General Information
Dortmund, located in North Rhine-Westphalia, is a city known for its rich industrial heritage, vibrant football culture, and lively arts scene. Once a major coal and steel hub, Dortmund has transformed into a modern metropolis with a mix of history, green spaces, and cutting-edge technology. As home to Borussia Dortmund (BVB), one of Europe’s most famous football clubs, the city attracts sports fans, history buffs, and culture lovers alike.
Location
Dortmund is in western Germany, part of the Ruhr region, Germany’s largest urban area. It is well connected to other major cities like:
- Cologne (95 km / 1 hour by train)
- Düsseldorf (65 km / 50 minutes by train)
- Frankfurt (220 km / 2.5 hours by train)
It features a mix of urban landscapes, parks, and waterways, including the Phoenix Lake, a former industrial site turned into a recreational hotspot.
How to Get There
- By Air:
- Dortmund Airport (DTM) offers flights to European destinations.
- Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS) (a 45-minute train ride) serves global routes.
- By Train:
- Dortmund Hauptbahnhof (Main Station) connects the city to Berlin, Munich, and other major hubs.
- By Car:
- Located on the A1, A2, and A40 highways, Dortmund is easy to reach by car.
- By Bus:
- Companies like FlixBus provide affordable travel from various European cities.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (April – June): Mild weather and blooming parks.
- Summer (July – August): Great for outdoor festivals and beer gardens.
- Autumn (September – November): Football season starts, and Oktoberfest celebrations take place.
- Winter (December – February): Experience Dortmund’s famous Christmas market, one of Germany’s largest.
Key Events & Festivals:
- Dortmund Christmas Market (November – December): Home to one of the largest Christmas trees in the world.
- Juicy Beats Festival (July): A massive electronic and indie music festival.
- Mayday Festival (April): One of Europe’s top electronic music events.
Where to Stay
- Luxury:
- Hotel Esplanade: A stylish hotel in the heart of the city.
- Radisson Blu Hotel Dortmund: Modern comfort near Westfalenpark.
- Mid-range:
- Leonardo Hotel Dortmund: A great mix of affordability and comfort.
- Mercure Hotel Dortmund Centrum: Central location with excellent service.
- Budget:
- A&O Dortmund Hauptbahnhof: Ideal for backpackers.
- B&B Hotel Dortmund-City: Affordable and well-located.
Top Attractions
- Signal Iduna Park (Westfalenstadion): The home of Borussia Dortmund, one of the world’s most famous football stadiums.
- German Football Museum: A must-visit for soccer enthusiasts.
- Dortmunder U: A former brewery turned into an art and cultural center.
- Phoenix Lake: A beautiful area for walking, cycling, and dining.
- Westfalenpark: A massive green park with a cable car and rose garden.
- Florian Tower: Offers panoramic views of Dortmund.
- Alter Markt (Old Market Square): A lively area with restaurants and bars.
- Reinoldikirche (St. Reinold’s Church): A medieval landmark with stunning architecture.
- Bergmann Brewery Museum: Showcasing Dortmund’s brewing history.
- Hohensyburg Castle: A scenic historic site offering spectacular river views.
Getting Around
- Walking: The city center is pedestrian-friendly.
- Public Transport:
- Dortmund Stadtbahn (light rail) and buses provide easy city access.
- Bike Rentals: Dortmund is bike-friendly with designated cycling lanes.
- Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Taxis and Uber are available throughout the city.
Local Cuisine
- Currywurst: A German fast-food favorite with spicy sauce.
- Dortmunder Export Beer: A world-famous local beer.
- Pfefferpotthast: A traditional beef stew with onions and spices.
- Salzkuchen mit Mett: A hearty bread roll with minced pork and onions.
Best Restaurants & Beer Gardens:
- Wenkers am Markt: Traditional German food and beer.
- Zum Alten Markt: Famous for regional specialties.
- Brauhaus Wenkers: A great place to enjoy local Dortmund beers.
Shopping
- Westenhellweg: Dortmund’s main shopping street with international brands.
- Thier-Galerie: A modern shopping mall with over 160 stores.
- Kleppingstraße: A stylish street with luxury boutiques.
- Brückstraße: The go-to place for alternative fashion and record stores.
Nightlife
- Alter Markt: A hotspot for bars and pubs.
- Domicil: One of Germany’s best jazz clubs.
- FZW (Freizeitzentrum West): A venue for live music and indie concerts.
- Daddy Blatzheim: A trendy club and bar in Westfalenpark.
- Nightrooms: Dortmund’s top nightclub with a mix of electronic and pop music.
Day Trips from Dortmund
- Essen (35 km): Explore the Zollverein Coal Mine, a UNESCO site.
- Düsseldorf (65 km): A vibrant city known for its Rheinpromenade and Altbier.
- Cologne (95 km): Visit the stunning Cologne Cathedral and Rhine River.
- Münster (65 km): A beautiful city with historic churches and cycling culture.
