Travel Guide Dortmund
Located in the North Rhine-Westphalia region, Dortmund is one of the largest cities in this part of the country. It is one of the oldest cities in the west, and one of the best known and loved cities in Germany. As you reach Dortmund, the first thing to attract your attention will be the towers. The Florian Tower is city’s TV and telecommunications tower, which was constructed in 1959. It is the highest freestanding structure in the country at that time, with the height of 720 feet (220 metres).
The silhouettes of Reinoldikirche, Marienkirche and Petrikirche towers reflect the ancient part of the city in many ways. You may also visit Marienkirche, which used to be a Protestant church, originally built in the 1100s, and rebuilt after World War II. Here is a travel guide to Dortmund for you to decide your trip in a better way:
Things to do in Dortmund
When it comes to the best activities in Dortmund, these are the first things that come to mind: football, beer, and the strong industrial background. Entirely rebuilt after the second world war, Dortmund has become an innovative city focused on the future. Considered as a ‘green metropolis’ and opted as one of the most sustainable cities in Germany, they converted many of their former industrial sites into museums and leisure facilities. Here is what you can do in Dortmund:
German Football Museum
The German Football Museum, which is adjacent to the Dortmund Railway Station, tells the story of the world’s most popular sport in Germany. This new and engaging museum is created so ingeniously that even those who do not like the German national team, will still have a great time and learn about the football. The Fan Bistro and N11 Bar & Restaurant make the museum accessible and enjoyable.
Westfalenpark
Westfalenpark is the biggest green area in Dortmund. Situated in the southern part of the city and spreading over a beautiful 500,000 sq. m park from children to adults, there is something for everyone. Community gardens, animals’ park, children’s playground and kids’ museum, cafeteria and restaurants can be found between big lawn spaces shared by wooden areas and small lakes. Do not skip the tour on the small train around the park. If you’re in search of a quiet place, there are different options of hotels in the area around Westfalenpark.
Alten Markt
Alten Markt, in German, means Old Market. Being part of the city since the 12th century, this square is a lively historical centre of Dortmund. Now in the middle of modern shopping centres and restaurants, one can only locate the historical part of the square in its northeastern part where the Adler Apotheke, a pharmacy that opened at this location in 1392 (now a museum), is located. On days when the sky is clear, you can have a glimpse of the city’s atmosphere and have some coffee on a terrace of Cotton’s of Maximilian restaurant.
Westenhellweg
Westenhellweg is an approximately 750-metre-long street that is situated in the heart of Dortmund. It is considered as one of the busiest pedestrian streets in Germany. Like a semi-pedestrian walkway situated between 5-storey high buildings, Westenhellweg is a shopping street which has boutiques that sell various items such as jewellery, fashion clothes, sportswear and many others. World-famous names, like H&M, Esprit, and Rolex, as well as the popular German department stores, can be enjoyed along this vibrant place. If you are looking forward to a shopping spree, book your stay in Westenhellweg Street.
Binarium Dortmund
Binarium Dortmund is a geeky heaven on earth. Sited in the northwest of the city, the museum is all about video game culture and history. With the majority of video games developed from ’Pong’ back in the 70s, the family-friendly, large and beautifully red-bricked building houses the Binarium Dortmund. Nintendo and Sega, PlayStation and Xbox are just some of the consoles that we’ve been attached to for a decade now.
LWL Industrial Museum Zollern
Known as LWL Industrial Museum Zollern, it is a huge industrial complex which was converted to a museum. Located 10 km from the city centre, it is marked out by an attractive early 20th-century Art Nouveau architecture of iron frame and red bricks. Here, learn about the hard work and life of the colliers and their family. A section known as the Kids’ Cellar gives children an opportunity to pretend they are miners. In case you are traveling with your family, please, have a look at the family-friendly accommodation in Dortmund.
