Dortmund

The Westfalenstadion, known locally as Signal Iduna Park, is Germany’s largest football stadium and a must-visit for sports fans. Located in Dortmund’s Innenstadt-West district, it hosts Borussia Dortmund’s matches since 1974 and has seen major international tournaments, including the 2006 World Cup and upcoming Euro 2024. The vibrant South Terrace, or 'The Yellow Wall', is famous for its passionate atmosphere, making every game a lively cultural experience.

Dominating Dortmund’s south side, Westfalenpark is a lush 70-hectare oasis packed with attractions. From the stunning German Rosarium with over 3,000 rose varieties to summer festivals, a scenic chair lift, and a charming lake stage for concerts, it’s a lively hub of outdoor fun and cultural events, all crowned by the towering Florianturm.

If you're into football history or just love the sport, the German Football Museum in Dortmund is a must-visit. Opened in 2015, this museum is the go-to spot to explore Germany's rich football heritage, featuring exhibits on legendary players, iconic matches, and the evolution of the game in the country. Locals know it's the place to get a real sense of Germany’s football culture, but tourists often overlook it—so if you're passing through, make sure to stop by and discover the beautiful game’s story.

Zeche Zollern is one of Dortmund’s most visually stunning industrial sites, with its striking Art Nouveau architecture. Built around 1900, this former coal mine features beautifully restored buildings, a stained-glass fronted machine hall, and century-old machinery that offers a fascinating glimpse into the Ruhr’s industrial past. Now a museum, it explores the social and technological history of coal mining, making it a must-see for history buffs and architecture admirers alike. Plus, it’s part of the Route der Industriekultur, connecting industrial heritage sites across the region.

The Dortmund U-Tower is arguably the city’s most iconic landmark. Once a brewery from the late 1920s, it’s now a hub of creativity and culture, especially since its transformation in 2010. The towering building features a giant ‘U’ on top, lit up at night, and houses art museums, exhibition spaces, and even a university campus. Throughout the day, you can enjoy the striking ‘flying pictures’ installation on its façade, making it a must-see for anyone interested in Dortmund’s industrial and cultural revival.

Standing proudly in Dortmund’s city center, St. Reinoldi is the oldest surviving church, dating back to the 13th century. This late Romanesque basilica, crowned with a towering spire reaching 104 meters, is a city landmark that has witnessed centuries of history. Visitors can ascend part of the tower for panoramic views and admire its medieval architecture, a symbol of Dortmund’s rich religious and urban heritage.

The Dortmund Zoo, established in 1953, is a favorite family destination nestled in the southern part of the city near Rombergpark. It specializes in South American wildlife, boasting the largest collection of giant otters in the world and actively participating in breeding programs for species like giant anteaters and tamanduas. The zoo’s Amazon-themed habitats recreate rainforest environments with lush plants, diverse animals, and engaging exhibits such as the rainforest building, which hosts spiders, primates, birds, and reptiles. A wonderful place to explore biodiversity and learn about conservation efforts in a family-friendly setting.

The Florianturm stands tall as an iconic symbol of Dortmund’s skyline. Built in 1959 for the Federal Horticultural Show, this 219-meter-tall tower was once the highest of its kind in Germany. It features a revolving restaurant and observation decks offering panoramic views, and it’s a pioneering structure—the first TV tower in the world with a rotating restaurant—making it a must-see for curious visitors.

Step into the impressive industrial landscape of Dortmund’s Huckarde district at Kokerei Hansa, a striking relic of the Ruhr’s mining past. This monumental site, part of the European Route of Industrial Heritage, once processed anthracite from nearby mines into coke and gas. Built in the late 1920s and shut down in 1992, it remains largely intact, offering dramatic photo ops—especially in the compressor room where steam-powered gas piston compressors seem frozen in time.

Nestled in Dortmund's Brünninghausen district, the Rombergpark Botanical Garden is a sprawling green sanctuary that highlights its impressive collections of trees and shrubs. Originating from an old landscape park surrounding Romberg Castle, it was integrated into the botanical garden in 1927. Covering an expansive 68 hectares, the Rombergpark was designated a landscape monument in 2006. By 2004, it was home to around 4,500 plant species, making it a living showcase of botanical diversity and a peaceful retreat for visitors eager to learn about plant life and conservation.

Step into the beating heart of Dortmund at Alter Markt, a historic square that has long served as the city's vibrant hub for commerce and social gatherings. Surrounded by charming facades, it offers a lively atmosphere that captures the city's enduring spirit.

