You may know Dortmund for being home to the team Borussia Dortmund of the Bundesliga and the German Football Museum. Once a steel industry hub, it has reinvented itself as a high-tech "green" city with a unique blend of historical sites, modern attractions, and natural beauty. Plus, the beer culture is very present in the city; you'll find several local brews to try, including Dortmunder Export lager, and a wealth of bars and beer halls to enjoy them in.
Here is a travel guide that will help you get through the city and make the most of it!
Historical Highlights of Dortmund
The Reinoldikirche
The Reinoldikirche, also known as the Church of St. Reinold, is the oldest church in Dortmund. It took 20 years to construct, from 1250 to 1270, and was named in honor of Renaud de Montauban, Dortmund's patron saint. Positioned in the heart of the city along the historic trade route connecting Cologne and Bremen, the church has emerged as a timeless emblem of Dortmund.
Address: Ostenhellweg 2
Dortmund U -Tower
Looking for something that will blow you away? It won't be difficult to notice this monument as it has a huge golden ‘U’ atop like a super hero heardquarters Dortmund’s U-Tower is a contemporary center for arts and creativity in the city. From a former brewery, this building now houses art exhibitions, cultural institutions, and research facilities. While the brewery and surrounding buildings were torn down in 1994, the tower survived thanks to its status as a landmark. Moreover, the tower serves as an event venue and also plays host to the Museum Ostwall and the Hartware Medienkunstverein (adult/concession €5/2.50).
Address: Dortmunder U, Leonie-Reygers-Terrasse 2
The Zollern Colliery
Dig a bit deeper into the industrial heritage of Dortmund through this well-preserved coal mine. You'll be able to experience a prime example of Art Nouveau in industrial design, often referred to as the “palace of work” (Arbeiterpalast) because of its ornate and stylistic elements. This architectural style was unusual for industrial buildings and makes it a unique historical monument. Nowadays, it presents as a museum featuring advanced technology of its time. Here, you’ll discover the arduous life and working conditions of the colliers and their families.
Address: Grubenweg 5. Bövingshausen
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday and public holidays 10 am - 6 pm
Final admission 5.30 pm
Closed: Mondays (except public holidays)
Modern Attractions
Signal Iduna Park
Borussia Dortmund calls this city home and it is true that this city breathes football. Previously known as Westfalenhalle, the stadium is now called Signal Iduna Park and it's Germany's largest football stadium and the third biggest in Europe. If you are a football fan, it is a great opportunity to see a match from your favorite team, but if not, go for the vibrant experience. If you hear it called the Yellow Wall, don't be surprised as it got that nickname due to the steep terracing and fans in their team colors.
Address: Strobelallee 50, 44139
Dortmund Zoo: Go Into the Wild
Dortmund Zoo is a great family plan! Meet meerkats, penguins, seals, and flamingos. Ah, don't forget the star of the show: Justus the Sloth. He is famous for appearing on the radio and on TV. Ticket costs just 8.50 euros but you can find discounts for groups, families, students, and many others.
Address: Mergelteichstraße 80, 44225 Dortmund, Germany
Opening hours: Everyday, 9am- 4:30pm
Westfalenpark
Westfalenpark is a beautiful and colorful city park with a lot to offer. It features various themed gardens, an animal park, kids’ playgrounds, a children’s museum, cafés, and restaurants. Furthermore, cultural events and festivals take place in the park throughout the year. During the winter, Dortmund’s Westfalenpark is illuminated by hundreds of lights, spotlights, and installations, while during spring and autumn you will find markets such as the Flo(h)rian flea market and other celebrations including Halloween, the Feast of St. Martin, and Easter. Besides, when it comes to summer, this park is readier than ever. Enjoy events like the Juicy Beats music festival, open-air cinema on the lake stage, and the Festival of Lights with fireworks, to name but a few.
Complete the experience by ridding a chairlift and climbing Florian Tower, where you will be able to witness the panoramic scenery of Dortmund and the Ruhr region.
Address: An d. Buschmühle 3, 44139
Cultural Experiences
Dortmund's Christmas Market
We have talked about Germany's Christmas markets, but Dortmund didn't make the cut. Now, it's time to highlight it as an unforgettable experience. There are several across the city but luckily they are quite close to each other and only about a 10-minute walk, so it is like a treasure hunt adventure! Deck the halls in Dortmund and try some delicious marzipan festive drinks like Glühwein, and for souvenirs make sure to look for handmade arts and crafts, or wooden toys. And if you ever wondered where the biggest Christmas tree in the world is located, the answer is in Dortmund.
Opening dates: Nov 23 – Dec 30, 2023
Culinary Scene
Hungry yet? The city's culinary scene ranges from traditional German fare to modern Asian cuisine, with a Michelin-starred chef among its highlights.
- Michelin-starred restaurants: If you're feeling you want to experience grand cuisine, Dortmund boasts three Michelin-starred restaurants – Grammons, Der Schneider, and The Stage. The Stage, awarded in 2022, features Michael Dyllong, previously at Palmgarden in the Hohensyburg casino.
- Balance of traditional and modern cuisine: Looking for something traditional with a modern twist? In Dortmund, local chefs creatively blend rustic Westphalian cuisine with contemporary styles, despite the challenges posed by the traditionally hearty local fare.
- Thriving asian food scene: There's a boom in Asian and Asian-style cuisine in Dortmund, with a mix of fusion restaurants, classic Chinese eateries, top Japanese restaurants, and numerous sushi bars.
- Traditional eateries at Alter Markt: The old market square is home to traditional restaurants serving local dishes like schnitzel, Pfefferpotthast, Salzkuchen, and Mediterranean options, ideal for experiencing authentic Dortmund cuisine.
- Iconic local foods - Currywurst and Pommes: A must-try in Dortmund, especially at popular spots like the pub where BVB football club was founded, trendy fryeries, or traditional chippies.
Day Trips and Nature Escapes
As mentioned in the title, Dortmund is a high-tech "green" city. In fact, the city is around 70 percent green. Explore the nature that Dortmund has to offer and head to Rombergpark Botanical Garden. With its total area of 68 hectares, the Rombergpark is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world and the cherry on top of the cake is it is always freely open.
Adress: Am Rombergpark, 44225
If visiting a medieval castle ruin is not appealing to you, maybe a theater, mini-golf, and casino nearby will change your mind! Hohensyburg, as a destination, offers so much more for a day out than just a ruin on a hill. It's no surprise that the whole family can enjoy themselves here! You can challenge each other in a game of mini-golf, or ascend the Vincke tower for breathtaking 360° panoramic views. Additionally, the open-air theater offers a variety of shows, including many productions specifically designed for children. Besides, if you are feeling lucky, there's a casino nearby.
Adress: Hohensyburgstraße 204, 44265
Phoenix See Lake
Phoenix See is one of the most popular attractions in the Ruhr Region. Take a stroll or cycle beside the lake while learning the industrial heritage and history of this site through the information boards strategically placed. And if you're feeling tired, go sit in a cafe and enjoy the view. Speaking of view, head to the top of the Kaiserberg for a great view over Dortmund – ideal for a selfie or two.
Dortmund proves that has much more to offer than football. Every inch of the city tells its own unique story, from the ancient Reinoldikirche to the electric energy of Signal Iduna Park. Take a stroll through the lush greenery of Rombergpark Botanical Garden for a serene escape. Foodies will delight in Dortmund's diverse culinary scene, which ranges from hearty German staples to exquisite Michelin-starred dishes.
In partnership with Germany.