Dortmund Christmas Market
Each December, the Christmas market in industrial Dortmund is transformed miraculously into the best Christmas market in Germany. More than 300 stalls take up the Old Market square with a 45-meter Christmas tree being lifted. Chocolate drops, gingerbread, hot spiced wine, and others delicious treats will be provided while you walk along the booths offering handcrafted gifts and Christmas decorations. Similarly, fair rides as well as horse riding tour can serve as a source of fun and excitement for the children.
Westfalenhalle
Fully named as Ballspielverein Borussia 09 e.V., Borussia Dortmund is a top football club in the German league, the Bundesliga. You should not pass the chance to see them play at Westfalenhalle, the city’s stadium, when you are in Dortmund. The stadium is awesome and the mood is amazing. In Dortmund the supporters behave like gentlemen and you will really enjoy the show as well, regardless of whether you are a football fan or not.
Best Places to Go Shopping in Dortmund
Looking for the best spot to go shopping in Dortmund? Located in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia region, this city is a shopping mecca. Dortmund’s main shopping street, Westenhellweg welcomes up to 10,000 visitors per hour.
Westenhellweg
Westenhellweg is the shopping center of Dortmund. This 750-metre long street located in the city centre is said to be one of the busiest shopping areas in the whole Germany. On this street, you will find all the clothes from sportswear and fashion to jewellery and souvenirs. First, you will notice internationally recognized department stores such as Zara, H&M, C&A and Karstadt. In addition, there will be perfumeries, bookshops and shoe shops. From well-known brands to the restaurants and cafes where you can have a break between shopping, Westenhellweg has it all
Ostenhellweg
Ostenhellweg was a trade route from the 12th century. These days, this idyllic street in Dortmund parallel to the Westenhellweg is the go-to place for shopping. Although much shorter than Westenhellweg, Ostenhellweg provides a perfect place for all shopping fans who come to the city of Dortmund. It is possible to discover popular brands like C&A, Depot, Maisons du Monde, DM, and TK Maxx in there. Alongside well-known brands, this street is loaded with local shops that deal in souvenirs, jewellery, and secondhand clothes.
Thier-Galerie
Opened in 2011 Thier-Galerie is located on the site of the former Their brewery. This 4-storey shopping centre with sales area of nearly 33 thousand square metres and space for 150 shops is the best known shopping organisations in Dortmund. Visitors can try different shopping at famous department stores and boutiques, and restaurants on the top floor. On the lower ground floor which is at the main entrance, there is a Starbucks. Thier-Galerie is located in the south-west part of the inner city.
How do I get to Dortmund?
Here are some of the best ways to get to Dortmund:
Plane
DTM, for European and domestic transportations. It is 8 miles from the city center. A shuttle bus transports you from the main railway station in Dortmund for EU8.50, while the taxi should not exceed EU25-30. The Dusseldorf International Airport (DUS) is another option, only about 40 miles away. Train connections can be easily booked for as low as EU15 from the EU15.
Train
The central train station of Dortmund (Hauptbahnhof) is a transport nerve in Germany with connections to all major centers in the country and the rest of Europe.
Car
Dortmund is interconnected to the other main cities in Germany through various Autobahn roads in all directions.
Bus
Flixbus, Eurolines and others ensure travel from the Düsseldorf main bus station to major cities all over Europe.
What to stay in Dortmund?
These are the best places for staying in Dortmund:
City Center:
the “new” face of the city is a place where you can enjoy premium shopping and dining, and all the city’s commercial and retail areas are gathered.
Kreuzviertel:
This old city district is where the Kreuzkirche at Kreuzstraße, among trendy restaurants, shops and a few parks can be found.
Kaiserviertel:
you should hit the ground running in your shopping venture with this historic neighborhood of cherry blossoms that bloom in the spring followed by the beginning of Kaiserstraße, which is the shopping district.
Conclusion
If you are planning a trip to Dortmund there are a lot of fun activities for you and your family. Before traveling to Dortmund you can read our travel guide and plan things without any hassle. We hope you find our guide helpful!
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