Spending Easter in Düsseldorf is always something special. The city feels more relaxed, nature shows itself at its best, and the Rhine promenade seems made for movement in the fresh air.
This year brought an especially wonderful opportunity: on Easter Sunday morning, our son asked if I’d like to join him for a run with the “Sunday Running Club.” What a question—under bright sunshine and mild temperatures, the answer was clear: count me in! Even if it meant getting up early. A run along the Rhine is hard to say no to.
The “Sunday Running Club” is a regular running initiative launched by a Düsseldorf-based clothing brand. Its aim is to bring people together in a relaxed way—without pressure, but with a lot of joy in movement. The meeting point is always Sunday at 9:00 a.m. at Carlsplatz, right in the heart of the Old Town. From there, the group sets off on a roughly ten-kilometer loop along the Rhine, passing some of the city’s most beautiful spots.
At exactly nine o’clock, we got started. The atmosphere was relaxed, friendly, and truly motivating. It was a colorful and diverse group, although the average age was clearly below mine. But the great thing about running is that age doesn’t matter. What counts is the joy of moving.
The route first took us toward the Rheinturm and on to the modern MedienHafen. There, where architecture meets water, we ran past impressive buildings and felt the city slowly waking up. From there, we headed back toward the Old Town, where the narrow alleys were still empty and quiet—a rare sight in this usually lively district.
A real highlight was crossing the Oberkasseler Bridge. The view of Düsseldorf’s skyline, the sparkling Rhine below, and the crisp morning air created a real goosebump moment. On the other side of the river, we ran a short loop through green Oberkassel before returning across the Rheinknie Bridge back to Carlsplatz.
The entire run was excellently organized. It wasn’t about speed or competition—community, movement, and enjoying the surroundings were clearly the focus. Anyone who wanted to run faster or slower could do so without a problem. There were plenty of small conversations, friendly glances, and mutual encouragement. For many of the participants, this Sunday morning run has long become a cherished ritual—and I can easily see why.
What I particularly enjoyed was the blend of physical activity and experiencing Düsseldorf in a more peaceful, slowed-down way. The “Sunday Running Club” brings people together and shows just how simple and fulfilling shared running can be.
Even though I was probably the oldest runner there, I didn’t feel out of place for a second. Running connects generations—and that’s exactly what makes this sport so special. Next time I get the chance, I’ll definitely join again. So, if you ever find yourself in Düsseldorf and feel like going for a relaxed run with great company: the “Sunday Running Club” is highly recommended!
