Dortmund

Dortmund, a significant city in Germany’s Ruhr region, is renowned for its industrial heritage, technological innovations, and vibrant cultural scene. Once a major coal and steel production hub, Dortmund has transformed into a center of high-tech industry, education, and cultural diversity.

The city’s industrial past is commemorated at the Zollern II/IV Colliery, now a museum that is part of the Industrial Heritage Trail. Dortmund is also famous for its sports culture, home to the Borussia Dortmund football team, whose passionate supporters fill the Signal Iduna Park, one of Europe’s largest stadiums.

Dortmund’s green spaces, like the expansive Westfalenpark, provide residents and visitors with lush, serene settings for recreation and relaxation. The city’s commitment to arts and culture is evident in its numerous theaters, galleries, and the Dortmund U-Tower, which hosts exhibitions and cultural events. Dortmund’s blend of industrial history, modern technology, and cultural richness makes it a dynamic and inviting destination.

  • Country: Germany
  • Capital city of the country: Berlin
  • Population: Approximately 587,000
  • Region: North Rhine-Westphalia
  • Language: German
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)
  • Demonym: Dortmunder
  • Known for: Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund U-Tower
  • Google Maps: Dortmund, Germany

TOP 10 Best Things To Do in Dortmund (Germany)

Top 10 Best Activities in Dortmund

  1. Signal Iduna Park – Home to Borussia Dortmund, this stadium offers tours that showcase its rich football history.
  2. German Football Museum – A museum celebrating football with a vast collection of memorabilia and interactive exhibits.
  3. Westfalenpark – One of the largest parks in Europe, featuring scenic landscapes and a variety of recreational facilities.
  4. LWL-Museum Zeche Zollern – A museum dedicated to Dortmund’s industrial heritage, located in a former coal mine.
  5. Dortmunder U – A cultural center in a former brewery with exhibitions and events focused on contemporary art.
  6. Dortmund Zoo – A well-maintained zoo featuring a wide variety of species, particularly focused on South American wildlife.
  7. Botanischer Garten Rombergpark – A large botanical garden offering a peaceful retreat with extensive plant collections.
  8. Phoenix See – A recent addition to Dortmund, this artificial lake is surrounded by cafes and recreational paths.
  9. Florian Tower (Florianturm) – A prominent Dortmund landmark offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
  10. Hohensyburg Castle – Historical ruins offering a glimpse into medieval times with beautiful surrounding landscapes.

Top 10 Best Activities for Kids in Dortmund

  1. Dortmund Zoo – Discover a variety of animals from around the world in naturalistic habitats, perfect for a family day out.
  2. Westfalenpark – One of Europe’s largest urban parks, offering playgrounds, a rose garden, and the Florian Tower with city views.
  3. German Football Museum – A must-visit for soccer fans, this museum offers interactive exhibits about the history of German football.
  4. DASA Working World Exhibition – An interactive museum that explores the world of work in past, present, and future.
  5. Botanischer Garten Rombergpark – A beautiful botanical garden with a variety of plants and tranquil paths for a relaxing family walk.
  6. Dortmund U-Tower – A cultural center housed in a former brewery, offering art exhibitions and activities for kids.
  7. Naturkundemuseum Dortmund – Engage with natural science through hands-on exhibits and educational programs.
  8. Phoenix See – Enjoy outdoor activities like walking, cycling, and sailing at this artificial lake, which also has playgrounds and cafes.
  9. InduSkatepark – A great spot for older kids and teens to skateboard or rollerblade in an indoor park setting.
  10. Adventure Mini Golf – Play mini-golf in creatively designed courses that are fun for the whole family.

