Peter Kürten: The Vampire of Düsseldorf Serial Killer Executed in 1931

World History: True Stories of the 20th Century · May 5, 2026 · 13m

Peter Kürten, known as the Vampire of Düsseldorf, was one of Germany’s most infamous serial killers whose reign of terror ended at the guillotine. Peter Kürten, known to history as the Vampire of Düsseldorf, was one of the most terrifying criminals of the early 20th century. Born in 1883 into an abusive and impoverished family, Kürten grew up in an environment shaped by violence, alcoholism, and cruelty. These early traumas deeply influenced his personality, and by adolescence he had already begun stealing, assaulting, and committing acts of disturbing sadism. After multiple imprisonments and…