Exploring Unterbach: A Quiet and Green Neighborhood in Düsseldorf
Nature-Abundant District: Underscoring the beauty of Unterbach
Located in Düsseldorf's District 8, Unterbach is the fifth-largest neighborhood in the city. Bordering Eller, Vennhausen, Gerresheim, Hassels, and neighboring cities Erkrath and Hilden, Unterbach boasts a population of 8,495 as of December 31, 2023. The demographic is primarily composed of residents aged between 30 and 50, while 12% of the population hails from a migrant background.
Approximately 17% of Unterbach's population is composed of children and youth. Educational facilities include six kindergartens and two elementary schools, although there are no further schools within the neighborhood. The majority of schools in the area are situated in neighboring districts.
Since 1975, Unterbach has been part of Düsseldorf, having previously belonged to Erkrath. A portion of Unterbach, Unterfeldhaus, remains under the jurisdiction of Erkrath as an independent neighborhood. The neighborhood is served by two churches, the Catholic St. Maria Himmelfahrt Church and the Protestant Paul-Gerhardt Church, which administratively fall under Erkrath's jurisdiction.
Unterbach's unique carnival tradition sets it apart among Düsseldorf's neighborhoods. Unlike the rest of the city, inhabitants shout "I-AH" instead of "Helau," a tradition derived from the neighborhood's historical use of donkeys for transporting sand and the presence of the Eselsbach river. This carnival culture has been championed since March 1954 by the Citizens' and Homeland Association Unterbach e.V. The organization seeks to promote local customs, strengthen a sense of home, and support new residents in the area. They also engage in community activities, such as working with youth and elderly residents, as explained by Stefan Schrewe of the homeland association.
Covering approximately 909 hectares, Unterbach offers a blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. The Unterbacher See, a significant feature of the neighborhood, attracts not only residents but also visitors. Offering walking trails, two beach bars, a campsite, barbecue areas, and numerous playgrounds, the recreational area invites relaxation and recreation. Water sports enthusiasts can learn to sail, try stand-up paddleboarding, rent pedal boats, or play mini-golf. The Unterbacher See is also a popular venue for weddings, as stated by Peter von Rappard from the Unterbacher See Association.
In addition to being a haven for humans, the Unterbacher See is home to various animal species, such as pikes, perch, eels, and carp, as well as common mergansers, mallards, and great egrets.
Dining options in Unterbach cater to all tastes. The Seerestaurant am Bootshafen and a beer garden by the Unterbacher See provide lake views, while the inn "Die Ente" at the Unterbach clubhouse and the Italian cuisine at the tennis club's restaurant cater to gourmets. For those seeking Polish cuisine, Nostalgia Zur Delle, situated on Gerresheimer Landstraße, offers homemade dishes and a beer garden since 2003, along with a bowling alley.
Two of Düsseldorf's bands, Halve Hahn and Alt-Schuss, hail from Unterbach, singing in the local dialect. Alt-Schuss's song "Die Sterne funkele" is especially renowned and often played during the city's carnival season. Unterbach also lays claim to its own song, written in 1959 by Karl Knödl and Emil Schweden, expressing the neighborhood's charm and strong community spirit. For many years, Unterbach's carnival was intrinsically linked to Karl Knödl, who wrote numerous theme songs. In 2022, a street in the Hochfeld new development was named after him.
In Unterbach, the Citizens' and Homeland Association works tirelessly to promote local customs, foster a sense of home, and support new residents, organizing activities for both the youth and elderly, as stated by Stefan Schrewe of the homeland association. After a day of recreation at the Unterbacher See, which is home to various animal species and offers numerous facilities for relaxation and water sports, residents can dine at a variety of establishments, such as the Seerestaurant am Bootshafen, or try homemade Polish dishes at Nostalgia Zur Delle.
Residents of Unterbach enjoy a unique lifestyle, blending urban convenience with a strong sense of community, as exemplified by the neighborhood's carnival tradition and the efforts of organizations like the Citizens' and Homeland Association. Additionally, the home-and-garden scene in Unterbach caters to residents' needs, with dining options and recreational areas like the Unterbacher See providing a relaxing outdoor atmosphere.
