Your Essential Travel Guide To Dortmund
Discover Dortmund
Dortmund is more than its football and devoted fans. It's a vibrant and prosperous hub for culture and commerce.
Located in northwest Germany, Dortmund is the eighth-biggest city in the country and the biggest of its region, North Rhine-Westphalia. The River Ruhr flows around the city to the south, while the smaller Emscher river passes through its centre.
Once a leading hotspot in the coal and steel industry, Dortmund is a high-tech manufacturing centre today. With so much to discover, one thing’s for sure: no two days are the same in this exciting German city. Our guide explores the best attractions in Dortmund, as well as where to eat and stay.
History of Dortmund
Dortmund has a fascinating past, steeped in more than a thousand years of history.
It was first known as Throtmanni in 885 and became a free imperial city in 1220. Dortmund thrived during the 14th century, when it became a member of the Hanseatic League. However, the city’s success rapidly declined after the Thirty Years’ War, when its population more than halved.
The completion of the Dortmund-Ems Canal in 1899 and the growing mining industry helped the city become a leading industrial centre, but World War II caused severe damage to most of its infrastructure and forced reconstruction on modern lines.
Today, the city plays a vital role in the steel, machinery and coal industries and is a major exporter of beer and motor vehicles whilst being a vibrant tourist destination, weaving its rich historical tapestry with modern attractions - explore both with the help of GetYourGuide.
Getting around Dortmund
Getting around Dortmund is easy thanks to its efficient public transport system operated by Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr (VRR). The city centre is well-connected by a bus network and the Stadbahn, a mix of trams and subways.
VRR provides services to the rest of the Ruhr region, including bustling cities like Frankfurt and Hamburg.
You can also rent a bike using the Metropolradruhr system, operated by the same company that provides bicycle schemes in Krakow, Warsaw and Glasgow. Alternatively, you can always bring your own bike to Dortmund thanks to our spacious ferries.
In Dortmund, there is a network of bicycle paths. If you like to stay active, we suggest taking a cycling route through the Ruhr valley or along the Dortmund-Ems canal.
St. Reinold’s Church
Sitting proudly in the heart of Willy-Brandt-Platz, St Reinold’s Church is a must-see attraction. The building is a late Romanesque three-span basilica named after Dortmund’s patron saint, Reinold. Construction began in the second half of the 13th century, but its tower was not completed until 1454.
Climb to the top for sweeping city views.
Westfalenpark
Renowned for its ample green space, Dortmund is ideal for nature lovers. Westfalenpark covers 175 acres and is the city’s biggest park, home to various amenities to keep everyone entertained.
Visitors can enjoy themed gardens, the German Rosarium with 2,600 varieties of roses, and the 700-foot Florian tower with spectacular views of the Ruhr Valley.
U-Tower Building
The U-Tower, also known as Dortmunder U, is the former headquarters of the Union-Braueri brewery. It closed in 1994 and the surroundings were demolished, though the tower was preserved for its historical importance.
Since 2010, the building has housed the Museum Ostwall, the city's culture department, two technical-scientific universities, the European Center for Creative Economics and the U Cinema.
German Football Museum
Football fan? You’ve come to the right place. A holiday to Dortmund promises a strong football culture and plenty of museums to learn all about it. The German Football Museum celebrates this sport and its legacy, hosting temporary and permanent exhibitions with memorabilia relating to Borussia Dortmund’s history.
DFDS PICK: Access to the German Football Museum
Where to eat and drink in Dortmund
Whether you’re looking for a fine-dining venue or fancy a quick bite in a traditional German pub, Dortmund has it all. The city boasts a diverse gastronomic scene to suit all tastes.
- Pfefferkorn Hoher Wall 38 Located in Dortmund’s city centre, a stone’s throw from the U-Tower, Pfefferkorn Hoher Wall 38 delivers a unique steakhouse experience.
- Pferdestall
A little further afield, Pferdestall restaurant is worth the extra mile. It’s a firm favourite among visitors thanks to its ample outdoor space and playgrounds nearby – ideal if you’re travelling with kids. - Briefkästchen
If you’re looking for a cosy pub, tasty meals, and crisp beer, look no further than Briefkästchen. - Gänse Markt
Another favourite among locals and tourists, Gänse Markt is the German pub par excellence.
Where to stay in Dortmund
Dortmund is a vibrant city with plenty of friendly neighbourhoods.
The city centre’s eastern and western parts are the heart of the action. Packed with restaurants, bars, retail outlets and parks, they offer a great base.
Dortmund Hombruch is a lively neighbourhood southwest of the city centre. Visitors can enjoy brilliant shopping spots, the beautiful Rombergpark Botanical Garden and weekly markets selling local goods.
