Dortmund Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and food to try in Dortmund, Germany with our comprehensive travel guide.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Dortmund, Germany

Are you planning a trip to Dortmund, Germany? This industrial city in the Ruhr region is a great destination for travelers who love history, culture, and outdoor adventures. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll highlight the must-visit attractions, the best hikes and bike routes, the top-rated hotels and restaurants, and more.

Introduction to Dortmund

Dortmund is a lively city located in North Rhine-Westphalia. If you’re arriving by plane, the nearest airport is Dortmund Airport (DTM). From there, you can take a shuttle bus or a taxi to the city center. The city also has excellent train connections, making it easy to travel to other cities in Germany and Europe.

Dortmund is known for its industrial heritage, but it’s also a cultural hub with plenty of museums, events, and festivals throughout the year. The city is home to over 600,000 inhabitants, with a mix of locals and expats from all over the world.

List of Places to Visit in Dortmund

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Dortmund has a rich history, and there are several museums and historical sites worth visiting. Here are some of our top picks:

  • DASA: This is a museum of occupational health and safety, with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and a range of topics related to work and safety.
  • Museum Ostwall: This museum has an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, with works by famous artists like Pablo Picasso.
  • Zeche Zollern: This former coal mine is now a museum, showcasing the history of mining and industry in the region.
  • The Reinoldikirche: The Reinoldikirche is a gothic church that dates back to the 13th century. Inside, you’ll find beautiful stained glass windows and intricate carvings.

Natural Attractions of Dortmund: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

If you love the great outdoors, Dortmund has plenty of options for you. Here are some of the best outdoor attractions to add to your itinerary:

  • Westfalenpark: This large park has beautiful gardens, a lake, and several playgrounds and picnic areas.
  • Phoenix Lake: Located in the Hörde district, Phoenix Lake is a man-made lake surrounded by walking and cycling trails.
  • Sengbach Talsperre: This nature reserve is a great place to go hiking or mountain biking, with several trails of different difficulty levels.
  • Florianturm: For stunning views of Dortmund and the surrounding countryside, head to the top of the Florianturm observation tower.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Dortmund

Dortmund is a great destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the best routes to explore:

  • RuhrtalRadweg: This is a popular cycling route that follows the banks of the Ruhr river for over 230 km.
  • Dortmund-Ems Canal Radweg: This cycling route follows the path of the Dortmund-Ems Canal, from Dortmund to the city of Rheine.
  • Hörder Burgpfad: This hiking trail starts at the Hörder Burg, a medieval castle, and takes you through the beautiful landscape of the Hörde district.

Best Things to Do in Dortmund: Activities and Tours

There are plenty of activities and tours to enjoy in Dortmund. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Brauerei-Museum: This museum showcases the history of beer in Dortmund, with exhibits on brewing techniques, beer culture, and more.
  • Signal Iduna Park: If you’re a football fan, you can’t miss a tour of Signal Iduna Park, home to the world-famous Borussia Dortmund football team.
  • Kletterhalle Dortmund: This indoor climbing center is a great place to challenge yourself and try your hand at rock climbing.
  • Dortmunder U: This arts and cultural center is located in a former brewery building and hosts exhibitions, concerts, and events throughout the year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dortmund

Day 1: Visit the Museum Ostwall in the morning, then walk around the city center and check out the Reinoldikirche. In the evening, enjoy a beer at one of Dortmund’s many breweries.

Day 2: Spend the day in Westfalenpark, have a picnic, and rent a boat on the lake. In the evening, watch a movie at the open-air cinema in the park.

Day 3: Take a cycling tour along the RuhrtalRadweg or the Dortmund-Ems Canal Radweg, and enjoy the scenery along the way.

Day 4: Visit the DASA Museum in the morning, then head to Phoenix Lake for an afternoon of hiking or cycling.

Day 5: Take a tour of Signal Iduna Park in the morning, then visit the Brauerei-Museum in the afternoon and learn about the history of beer in Dortmund.

Day 6: Spend the day at the Kletterhalle Dortmund, challenge yourself on the climbing walls, and enjoy some local food and drinks at the center’s restaurant.

