DORTMUND WELCOMES YOU!
Many roads lead to Dortmund, after all the city enjoys excellent transport connections. Not only is it served by one of the densest motorway networks in Europe, its own airport means that major economic centres are only a couple of hours away by plane. And with ICE, IC and EC trains running every hour, Dortmund is easily accessible from all points of the compass, in Germany and abroad.
Home to some 600,000 people, the city of Dortmund is located on the eastern edge of the Ruhr Region in the west of Germany. Famed for football, beer and industrial heritage, it offers plenty more besides. Popular day-trip destinations include Dortmund Zoo, the Westfalenpark and several museums, most notably the German Football Museum. Every winter Dortmund's Christmas market boasts the world's largest Christmas tree. But Dortmund’s not just about the past, or even the present. The future is here: Among other things, TU Dortmund University is busy conducting research in the field of artificial intelligence.
While you’re in the area, why not explore some of Dortmund’s nearest neighbours and discover a few more of the Ruhr Region’s famous landmarks? Hop over to Cologne in just under an hour and a half to see its monumental cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, followed perhaps by a river cruise on the Rhine. And only half an hour away in Essen awaits another UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Zollverein Colliery, where industrial history meets contemporary art against a backdrop of rich architecture.
Have we whetted your appetite?
We look forward to welcoming you at the 2022 World Robot Olympiad in Dortmund!
[Header picture: © Hans Jürgen Landes / DORTMUNDtourismus]
Greetings from Dortmund's Mayor Thomas Westphal
On this site you can find information on:
Getting here
Dortmund is at the hub of a whole network of fast connections so, wherever you set out from, you can get here easily by air, rail or road.
From Dortmund Airport
Bus “AirportExpress”
From Dortmund Airport (on the departure level just outside the terminal) to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof (arrives in front of the main railway station)
Bus 490 and tram/underground U47
Bus 490: Dortmund Airport to “Dortmund Aplerbeck”
CHANGE to tram/underground
U47: “Dortmund Aplerbeck“ to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof (main railway station)
From Düsseldorf Airport:
Skytrain and Regionalexpress train RE1 or RE6
Skytrain: Terminal A, B or C to “Düsseldorf Flughafen Bahnhof” (airport station)
CHANGE to train
RE1 or RE6: “Düsseldorf Flughafen Bahnhof“ (airport station) to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof (Dortmund main railway station)
Skytrain and Regionalexpress train
“Düsseldorf Flughafen Terminal“ (Airport terminal station directly under the terminal) to Dortmund Hauptbahnhof (Dortmund main railway station)
Come by ICE train without having to change from:
- Berlin (3h 30m)
- Bremen (1h 45m)
- Cologne (1h 10m)
- Düsseldorf (1h)
- Frankfurt a.M. (3h 30m)
- Hamburg (2h 50m)
- Munich (6h)
- Stuttgart (3h 30m)
Bucket List - Things to see
Signal Iduna Park
The stadium of legendary football club Borussia Dortmund (BVB 09) holds 80,000 spectators and its Südtribüne is the largest terrace in Europe. Expect to be blown away by the atmosphere!
Zoo Dortmund
There are around 1500 animals to discover at Dortmund Zoo, including giraffes, anteaters and rhinos. And for the little ones a petting zoo, of course!
Dortmunder U
The Dortmund U Tower is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Built by the Dortmund Union Brewery, these days it houses an arts and creativity centre while the roof terrace offers views across the city.
DASA
The DASA Working World Exhibition focusses on the relationship between people, work and technology. What sets it apart from standard museums is the hands-on experience, with a series of unique zones full of interactive fun to explore!
Zeche Zollern – former colliery
In its heyday, this former colliery was known as the Palace of Work thanks to its magnificent architecture. Today it’s a museum celebrating the life of the coalminers, or “Kumpels” as they called each other in pit talk. Step into the past inside the Montanium, a working replica of a pit with real machines, to see what life was like for the men and boys who worked underground.
Binarium
Get ready for a blast from the past at BINARIUM, aka the German Museum of Digital Culture, an unrivalled collection of game consoles and personal computers from past and present. Many of the 250-odd video games and consoles are plugged in and waiting for you to put your skills to the test, so what are you waiting for?
German Football Museum
Opposite the main railway station, the German Football Museum (Deutsches Fußballmuseum) is a must-see for every self-respecting footie fan. Artefacts include boots and final shirts of footballing legends, as well as much of the DFB’s finest silverware! Take a dive into the history of football in our 3D cinema and Hall of Fame.
