The Rhine lowlands stretching from southeast in Bonn to northwest to Dusseldorf and Neuss is called “Bay of Cologne”.

The prevailing mild climate is perfect for cultivating grapes and asparagus. For centuries as a River Rhine dominated the lowlands as traffic route, leading through its towns which are densely populated due to their closeness to the river.

From the 19th century onwards the centres of population started to become surrounded by industrial settlements which now leave their mark on the cities in the north of the region.

More information (in German): http://www.viatoura.de/koelner-bucht.html

Photo: Dormagen, travelpeter/Shutterstock