What is Dortmund famous for? Check out this guide, for the most amazing things to do in Dortmund and its surroundings.
In Germany, there’s a great city known worldwide for its marvelous tourist attractions. Dortmund is a traveler’s dream since it offers many things to do and see. Its foundation can be traced to the steel and coal industries, which have since closed down.
As a guest of this area, you’ll be delighted to know that you can explore on foot, which is a great way to appreciate the sights. Most of the area is woodland, and there are certainly many other things to do in Dortmund, Germany.
Besides its pleasing sights, the city is famous because it’s home to the top football club, Borussia Dortmund. The game lovers understand this better.
Segway tours are fun! The tour starts with a short introduction in the training center, where the tour guide will explain how to ride a Segway. The next step is to practice driving. After that you can drive through Dortmund's most famous places and explore the city by segway.
Enjoy a tour of Dortmund aboard the red double-decker bus and discover the city's sights and attractions. A guide will take you on a journey through history, while you are able to choose between an extensive audio commentary in either German or English. The route takes you past the main points of interest such as the Westfalenpark and Signal Iduna Park to Signal-Iduna-Park and Westfalenstadion, until finally ending at Zollstock.
Dortmund: Private Tour with a Local is an easy way to discover the best of the city, all at your own pace. It's a great way to experience local restaurants and activities your friends aren't doing while getting a tour guide that knows the city inside and out. Enjoy a personal tour by one of the friendly Lokafyers who are passionate about their city and eager to share their knowledge and perspective.
Things to Do in Dortmund, Germany
Below are the best tourist attractions, museums, and points of interest that will put you at ease as you contemplate what to do in Dortmund, Germany.
1. Museum of Art and Cultural History
The first item on your list of things to do in Dortmund is to visit the Museum Fur Kunst und Kulturgeschichte. This impressive building traces its history back to 1883 and has exhibits from the Middle and modern Ages. Take it all in, including detailed accounts of the resistance against the Nazis.
Previously, the museum was in the same location but moved because of multiple incidences of razing as war raged on. Upon its return in 1983, it became an icon for the city featuring works from top 19th-century painters.
As you wonder what to see in Dortmund, there are paintings by Max Slevogt, Caspar David Friedrich, and Lovis Corinth in the museum. Additionally, this fun museum features an additional exhibit called the “Cabinet of Curiosity.” Here there are different items from the age of the Renaissance, plus a host of other captivating decorative art pieces.
2. The Zollern Colliery
Another of the top Dortmund tourist attractions is this former coal mine, now a reclaimed piece of history for the city. The Zollern Colliery is under the Westphalian State Museum of Industrial Heritage due to its unique structure. It has some amazing architecture, with the main building’s red bricks sure to blow your mind.
Perhaps the most enchanting place you want to visit while searching for things to do in Dortmund is the exhibit of coal mine workers. You’ll get a glimpse of what life was like working under extremely harsh conditions—also, the miners used different tools and machines to form part of the wonder.
3. Westfalen Park
Every city has certain parts you can’t afford to miss, like exemplary parks and walkways. As you think more about things to do in Dortmund, be sure to check out Westfalen Park. Nature comes alive here, igniting your soul with the joy of the great outdoors.
Choose an afternoon to spend time hereafter paying to enter this magnificent 70-hectare space with many attractions. For instance, did you know the Deutsches Rosarium brings you face-to-face with over 3000 rose varieties? Imagine the beauty of such a place.
Additionally, a visit to this park isn’t complete without riding the chairlift. Since 1959 this attraction has carried visitors from the mountain to valley stations. The views along the way are something you have to see to believe.
4. Watch Borussia Dortmund Play
While plenty of sights and sounds in this city keep you occupied for your trip, some soccer is the icing on the cake. As mentioned earlier, the football club calls this city home, and among the great stuff to do is catch a match at the Westfallenhale stadium.
Typically, the stadium brings fans together to cheer their favorite teams, which can be an exhilarating experience. You might also glimpse your favorite players and even get some signed merchandise.
5. German Beer and Sausages at Kruezviertel District
Another great reason tourists flock to Dortmund is to enjoy a cold glass of pure and authentic German beer. Few other places can serve you, like this majestic city.
