Bergisch Gladbach

Bergisch Gladbach

Bergisch Gladbach is a city in the Cologne/Bonn Region of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is the capital of the Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis district. The city has a rich history and many interesting places to visit, making it a special part of Germany.

Geography

Bergisch Gladbach is east of the Rhine River and about 10 kilometers from Cologne.

City structure

Bergisch Gladbach does not have city districts with their own local governments. Instead, it has six areas used for counting and organizing. These areas have names from older small towns or new building places, making it easier to find spots.

The city is next to several other places. Starting from the north and moving clockwise, these are Odenthal, Kürten, Overath, Rösrath, Cologne, and Leverkusen.

History

Bergisch Gladbach began with small settlements in the 13th century and was officially founded in 1856. The name "Bergisch" comes from the counts of Berg who lived in the area long ago. The word "Gladbach" means "canalised stream" and refers to a small river called the Strunde.

In 1975, Bergisch Gladbach included the nearby town of Bensberg. In 1977, when the population reached 100,000, it became a city.

Economy

Bergisch Gladbach has many different jobs and businesses. Important industries in the city include making paper, printing, creating glass wool, producing chocolate, and working with high-tech machines. These industries help the city’s economy grow and give many people work.

Transport

Bergisch Gladbach has a nearby airport called Cologne Bonn Airport. It is about 15 kilometers or 9 miles south of the city. There are also other airports close by, such as Düsseldorf Airport and Frankfurt Airport.

Politics

Mayor

The mayor of Bergisch Gladbach is Marcel Kreuz. He belongs to the Social Democratic Party (SPD). He was elected in 2025.

The last mayoral election was on 13 September 2020.

City council

The city council works with the mayor to help run the city. The last city council election was on 14 September 2025.

Twin towns – sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Germany

Bergisch Gladbach has friendly partnerships with cities in many countries. These partnerships began in different years, starting from 1956. The cities include:

• Beit Jala, Palestine (2010)
• Bourgoin-Jallieu, France (1956)
• Bucha, Ukraine (2022)
• Ganei Tikva, Israel (2012)
• Joinville-le-Pont, France (1960)
• Limassol, Cyprus (1991)
• Luton, England (1956)
• Marijampolė, Lithuania (1989)
• Pszczyna, Poland (1993)
• Runnymede, England (1995)
• Velsen, Netherlands (1956)

Notable people

Bergisch Gladbach is a city where many interesting people were born or lived. Some became well-known in sports, music, acting, writing, and other fields.

Examples include Markus von Ahlen, a footballer and coach, and Rüdiger Baldauf, a jazz musician. There are also athletes like Fabian Hambüchen, an artistic gymnast, and Mats Hummels, a footballer. The city is also home to famous people such as Heidi Klum, a model and TV presenter, and Carolin Kebekus, a comedian and actress. Many other talented individuals come from this area.

Secondary schools in Bergisch Gladbach

Bergisch Gladbach has several schools where older students can learn and get ready for their future. Some of these schools are:

• Albertus-Magnus-Gymnasium Bensberg/Bergisch Gladbach
• Gymnasium Herkenrath/Bergisch Gladbach
• Nicolaus-Cusanus-Gymnasium Bergisch Gladbach
• Otto-Hahn-Gymnasium Bensberg/Bergisch Gladbach
• Dietrich-Bonhoeffer-Gymnasium Bergisch Gladbach
• Integrierte-Gesamtschule-Paffrath Bergisch Gladbach