Top 10 Best Restaurants in Dortmund

  1. The ASH Dortmund – A stylish steakhouse offering an upscale dining experience in the city center.
  2. Pferdestall – Known for its hearty, home-style cuisine and family-friendly atmosphere, located at Grubenweg.
  3. Gute Stube – Offers a premium Michelin-rated dining experience with a focus on local flavors, located in the Parkhotel.
  4. David’s Dortmund – An American diner known for its burgers and beer, also features a great dessert selection.
  5. Kartoffel-Lord – A vegan and vegetarian favorite, famous for its falafel wraps and baked potatoes.
  6. Café Tucholsky – A cozy bistro serving fresh salads, exotic curries, and juicy burgers, set in the art Hotel Tucholsky.
  7. Wirtshaus Dortmund – Offers a taste of traditional German cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting.
  8. PURiNO Dortmund – Serves Italian dishes in a relaxed atmosphere at the Phoenix Arcaden.
  9. Maternus – A traditional German restaurant offering a moderate dining experience in the Altstadt/Nord area.
  10. WahnSINN – Known for its German dishes and cozy ambiance, located in Porz.

Top 10 Best Bars in Dortmund

  1. Strobels – A popular spot especially after soccer matches, known for its lively atmosphere and location near the stadium.
  2. Domicil – A jazz bar that feels like home, often featuring live music and a welcoming environment.
  3. Wohnzimmer Cafebar – Offers a cozy, homelike setting perfect for a relaxed evening with comfort food and drinks.
  4. CU Restaubar – Despite its unassuming exterior, this bar is a must-visit for its vibrant atmosphere and quality drinks.
  5. MATO lounge – Known for its chic ambience and being a great spot to unwind.
  6. Diskothek Village – A small but iconic discotheque offering a nostalgic vibe and lively dance atmosphere.
  7. Manhattan Sports Bar – Dortmund – A great spot for sports fans looking to catch a game with some drinks.
  8. Baropchen – Offers a friendly vibe with good drinks and nice music, perfect for a convivial evening.
  9. Bauernstuben Aplerbeck – A traditional setting that provides a cozy atmosphere to enjoy a drink.
  10. Leo 23 – Renowned for its relaxed environment and quality beverages.

Top 10 Best Museums in Dortmund

  1. German Football Museum – A modern museum celebrating the history and culture of German football, featuring interactive exhibits and memorabilia.
  2. Dortmund U-Tower – A cultural centre housed in a former brewery, offering exhibitions on contemporary art and cultural history.
  3. Museum Ostwall – Known for its impressive collection of Expressionist paintings, as well as modern and contemporary art.
  4. Museum of Art and Cultural History – Houses a diverse collection ranging from ancient artefacts to modern art and historical documents.
  5. DASA Working World Exhibition – An engaging museum that explores the world of work through interactive displays and real-world scenarios.
  6. Brewery Museum Dortmund – Celebrates the city’s brewing heritage, with exhibits on the history of beer making and the brewing process.
  7. Westphalian Industrial Museum – Part of the Landschaftsverband Westfalen-Lippe Museum network, focusing on the industrial history of the region.
  8. Resistance and Persecution Museum – Documents the history of resistance and persecution during the Nazi regime in Dortmund.
  9. East Wall Castle – Not strictly a museum, but a historic site with a museum dedicated to its history and medieval architecture.
  10. Natural History Museum Dortmund – Exhibits a range of natural history collections, including local and exotic specimens.