Not to mention every pint comes with a plate of local delicacies like sausage. It is part of the list of things to do in Dortmund at night.
Head to one of the many local pubs and ask for a pint of beer – you won’t be disappointed. Plus, the atmosphere is always buzzing with party-goers having a good time. Many people frequent this area in the Kruezviertel District, where you can smell German sausages from a mile away!
6. Dortmund’s Botanical Gardens
On your travel guide, it’s known as the Botanischer Garten Rombergpark. These gardens are on 65 hectares and rank among the largest globally. Jot them down on your list of things to do in Dortmund as you plan your trip, and you won’t regret it.
Before 1822, the Romberg family owned the land and later turned it into a park. It remained privately owned until it was handed over to Dortmund City in the 1920s. Now, visitors worldwide get to marvel at the wide range of flora.
Everything from numerous trees, herbs, and flowers brings the park to life every summer. Added to that are four large greenhouses, which you must visit, and a whole host of old tall trees from the Romberg era.
Crowning it all are amazing scents from over 400 species of herbs worldwide.
7. The Historic Alten Market
No city visit is complete without entering the local markets and sampling what the region offers. Among the things to do in Dortmund is to visit the Alten market at the city’s heart, where you can shop to your heart’s pleasure.
In German, the name Alten means old, which is what this market is. It traces its history back to the 12 century and remains the city’s busiest. The market is on a square that retains its historical charm even though the surrounding buildings are modern.
However, you’ll be delighted that not all shops are new in this area. How about visiting a pharmacy that first opened its doors back in 1392? That’s the historic Adler Apotheke which is currently a museum.
8. Solebad Wischlingen
Not every trip means walking around or trying to visit as many surrounding areas as possible. Sometimes you want to relax, and the place to do so in Dortmund is at the Solebad Wischlingen.
It’s a spa that offers visitors an oasis for relaxation and tranquility away from the busy city streets’ hustle and bustle.
Ensure you include it among things to do in Dortmund and its surroundings. It’s easily accessible by train and only takes 5 minutes to get some quiet time. The good news is this facility accommodates all people, including children, and has warm indoor and outdoor pools where you can all chill.
Additionally, there’s a sauna area, Jacuzzi, and private rooms where you can sit and relax alone. After that, dip at the plunge pool or head to the café for some refreshments.
9. Kletterhalle Bergwerk
How about some rock climbing to make the visit even more memorable as you think of other Dortmund tourist attractions? At the Kletterhalle Bergwerk indoor climbing facility, the whole family gets a chance to scale the walls.
It’s a great place to exercise while on holiday and have lots of fun. The facility is a great place for the whole family and comes with instructors to assist with the gear. Be ready to use lots of muscle power to reach the top ahead of everyone else.
10. Dortmund Zoo
Kids love animals, and heading to the Dortmund Zoo is one way to spend a nice afternoon in the city center. It’s a smaller zoo where you can enjoy watching different animals. The most notable species are from South America, like the tamandua, giant anteater, and otter.
The city of Dortmund oversees the zoo, and you will pay a small fee to access it. You can even host events here and enjoy guided tours. Other cool animals you can expect are the Angolan giraffe, the Sumatran tiger, and the white rhino.
11. St. Reinold’s Church
One way to marvel at the history and architectural design of any city in Europe is to visit the churches. So, on your list of things to do in Dortmund, include the St. Reinold’s church that is hard to miss once you visit the city.
Though the church’s construction started sometime in the late 13th century, it didn’t complete until 1454. Its name is in honor of the patron saint of Dortmund, St. Reinold, and is smack in the middle of the market square.
Visitors get guided tours through the magnificent building and can also climb the tower to marvel at the beautiful views. It has two large bells added as the church went through renovation after the 2nd world war. Each weighs about 20 tons.
12. St. Peter zu Syburg
Here is a church that sends you back in time to the era where the Romans ruled over Europe and built amazing churches. The St. Peter zu Syburg goes as far back as the 8th century but only took shape in the 10th century.
A great part of this church to include in your things to do in Dortmund is the old graveyards with numerous hedge stones. Two gravestones date as far back as the 8th and 9th centuries, and another is inside the church.
