Mulheim-Cologne: A Safe Place To Visit?

Mülheim is a borough of Cologne, Germany, and a formerly independent town. It is located on the right bank of the Rhine, opposite the old town of Cologne. The district is ethnically diverse, with a significant Turkish population. It is served by numerous railway stations and highways, and is home to several notable landmarks, including the Cologne Zoological Garden and the Rheinpark. While there are varying opinions on the safety of the area, many residents and visitors attest to having felt safe in Mülheim.

Is Mülheim ethnically diverse?

Mülheim, Cologne, is indeed ethnically diverse. One source states that it has a big Turkish community around Keupstraße, and another describes it as "ethnically and culturally diverse".

Mülheim is also described as having a "certain character" and being "affordable", with "lots of shops and take-out options". It is also said to be "close to the Rhine", with a "good connection to the centre".

One source states that Mülheim has a bad reputation, but this is attributed to the large Turkish community, which is described as "racist stereotypes". Another source states that Mülheim is "not the place for rich people", but that "doesn't make it inherently dangerous".

Overall, Mülheim seems to be a relatively safe and ethnically diverse area of Cologne, with a mix of cultural traditions and a variety of food options.

Is Mülheim affordable?

Mülheim is considered one of the "poorer" districts of Cologne, Germany, and is therefore an affordable place to live. One resident describes it as having an "obscenely low rent".

Mülheim has a large Turkish community, which is reflected in its food and supermarkets. The area has been described as "urban", with a mix of old fabric buildings and art exhibitions. It is close to the Rhine and has good transport connections to the centre of Cologne.

Moxy Cologne Muelheim is a stylish and affordable hotel in the area, with rooms available for under €100 per night.

Is there good public transport in Mülheim?

Mülheim, Cologne is well-connected to the city's public transport network. The Köln/Bonn Airport is connected to the city centre by the S-Bahn (suburban railway), and from there, underground trains and buses will take you to the Cologne neighbourhood of your choice. The S-Bahn runs faster than a tram and stops at the main train stations, not at tram stops.

Once in Cologne, you can change to the city tram and subway lines. In Cologne, there is no distinction between the tram and subway. The trains go up and down, so you can take the underground line 18 at the central station and get off at Barbarossaplatz, which is at street level. On weekdays, most of the lines run until 1 am, and at weekends, they run throughout the night.

There are also many bus lines, but you probably won't need them as it is mostly just a short walk to the next tram station. You do not need different tickets for the tram, bus, or suburban railway. Look out for ticket machines with the letters “KVB”, the local mobility company. Some stations do not have ticket machines, but you can purchase tickets inside the tram. Every coach has one machine in the middle. You can pay by coins, credit card (VISA and Mastercard), your normal bank card (Maestro), and another card ("Geldkarte") that you have to charge with money first. Unfortunately, the ticket machines do not accept bills.

The zones for public transport in Cologne are divided by distance, and the ticket system is grouped into different colours. There are two types of fares in the neighbourhoods within the heart of Cologne, red and orange. If you travel within one zone, it's the colour code 'a', and if you travel across several fares, it's 'b'.

If you live in the city centre of Cologne, the 1b Cityticket is probably all you need if you travel more than four stops. A single ticket for a short distance (4 stops) costs €1.90, and a day ticket for zone 1B costs €8.60.

What is there to do in Mülheim?

Mülheim, a historic city in Germany, offers a plethora of attractions for visitors to enjoy. Here is a detailed list of things to do and see in Mülheim:

• Aquarius Wassermuseum – Housed within a 50-metre water tower built by August Thyssen in the 1890s, this museum showcases the culture, technology, and science of water. It features interactive exhibits, games, and a glass elevator offering panoramic views.
• Freilichtbühne Mülheim an der Ruhr – One of Germany's largest outdoor theatres, nestled in a quarry, offering cultural events like hip-hop and folk music performances in a natural setting.
• Museum zur Vorgeschichte des Films – Housed in the Broicher Wasserturm, this museum features a camera obscura that projects a 360-degree view of the surroundings. It also has exhibits on the history of the moving image, with artefacts like kaleidoscopes and magic lanterns.
• Schloss Broich – A medieval castle dating back to the 9th century, built to ward off Viking raids. It has a rich history, having hosted royalty and boasts 1,100-year-old Carolingian architecture. It also hosts medieval festivals, concerts, and a Christmas market.
• Mülheim's Old Town – A well-preserved old town with a village-like feel, featuring half-timbered houses, inns, and the Altstadtfriedhof (Old Town Cemetery), the resting place of prominent manufacturing families.
• Kloster Saarn – A former Cistercian abbey founded in the 13th century, with architecture spanning its 600-year history. It now houses a museum showcasing the results of archaeological excavations and a potager garden.
• Bismarck Tower – One of 173 remaining towers erected to commemorate Otto von Bismarck, offering panoramic views of the Ruhr Valley.
• Ruhrstrand – A verdant peninsula on the Ruhr River offering relaxation, walks, cycling paths, playgrounds, and barbecue areas.
• Bergarbeitersiedlung Mausegatt – A well-preserved neighbourhood from the coal mining era, designed by August Thyssen and Hugo Stinnes, showcasing the living quarters of miners from the early 20th century.
• Stadt-Viadukt und Ruhrbrücke Mülheim – An impressive example of 19th-century engineering, this disused rail viaduct and bridge are being transformed into a cycle path and promenade.
• Schleuseninsel (Lock Island) – A holiday-like island in the Ruhr River featuring the Wasserbahnhof, the Art Deco headquarters of the Weiße Flotte cruise company, and Franky's restaurant with its popular beer garden.
• Rhein-Ruhr-Zentrum – A shopping mall offering a variety of shopping and entertainment options, including a food court, bowling alley, and cinema.
• MüGa-Park – A 66-hectare park with educational gardens, pavilions, sculptures, and playgrounds. It was once an industrial site but has been transformed into a green space with walking and cycling trails.
• Kurpark am Solbad Raffelberg – A spa park offering relaxation and recreational activities.
• Camera Obscura Museum – A museum located in the pre-historic Broich Castle, offering interactive and hands-on exhibits, as well as a camera obscura with a 360-degree view.
• Entenfang – A natural area perfect for walks and outdoor activities, especially for those visiting with dogs.

Is there a lot of crime in Mülheim?

Mülheim, a borough of Cologne in Germany, has a reputation for being unsafe due to its large Turkish community and the presence of homeless people with addiction problems. However, residents and visitors alike attest to the area's safety.

One resident of six years shares that they've walked and taken public transport alone at night as a woman and have never felt unsafe or experienced any problems. Another resident of 22 years mentions that they've never felt unsafe, and several others agree that the area is as safe as the rest of Cologne. One person even goes so far as to say that all of Cologne is safe.

While Mülheim may have some shady areas and a less affluent population, it doesn't seem to be particularly dangerous. The key to staying safe in Mülheim, as in any big city, is to use common sense and trust your instincts. Avoid dark alleys and sketchy people, and you should be fine.

In terms of notable crimes, the 2004 Cologne bombing took place in Mülheim. On June 9, 2004, a pipe bomb detonated in a business area popular with Turkish immigrants, wounding 22 people. Additionally, serial killer Peter Kürten, known as the Vampire of Düsseldorf, was born in Mülheim in 1883.

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