Top 10 Best Shopping Areas in Dortmund

  1. Westenhellweg – A bustling shopping street in the heart of Dortmund, ranked among the busiest shopping streets in Germany, featuring a range of high-street and designer brands.
  2. Thier-Galerie – A large shopping mall with over 160 stores offering fashion, electronics, and lifestyle products, along with numerous dining options.
  3. Dortmund Market – Located in the city’s historic market square, this vibrant market offers fresh produce, flowers, and local specialties.
  4. Kleppingstraße – Known for its specialty shops and boutiques, this street offers a quieter, more personalized shopping experience.
  5. Ostenhellweg – A continuation of Westenhellweg, this area hosts a variety of shops, cafes, and historical sights, providing a comprehensive shopping experience.
  6. Hansa Carré – Offers a mix of retail stores, services, and eateries in a convenient location near the main train station.
  7. Indupark – An industrial park transformed into a shopping destination with big-box retailers, furniture stores, and electronic markets.
  8. Cityring-Konzerthaus – Surrounding the concert hall, this area is notable for its blend of cultural offerings and retail opportunities.
  9. Aplerbeck – A district on the outskirts of Dortmund, offering a variety of local shops, weekly markets, and a more suburban shopping experience.
  10. Hörde – Once a separate town, this area combines historical charm with modern shopping facilities, including boutiques and local artisan stores.

Top 10 Best Events in Dortmund, Germany

  1. Dortmunder Herbst – October – A large consumer fair featuring exhibitions on various themes like lifestyle, food, and technology.
  2. DORTMUND Beer Festival – April – Celebrates Dortmund’s brewing culture with craft beer tastings from local and international brewers.
  3. Dortmund Christmas Market – Late November to December – Known for its gigantic Christmas tree and over 300 stalls offering crafts, foods, and holiday items.
  4. Micro!Festival – August – A vibrant world music and performing arts festival held in the city center, free for all visitors.
  5. Mayday Dortmund – April – One of the biggest and most renowned electronic music festivals in Germany.
  6. Juicy Beats Festival – July – A popular music and culture festival in Westfalenpark with a mix of electronic, indie, and hip hop music.
  7. PSD Bank Cinema – July to August – An open-air cinema event featuring a selection of blockbuster, classic, and indie films.
  8. Dortmund Konzerthaus Season – Year-round – Offers a rich program of classical music, jazz, and world music concerts.
  9. International Women’s Film Festival Dortmund|Cologne – April – Focuses on showcasing films directed by women, with panels and workshops.
  10. Dortmund Carnival – February – Features colorful parades, costumes, and street festivities celebrating the Carnival season.

Top 10 Best Areas in Dortmund

  1. Innenstadt-West – Dortmund’s vibrant city center known for its shopping streets, cultural sites, and bustling nightlife.
  2. Hörde – Features the beautiful Phoenix See, a hub for leisure activities and modern living spaces.
  3. Aplerbeck – Known for its mix of urban and rural landscapes, offering both local amenities and relaxing green spaces.
  4. Brackel – A district with a strong community feel, featuring shopping centers, parks, and good public transport links.
  5. Kreuzviertel – Popular among young professionals and students for its artsy vibe, cafes, and proximity to the city center.
  6. Dortmund-Hombruch – A family-friendly area with good schools, parks, and local shopping options.
  7. Scharnhorst – Offers affordable housing and is known for its tight-knit community and local events.
  8. Dortmund-Mengede – Emphasizes on family and community life with local parks, festivals, and a historic village center.
  9. Lütgendortmund – Known for its industrial history and now for its residential areas, providing good connectivity and amenities.
  10. Eving – A district with a mix of urban and natural spaces, featuring diverse communities and access to recreation areas.

How many days in Dortmund (Germany) is enough?

Dortmund, a city in the Ruhr region of Germany, is known for its industrial heritage, football culture, and green spaces. To fully experience Dortmund’s main attractions, including its museums, parks, and vibrant cultural scene, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended. This timeframe allows for a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historical sites, leisure activities, and the local sports spirit.