Day 7: Take a day trip to nearby cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf, or Münster.

Food and Drink Scene of Dortmund

Dortmund has a rich food and drink scene, with plenty of local specialties and international cuisines. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Dortmunder Schnitzel: A breaded and fried pork cutlet, topped with ham and cheese.
  • Pfefferpotthast: A spicy beef stew made with potatoes and onions.
  • Currywurst: A grilled sausage topped with ketchup and curry powder.

Local Beverages

  • Dortmunder Export: A type of German beer that originated in Dortmund, with a rich, malty flavor.
  • Feuerzangenbowle: A hot mulled wine, traditionally served during the Christmas season.
  • Apfelschorle: A refreshing drink made with apple juice and sparkling water.

Where to Stay in Dortmund: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Dortmund has plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Dorint An den Westfalenhallen Dortmund: Located in the city center, this modern hotel offers comfortable rooms and a spa area.
  • A&O Dortmund Hauptbahnhof: This budget-friendly hostel is located near the train station and offers private and shared rooms.
  • DJH Jugendherberge Dortmund: This youth hostel is located in a historic building and offers dormitory and private rooms.

What to Buy in Dortmund: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Looking for the perfect souvenir to bring home from Dortmund? Here are some ideas:

  • Beer glasses: Dortmund is known for its beer culture, so why not bring home a set of traditional beer glasses?
  • Football jersey: If you’re a fan of Borussia Dortmund, a football jersey is a must-have souvenir.
  • Fruchtgummi: These are German gummies made with natural fruit flavorings, and you can find them in all shapes and sizes in Dortmund’s candy stores.

Local Culture and Customs of Dortmund

Dortmund has a friendly and welcoming culture, and locals are always happy to help visitors. Some things to keep in mind:

  • It’s customary to greet people with a handshake, even if you’ve just met.
  • Tipping is expected in restaurants and bars, typically 10-15%.
  • Smoking is banned in public places, including restaurants and bars.

Best Time to Visit Dortmund

The best time to visit Dortmund is during the summer months (June - August), when the weather is warm and sunny. However, keep in mind that this is peak tourist season, and prices can be higher. Spring and fall are also good times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dortmund

Do:

  • Try the local beer and traditional dishes.
  • Use public transportation, which is affordable and efficient.
  • Learn a few German phrases, such as “Danke” (thank you) and “Bitte” (please).

Don’t:

  • Take pictures of people without their permission.
  • Smoke in public places.
  • Be late for appointments, as punctuality is highly valued in German culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Dortmund

Dortmund is a safe city, with low crime rates and a friendly local community. However, like in any major city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to avoid theft and scams.

Health in Dortmund

Dortmund has excellent medical facilities, with several hospitals and clinics throughout the city. If you need medical assistance during your stay, call 112 for emergency services.

Getting to Dortmund: Transportation Options and Logistics

Dortmund is well-connected by train, bus, and plane. Here are some options for getting to the city:

Airports Near Dortmund

  • Dortmund Airport (DTM)
  • Düsseldorf Airport (DUS)
  • Cologne/Bonn Airport (CGN)

Bus Stations Near Dortmund

  • Dortmund Central Bus Station (ZOB)
  • Westfalenhallen Bus Station

Other Options

  • Deutsche Bahn: Germany’s national train company, with connections to all major cities.
  • Flixbus: A popular bus company with affordable fares and frequent routes throughout Europe.

How to Get Around in Dortmund

Dortmund has an excellent public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. The city also has a bike-sharing system, making it easy to explore on two wheels.

Where to Go Next from Dortmund: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Dortmund is located in the heart of the Ruhr region, with plenty of nearby destinations to explore. Here are some ideas:

  • Essen: A former industrial city that has transformed into a cultural hub, with excellent museums and galleries.
  • Bochum: A university town with a lively nightlife scene and several theaters and music venues.
  • Munster: A historic city with beautiful architecture and a famous cathedral.

Conclusion

Dortmund is a hidden gem in Germany, with a rich history, friendly locals, and plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, outdoor adventures, or good food and drink, Dortmund has something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has helped you plan your trip and discover all that this amazing city has to offer.

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