Westfalenpark
The Westfalenpark is a large, popular park with expansive gardens, abundant flowers and exotic trees. Children in particular will delight in the many attractions, including a mini railway and a cable car that run through the park. The Westfalenpark’s famous emblem is its 200-metre-tall Florian Tower, which offers unparalleled 360° views over the city and beyond!
Brewery Museum
Dortmund was once known as the beer capital of Europe. Discover the history of beer and the art of brewing at the Brewery Museum (Brauerei Museum), with artefacts including tankards, barrels and beer bottles – fascinating even if you’re not a beer-drinker. Admission is free.
Skywalk
Once a site of thriving heavy industry, PHOENIX West has reinvented itself as a popular recreational destination against the backdrop of the disused blast furnace. This imposing structure has become the main attraction, its gas pipeline repurposed as an elevated walkway. At a height of 65 metres, the Skywalk offers a stunning panorama of the city, and a spectacular insight into our industrial heritage.
Bucket List - Things to do
Play football
Team spirit, passion and loads of fun! In Dortmund, football is much more than just a spectator sport. And you don’t need much for your own game: a ball, two goals and a handful of mates eager to get onto the pitch!
Visit the Christmas market
Dortmund’s city centre is transformed into a magical place in the lead-up to Christmas. The Christmas market is all about ambling around the market stalls that offer an array of sweets, toys, jewellery, clothing and much more, indulging in sweet and savoury treats or a warming mulled wine as you marvel at the biggest Christmas tree in the world.
More Information
Climbing
Climbing improves your coordination and concentration – and it’s great fun! There’s a range of levels to choose from at Dortmund’s climbing hall, from bouldering at a moderate height to classic rock climbing with ropes, as well as tree-to-tree high-rope activities. Ready for a challenge? You can do it!
Cycling
With bikes of all sizes available for hire in Dortmund, cycling is another great way to discover the city. It’s fun, convenient and you can cover a greater distance, allowing for a more versatile itinerary.
Trampolining
Ready for take off? Defy gravity at Superfly Dortmund, where you can jump, bounce, or dance to your heart’s content on single or giant trampolines. Or find out if you have what it takes to be a ninja warrior in the ninja parkour.
Shopping
The Thier-Galerie mall is home to some 160 shops and a food lounge on the top floor. It’s located on Dortmund’s shopping mile, the Westenhellweg, one of the most popular shopping streets in Germany.
Bucket List – Food & Drink
Salzkuchen mit Mett
Although it looks like a bagel because of the hole in the middle, Salzkuchen is a crispy bread roll sprinkled with caraway seeds and salt. It’s traditionally served with ground pork and onion, although it’s also popular with a slice of cheese instead.
August mit dem Schlips
For 150 years, Dortmund’s oldest distillery Krämer has been producing a herb liqueur called August mit dem Schlips, which roughly translates as “Augustus in a necktie”. We recommend it as a digestif after your meal. But only if you’re over 18, of course.
Currywurst
A fried pork sausage cut into bite-sized chunks and served in a tasty, sweet and spicy curry-ketchup sauce. It usually comes alongside a portion of fries with mayonnaise – or as a double portion of currywurst.
Pfefferpotthast
A hearty stew of beef, onions and pepper that originates in Westphalia. Enjoy it in Dortmund’s traditional restaurants with boiled potatoes, pickled gherkins and a pickled beetroot.
Cake and gateau at Café Kleimann
Café Kleimann has been serving cakes and gateaux since 1903. You’ll find it beside the Petrikirche church in the city centre. What makes it special besides its delicious pastries? The two parrots who talk to the guests, of course.
Pommes Schranke
An absolute must in Dortmund! Crispy fries made from fresh potatoes, served with a dollop of mayonnaise and a generous squirt of ketchup, hence the name “Schranke” like the red and white barriers at railway crossings.
Glühwein
The most popular hot drink at the Christmas market! A sweet, hot wine seasoned with all sorts of Christmassy spices like cinnamon and aniseed – but don’t underestimate the alcohol content. For the kids and anyone who avoids alcohol, just ask for Kinderglühwein or Kinderpunsch. It’s alcohol-free, super sweet and super yummy!
Döner
Originally introduced to Germany by Turkish immigrant workers, the döner has established itself here alongside hamburgers and fries as a fast-food staple. A Dönertasche is a pocket of Turkish flatbread filled with whatever takes your fancy: salad, a variety of sauces and beef or chicken – or without meat for vegetarians. Döner fans are spoilt for choice in Dortmund, with dozens of Dönerbuden all over the city.