Day 1: Cultural and Historical Insights
  • Morning: Start your visit at the Dortmund U-Tower, a former brewery turned into a center for arts and creativity. Explore the Museum Ostwall for modern art within the U-Tower.
  • Afternoon: Head to the German Football Museum to delve into Germany’s rich football history and the importance of this sport in Dortmund, especially related to Borussia Dortmund.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Kreuzviertel district, known for its lively bars and restaurants offering both local and international cuisine.
Day 2: Nature and Leisure
  • Morning: Visit the Westfalenpark, one of the largest urban parks in Germany, ideal for a relaxing stroll or a ride up the Florianturm for panoramic city views.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Dortmund Zoo or spend the afternoon at the Phoenix See, a new recreational area developed on the site of a former steel mill, perfect for walking or cycling around the lake.
  • Evening: Return to the city center and experience Dortmund’s nightlife, perhaps catching a live music performance or visiting a local brewery pub.
Day 3 (Optional): Industrial Heritage
  • Full Day: Dedicate your third day to exploring more of Dortmund’s industrial heritage. Visit the Zollern II/IV Colliery, a well-preserved coal mine turned into an industrial museum, showcasing the city’s mining past. Alternatively, explore nearby cities in the Ruhr area, like Essen or Bochum, which offer their own unique industrial and cultural attractions.

This itinerary offers a balanced exploration of Dortmund’s rich industrial history, love for football, and its green urban spaces. Whether you’re exploring museums, enjoying the outdoors, or immersing yourself in local culture and history, Dortmund provides a unique and enriching experience. Tailor your visit based on personal interests, with plenty of options for additional exploration or relaxation in this historically significant part of Germany.

Top 5 Places to Visit in the Region of Dortmund

  1. Münster – Known for its historic old town, Münster is a city of science and learning, famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture and the Peace Hall where the Treaty of Westphalia was signed.
  2. Essen – Part of the Ruhr region, Essen is renowned for the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a hub of arts and culture.
  3. Wuppertal – Famous for its unique suspension railway and the green landscape of the Bergisches Land, Wuppertal offers a mix of urbanity and nature.
  4. Xanten – Known for the Archaeological Park Xanten (APX), the largest outdoor archaeological museum in Germany, where visitors can explore ancient Roman history.
  5. Teutoburg Forest – A historic forested hill range known for the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest where the Romans were defeated. It’s great for hiking, history tours, and enjoying nature.

TOP 10 Things You Need To Know About Dortmund (Germany)

Best Time To Visit Dortmund

Dortmund, a vibrant city in Germany’s Ruhr region, is known for its rich industrial heritage, lush green spaces, and a strong cultural scene. It experiences a temperate maritime climate, with relatively mild winters and warm summers, but the best times to visit are late spring and early fall when the weather is most pleasant and the city’s events calendar is bustling.

Spring (April to June)

Spring in Dortmund brings mild temperatures, ranging from 10°C to 20°C, and the awakening of the city’s numerous parks and gardens. This season is perfect for outdoor activities, such as visiting the Westfalenpark, one of Europe’s largest botanical gardens. The city also hosts various festivals and events in spring, including the Dortmund Music Festival, which attracts music lovers from across the region.

Summer (July to August)

Summer sees the warmest weather, with temperatures typically between 20°C and 25°C. It’s a popular time for local and international tourists, especially during events like Juicy Beats, a famous music festival held in Westfalenpark. While it can be busier, summer is ideal for enjoying Dortmund’s lively beer gardens and outdoor dining options.

Fall (September to October)

Fall is another excellent time to visit Dortmund, with temperatures cooling down to a comfortable range of 10°C to 18°C. The city’s trees turn vibrant shades of orange and red, making it a beautiful time for photography. Oktoberfest celebrations in Dortmund offer a taste of Bavarian culture with a local twist, featuring beer, traditional food, and live music.

Winter (November to March)

Winter in Dortmund can be cold, with temperatures often around 0°C to 8°C, but the city shines during the holiday season. The Dortmund Christmas Market is one of the largest in Germany, famous for its huge Christmas tree made up of individual spruce trees. Although it’s chillier, the festive atmosphere and Christmas lights make it a magical time to visit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best times to visit Dortmund are during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the city hosts a variety of cultural events. Summer offers vibrant festivals and lively outdoor activities, while winter captivates visitors with its festive Christmas markets. Regardless of when you choose to visit, Dortmund provides a rich cultural experience and a warm welcome to all who come.

