes, requests, feedback, or anything else on your mind, send us an email at info@duesseldorflebt.de (mailto:info@duesseldorflebt.de) What do a stalled opera house, illegal swimming in the Rhine, a €5 billion defense contract, and a funeral trade fair have in common? Somehow, they're all part of another eventful week in Düsseldorf. In this episode, we look back at the biggest stories from Düsseldorf between June 1 and June 7. We discuss the suspension of the city's ambitious new opera house project, the growing number of fines issued to people swimming in the Rhine, and Rheinmetall's massive new contract with Romania. We also take a look at Fortuna Düsseldorf's financial situation, which has led to the club's amputee football team losing its place in Germany's top division. On the sports side, we cover disappointing weekends for both the Düsseldorf Panthers and Rhein Fire, as well as the latest season ticket prices announced by DEG. Meanwhile, Carsten reports back from one of Düsseldorf's more unusual events: the international funeral and undertaker trade fair BEFA. We also talk about carnival float designer Jacques Tilly finding himself in the sights of the Russian legal system once again, Robbie Williams' two concerts in Düsseldorf, the city's annual Pride celebrations, and where football fans can gather to watch the Club World Cup this summer. From politics and business to sports, culture, and the occasional bizarre headline, this is another week of Düsseldorf Alive.

11. 

    3 Jun 2026

    Episode 1 - Trams, Tides and Tropical Flights

    What do a drying Rhine, a Caribbean flight connection, and a missing Miles Davis concert have in common? Somehow, they're all part of this week's journey through Düsseldorf. In this episode of Düsseldorf Alive, we begin with a brief look at the city's history before diving into Düsseldorf's extensive public transport network and the frequent tram accidents that continue to make local headlines. We also explore the effects of low water levels in the Rhine, from shipping challenges to environmental concerns, and explain why swimming in the river remains strictly discouraged despite the summer heat. From there, we head skyward with Düsseldorf Airport's new direct connection to Curaçao, bringing a tropical destination within easy reach of the city. Back on the ground, we discuss efforts to improve the cleanliness of Düsseldorf's central railway station and what that says about one of Germany's busiest transport hubs. The cultural side of the city is represented as well. We examine Düsseldorf's diverse event venues, from intimate stages to major arenas, and uncover the curious story of why jazz legend Miles Davis never performed in Düsseldorf despite the city's rich musical heritage. Finally, we spotlight internationally renowned photographer Andreas Gursky, one of Düsseldorf's most influential artists, and his connection to the final album cover of the legendary punk band Die Toten Hosen. As always, we combine local stories, history, culture, and a touch of humor to show what makes Düsseldorf such a fascinating city.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings