WHY DÜSSELDORF? CHRISTIN SCHMIDTFRERICK

Having grown up in a tiny village of no more than 900 people in the rural Emsland region in northern Germany, Schmidtfrerick moved to Düsseldorf in 2018 for a work placement at Saatchi & Saatchi. And as the advertising agency offered her a fabulous job opportunity straight after, she decided to remain loyal to her beloved adopted home. As a talent manager, the 24-year-old ensures that other young people get enthusiastic about Düsseldorf – among other things through the initiative ‘Beyond Königsallee’.

Why Düsseldorf?

When I was younger and visited Düsseldorf from time to time, I always enjoyed it immensely. In contrast to the more reserved people in the north of Germany, people in Düsseldorf are much more approachable and open. That was one of the reasons it was top of the list when I was looking for a work placement – and it did, indeed, work out!

My favourite place for relaxing?

I live just by Grafenberger Wald. As a ‘country girl’ the forest appealed to me from my very first visit. It’s where I love to walk or go for a run. And I also like the Zoopark.

My favourite place for eating out?

My favourite Italian restaurant is ‘La Luce Due’ in Flingern, they do super delicious Italian cuisine and it’s very good value for money. I also enjoy having coffee and cake at Café Hüftgold in Flingern. And Brauerei Kürzer is my favourite to have a glass of Altbier after work – I really enjoy the atmosphere there and the cool clientele.

My favourite place for experiencing the city’s culture?

I really like the Theater an der Kö. And the Tonhalle is really quite impressive in my opinion. When you look at it from the outside you would never guess at the unusual atmosphere you experience inside.

My absolute insider tip?

When I have friends over from home I love taking them to the rooftop bar of the 25hours hotel. And if you like drinking wine then the wine bar Eiskeller is the place. •