How To Get To Dortmund?

  • Dortmund Airport: Primarily serves European destinations and is located approximately 10 km east of the city center. Google Maps
  • Dortmund Hauptbahnhof (Central Station): A major railway station offering extensive connections throughout Germany and direct services to neighboring countries. Google Maps
  • Bus Station at Dortmund Hauptbahnhof: Provides a variety of bus services connecting Dortmund with other German cities and European destinations. Google Maps

How To Move Around Dortmund

  • DSW21 (Dortmunder Stadtwerke): Manages Dortmund’s public transport system, including buses, trams, and the U-Bahn (subway), covering the entire city and surrounding regions.
  • Metropolradruhr: A bike-sharing program with stations throughout Dortmund, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around, especially in the city center.
  • Taxis: Readily available across Dortmund, taxis can be hailed directly on the street, booked via phone or through taxi apps.
  • Walking: The city center is relatively compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it possible to explore areas like the Westenhellweg shopping street and the historic market square on foot.

Top 10 Dishes in Dortmund

  1. Currywurst – A popular street food featuring a steamed then fried pork sausage cut into slices and seasoned with curry ketchup, typically served with fries.
  2. Pfefferpotthast – A traditional Dortmund stew made from beef, onions, and a blend of spices including a lot of pepper, served with pickles and rye bread.
  3. Bratwurst – Grilled or pan-fried German sausage made from pork, beef, or veal, often served with mustard and bread.
  4. Potato Salad – Made either with a vinegar-based dressing or creamy mayonnaise, often including cucumbers, onions, and sometimes bacon.
  5. Sauerbraten – A pot roast, usually of beef (but other meats such as lamb, mutton, pork, and traditionally horse), marinated before slow-cooking as pot roast.
  6. Westphalian Ham – A type of smoked ham originally from the Westphalia region, cured and smoked over beechwood, it has a distinct flavor.
  7. Käsespätzle – German noodles made from eggs and flour, mixed with grated cheese and fried onions on top.
  8. Reibekuchen – German potato pancakes, served hot with apple sauce or sometimes with rye bread and cold cuts.
  9. Rinderrouladen – Beef rolls filled with onions, bacon, mustard, and pickles, braised until tender in a savory sauce.
  10. Apfelstrudel – A traditional Viennese strudel, a popular pastry in Germany, filled with tart cooking apples, sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and breadcrumbs.

Top 10 Facts & Things To Know About Dortmund

  1. Leading Football City – Dortmund is home to Borussia Dortmund, one of Europe’s most successful football clubs, known for its passionate fan base.
  2. Historical Industrial Center – Once a major center for coal, steel, and beer, Dortmund has transformed into a hub for technological industries.
  3. Westfalenpark – One of the largest urban parks in Europe, featuring the Florian Tower (Florianturm), which offers panoramic views of the city.
  4. Christmas Market – Dortmund hosts one of Germany’s largest Christmas markets, famous for its huge Christmas tree, made up of 1,700 individual fir trees.
  5. Dortmund U-Tower – A former brewery, now a center for arts and creativity, hosting exhibitions, events, and workshops in the cultural heart of the city.
  6. Reinoldikirche – A landmark Protestant church, named after Saint Reinold, featuring a distinctive green roof and a rich history dating back to the 13th century.
  7. Dortmunder U – This iconic former brewery building is now a contemporary art museum and cultural center, known for its distinctive illuminated U on top.
  8. Zollern Colliery – A beautifully preserved industrial heritage site, now serving as a museum that highlights Dortmund’s coal mining history.
  9. Robotics Research – Dortmund is a leading city in robotics research, hosting several institutes and universities focused on advanced technologies.
  10. Culinary Specialties – The city is known for its local beer, Dortmunder Export, and traditional German cuisine that reflects its working-class heritage.
Category: Germany