The DASA – Arbeitswelt Ausstellung is a dynamic museum dedicated to the history and future of work, opened in 1993 in Dortmund. It combines hands-on exhibits and multimedia displays to explore workplace safety, technology, and social aspects of labor. Housed in a modern building that was part of Expo 2000, it’s a fascinating spot for visitors of all ages interested in understanding the evolution of work and industry.

Dortmund’s Museum Ostwall is a treasure trove of modern art, showcasing works from the early 20th century to today. Founded in 1948 and now housed in the iconic Dortmunder U since 2010, it’s a haven for fans of expressionism, abstract, and contemporary art, with a collection that includes pieces by Kandinsky, Klee, Picasso, and Dalí.

Founded in 1981, the Dortmund Brewery Museum opened its doors in 1982 on the site of the former Dortmunder Kronen brewery. This museum offers visitors an inside look at Dortmund’s brewing history, showcasing the city’s long-standing tradition of beer making. Initiated by brewery owner Heiner Brand, the museum celebrates local craftsmanship and brewing culture, making it a delightful stop for those interested in Germany’s brewing heritage.

The Museum of Art and Cultural History in Dortmund, housed in a striking Art Deco building from 1924, offers a deep dive into the city’s cultural story. Its collection spans from ancient artifacts and early history through to 20th-century art, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and crafts. Visitors can also explore a dedicated exhibit on the history of surveying with rare geodetic instruments. It’s a perfect stop for art lovers, history buffs, or anyone interested in Dortmund’s cultural evolution.

Deep in the Westfalenstadion’s northeast corner, the Borusseum serves as a shrine to Borussia Dortmund’s storied football history. Celebrating the club’s journey since 1909, this museum is a treasure trove for fans and curious visitors alike, showcasing memorabilia, trophies, and tales from the legendary club’s past.

Perched atop the Syberg hill, the Hohensyburg ruins are a captivating piece of Dortmund’s ancient history. This Saxon hillfort, built around 700 AD and later fortified by Charlemagne, offers panoramic views where the Ruhr and Lenne rivers meet. Today, the site is a popular escape for visitors exploring archaeological remains, scenic walks, and nearby monuments like the Vincketurm and Kaiser-Wilhelm-Denkmal, all surrounded by protected natural beauty.

Step into the Steinwache, an eerily preserved police station turned memorial museum that whispers tales of a darker past. Established in 1906, this site gained notoriety during the Nazi era as the 'Hell of West Germany,' where over 66,000 prisoners, including political dissidents and forced laborers, endured unimaginable torment. Today, it stands as a stark reminder of resistance and persecution, with moving exhibits and photographs that tell stories of resilience.

The Adler Tower stands as a reconstructed medieval lookout, now captivating visitors as a children’s museum showcasing Dortmund’s Middle Ages. Built in 1992 atop original foundations, this 30-meter-high tower offers interactive exhibits where kids and adults alike can don armor, handle swords, participate in archaeological digs, and relive medieval life through engaging displays. It’s a fun, educational gateway into Dortmund’s historic past.

The Westfalenhallen in Dortmund is a colossal hub of activity, hosting everything from trade fairs to concerts. Since its original opening in 1925—and surviving the ravages of WWII—this sprawling complex now boasts nine exhibition halls, a historic arena, and a lively event calendar that attracts over 1.7 million visitors annually. It’s the beating heart of Dortmund’s event scene, with a rich history of entertainment and commerce.

Westfalenhalle is more than just a conference center; it’s a hub for major events and exhibitions in Dortmund. Its central location makes it easy to combine with visits to nearby sports and entertainment venues.

Open since 2002, Dortmund’s Konzerthaus is a modern musical hub that attracts top artists from around the world. Its sleek design and superb acoustics make it a favorite for everything from classical concerts to jazz nights. With 1,550 seats—900 of which can be used as a smaller hall—the venue offers an intimate yet vibrant setting for experiencing live music in the heart of the city.

Experience Dortmund’s cultural heartbeat at the Theater Dortmund, home to a vibrant opera scene. The current modernist building, opened in 1966, rises on the historic site of Dortmund’s former synagogue, which was demolished in the 1930s. Designed by Heinrich Rosskotten and Edgar Tritthart, the theater’s sleek lines and innovative layout—featuring a dedicated stage house—highlight contemporary architecture while celebrating Dortmund’s rich artistic history. Catch a performance or take a behind-the-scenes tour to see this lively cultural hub in action.

Spanning the busy Unionstraße in Dortmund, the bridge ensemble of Unionstraße is a testament to early 20th-century engineering. Completed in 1911, these iron railway bridges—part of Dortmund’s industrial heritage—still carry trains today, connecting different parts of the city and reflecting the historical development of Dortmund’s transport network amidst the broader Route of Industrial Culture.