Mönchengladbach: A guide to Germany’s ancient City

The city is situated on the West side of Germany between the Rhine and the Dutch border. The area was originally a Neanderthal settlement and remains have been found that have been dated back 400,000 years. The origin of the city as known today dates back to 974AD when an abbey formed alongside a small brook called the Gladbach.

Today the city is known for its annual Shrove Tuesday carnival through the streets, as well as for having a vibrant arts scene. In the evenings, crowds line the streets to get into the various bars and clubs in the Waldhausener Strasse, which is the main party zone.

During the day, there is a zoo that serves as an excellent family day out. Their animals range from multi-coloured exotic birds to monkeys, seals & kangaroos. If you want a great night out then it has to be Mönchengladbach, where the locals really know how to throw a party. Projekt 42 is the place to be for live performances, ranging from poetry slams to jam sessions and concerts.

If you’re looking for a bit more culture, then the Museum Abteiberg is for you. Since the 1970s, the museum has been known for its experimental and avant-garde exhibitions. Its museum architecture, designed by Austrian architect Hans Hollein, is is a highpoint of postmodern design.

Mönchengladbach's home club, Borussia Mönchengladbach, is one of the country's most well-known, best-supported and successful teams. Famous for their attacking style, they have won the Bundesliga five times.

Known as Die Fohlen, or the foals, the club has more than 50,000 members and is the fourth largest fan-club in Germany. They play their home games at the Borussia-Park, which is just 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre. It has plenty of parking spaces and ticket prices range from around €5 to €40.

Of course after the game you will want to be part of the crowd and enjoy the atmosphere of the Mönchengladbach fans, and there are plenty of places to do so. A great place to try is The Sports Bar at the Borussia-Park stadium. The Bar serves up a range of hearty snacks perfect for hungry supporters, including Laugenbrezel (traditional German pretzel) and piping hot fries. Main meals such as salads, baguettes and schnitzels are also available. The Sports Bar is even open during away games, with multiple screens all around the bar.

Just a short drive down the A52 autobahn is Dusseldorf, which is a fantastic place to go, even just for the day. The pub brewery, Zum Schlussel, on Bolkerstrasse in the old town, only produces one beer, Original Schlussel. It’s been brewed on the premises for 170 years and served only in quarter-litre glasses for just €1.30, straight from wooden barrels on the counter. The small measure is to ensure your beer is always fresh and glasses are swiftly refilled.

In the opposite direction along the A52 you’ll hit The Netherlands, and a great place for some retail therapy. The Roermond Designer Outlet is a daylong event for the serious shoppers. They offer huge discounts on well-known brands, just don’t forget your passport to get across the border!

So if you are looking for things to do in or around Mönchengladbach to make a weekend of your next UEFA Europa League trip across the channel, we hope this guide to Mönchengladbach has given you plenty of inspiration.

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