One other piece of history you must view here is the white Carrara marble cross from 1580.
13. Hohensyburg Castle
It’s not a visit to Dortmund if you don’t head to the Hohensyburg Castle to learn more about this area’s history.
The medieval castle is an Old Saxon fort on a hill overlooking the Rhur River and the Ruhr Valley. These ruins tell a tale of conflict during the Saxon wars, and it later fell into the Franks’ arms in 772, a significant part of Dortmund’s history.
Today, only ruins remain in the place of this structure, but they’re definitely worth the visit. Remember to bring your camera and make this part of your things to see in Dortmund.
See related: 13 Things to Do in Stuttgart, Germany
14. Port Authority Building and Museum
One amazing area to add to what to see in Dortmund, Germany, is the Port Authority Building and Museum. Red bricks and a clock tower at the entrance characterize this transport museum.
The fact that Dortmund is close to the river Rhur and Emscher made the city a great hub for people and goods transportation. It led to a canal construction in 1899 that’s 269km that leads to the sea.
Though the canal doesn’t play a major role in transportation, sites like the Old Port building remain intact.
Inside is a great museum showcasing the region’s history of water transportation. It’s a great place to learn about German history and spend a few hours during your Dortmund visit.
15. DASA (Arbeitswelt Ausstellung)
During the German expo 2000, DASA Working World Exhibition was created to showcase different workstations worldwide. How people work makes up a large percentage of life, and it was important to display the numerous environments. Here, you can take note of the evolution of computers from the earliest ones in a modern museum setting.
Additionally, different typewriters on display and manual printers were the beginning of printing. A contrast to these early days is the modern office with the latest tech, including robotic technology.
Since Dortmund was an industrial city, learn more about the start and how this affected the area. Everything from the old coal mining technology to steam engines is here for all to view.
You can appreciate how far the city has come, and it even inspires young people interested in engineering and computers.
See Related: Inspiring Songs About Traveling
16. Dortmund Christmas Market
Imagine a market in Dortmund where you can enjoy everything from Christmas lights to holiday delicacies. That’s what the Weihnachtsmarkt has to offer visitors who decide to head here in December.
Among the top things to do in Dortmund is to check out the over 300 stalls that are only open for a few days in the year to celebrate this holiday season.
Here you find the best Dortmund attractions, the tallest Christmas tree in Germany. It’s 45m tall and has over 45,000 lights that light up the market.
See Related: Best Christmas Markets in Europe to Visit
17. German Football Museum
The German Football Museum is located in Dortmund, Germany, and is dedicated to the history of German football. This is an excellent attraction for European football fans.
The museum has a wide range of exhibits that showcase everything from the early days of football to the present day. Some highlights include a section on the World Cup, the European Championship trophies, an interactive exhibit on doping in sports, and a replica of the dressing room at Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion.
18. Zum Alten Markt
The Zum Alten Markt restaurant in Dortmund, Germany, is a great place to enjoy traditional German cuisine. The food place is the heart of Dortmund’s gastronomy. The restaurant is on the right in the Old Market Square and the city center and offers many dishes.
Whether looking for a hearty meal or a light snack, you will find something to suit your taste at Zum Alten Mark. Zum Alten Markt is always right in the middle of things, whether at the BVB football matches or the Dortmund Christmas market, from drinking freshly tapped beer to enjoying delicious Westphalian food.
FAQ
Is Dortmund worth visiting?
Dortmund is worth visiting if you are interested in visiting North Rhine-Westphalia. Dortmund is a beautiful city to walk around and has one of the densest urban areas for pedestrians, making it enjoyable for everyone. One of the well-respected football clubs known to fans is Borussia Dortmund, Germany’s third-largest exporter and economic standard-bearer. Dortmund offers a position with global opportunities, as well as excellent leisure options, and yet still manages to conserve its traditional identity.
What is there to do in Dortmund today?
There are many things to do in Dortmund today, including visiting one of the many great attractions, wandering in Westfalen Park, going to Romberg Park with kids, and enjoying a day at the Dortmund Zoo. Head to the Hohensyborg side trip or explore Dortmund Tower and Depot for more adrenaline-filled activity.