Dortmund beer
Something for the grown-ups: Why not try some of the local beers like Kronen, DAB pilsener or Bergmann beer? Having been the beer capital of Europe at one time, we know a thing or two about beer in Dortmund.
Roasted almonds
Their delicious fragrance fills the air and draws you towards them ... Made by caramelising almonds with sugar until they get their typical crunchy sweet coating, you’ll find roasted almonds on just about every corner at the Christmas market.
Bucket List – Places nearby
Deutsches Bergbaumuseum Bochum / German Mining Museum
At the German Mining Museum Bochum, you can find out all about the fascinating world of mining by following one of the four trails guiding you through the permanent exhibition: hard coal, mining, mineral resources and art. By the way: Even though it looks like one, the Deutsche Bergbaumuseum is not a former pit. But 20 metres underground, they’ve constructed a mine with 1.2 km of tunnels just for visitors. Immerse yourselves in the history of the Ruhr Region!
UNESCO-World Heritage Zollverein in Essen
The Zollverein colliery and coking plant has been on the UNESCO World Heritage list since 2001. You can access this huge site free of charge and explore it on your own. Or take a guided tour (for a fee and currently only in German) to find out more about mining and its history. There are also several museums and galleries on this extensive site including the Ruhr Museum and the Red Dot Design Museum.
https://www.zollverein.de/zollverein-unesco-world-heritage-site/
Landscape Park / Landschaftspark Duisburg Nord
These former steelworks in Duisburg have been turned into a landscape park and a truly beautiful urban oasis. In the extensive grounds, not only can you discover industrial heritage but also industrial nature. There is also a huge adventure playground, and you can rent bikes too.
https://www.landschaftspark.de/en/visitor-information/landscape-park/
Gasometer Oberhausen
A visit to the Gasometer Oberhausen is one of the most popular excursions for the local Ruhris. For one thing, you get a magnificent panoramic view from the viewing platform on the roof, and then they have spectacular exhibitions on the inside as well. At the moment you can see the “Fragile Paradise” exhibition with stunning photos and videos about the earth and climate. And don’t miss the highlight: a 20-metre-tall sculpture of the earth.
UNESCO-World Heritage Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is one of the Top 10 sightseeing destinations in Germany. The foundations for this imposing building were laid back in the year 1248, to be followed by centuries of construction work. There are guided tours throughout the day, and it is well worth climbing up the South Tower with its bell chamber, in spite of the 533 steps!
Düsseldorfer Altstadt – the Old Town
In Düsseldorf’s Old Town – about an hour’s journey from Dortmund – you can walk along the Rhine Promenade, sample some tasty food or enjoy some serious shopping. The historic Town Hall, the Lambertus Church and the Burgplatz square just ooze history. And in the evenings, crowds of good-natured visitors throng in and around the many pubs to enjoy Düsseldorf’s traditional Altbier.
https://www.duesseldorf.de/international/tourism/discover/old-town.html
Rheinschifffahrt – Cruises on the Rhine
Take a mini cruise on the Rhine to take in the best views of the romantic countryside, magnificent residences along the riverbanks and see sights such as Cologne Cathedral and the futuristic Kranhäuser buildings, all while sipping on sparkling wine or enjoying coffee and cake.
The Sauerland
Are you in the mood for nature? Then the Sauerland region will be the ideal destination.
Westphalia’s largest reservoir, the “Bigge Dam”, is situated between the towns of Olpe and Attendorn. This lake is ideal for bathing and other water activities. And Attendorn has one of the most beautiful caves in Germany, the “Atta-Höhle”, showing fantastic stalagmites and stalactites.
Whether actively involved in the fun or just watching, the town of Winterberg is a must for winter sports enthusiasts. The world’sbest tobogganists meet here regularly at the bob-sleigh and toboggan run.
The “Westphalian Open Air Museum” in Hagen gives an impression of daily life in the past. More than a dozen workshops bring back to life the old Westphalian technical and manual skills.
10 useful words in Dortmund dialect
Bude: Refreshment kiosk also known as a Trinkhalle; also room or flat
datt: das, that
Ey: Oi or Hey – listen to me (Ey, you back there!); also an expression of disgust
Feierahmtbier: Feierabendbier, a well-deserved beer after a hard day’s work
Hömma: Hör´ mal, listen up!
Isso: ist so / that’s the way it is
Pöhlen: play football, kick a ball about
Ruhri: inhabitant of the Ruhr Region
schnuckern: nibble; eat sweets or snacks, although you shouldn’t really
wonnich: isn’t it? Used after negative statements. E.g., Weather’s bad, wonnich?