Planning a trip to Dortmund, Germany? There’s more to this vibrant city than football. Known for its industrial heritage, green parks, local food scene, and cultural attractions, Dortmund offers plenty to explore for every type of traveler. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, a football match, or as part of a larger Germany itinerary, here are 18 of the best things to do in Dortmund.
Dortmund is a city in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia region. The city is the largest in the Ruhr area, a significant industrial hub in Germany. It ranks as the third-largest region in the country, following Cologne and Düsseldorf. Renowned for its rich cultural heritage, it also boasts numerous historical landmarks.
The city has long been the center of Germany’s coal and steel industries, a heritage that is celebrated in a variety of excellent museums and attractions. Dortmund is also home to Borussia Dortmund, a successful club in the Bundesliga, the top tier of German football.
Oh! Before you dive into your adventure, make sure to secure your travel insurance. It’s not just a formality – it’s your safety net against surprises. A stress-free trip starts with being prepared and protected, so don’t leave home without it!
There are a lot of tourist attractions and reasons to visit this gorgeous city in Germany, and in this article, I will list all the things that you can do while you’re staying in Dortmund!
1. Westfalen Park
Westfalenpark is a massive green space with multiple attractions that will keep you entertained the whole time. One of these attractions is the 212-meter-high Television Tower (Fernsehturm), known to locals as Florian Tower.
There’s also a miniature railway, a bird enclosure with flamingos, and a pond where you can hire a rowboat. For stunning city views, take the chair lift to enjoy an aerial perspective of the park. It’s a great place for kids to run around and explore.
2. Alter Markt
The central feature of the Old Town of Dortmund is the Alter Markt, which has served as Dortmund’s marketplace for nearly 900 years. It’s still a popular shopping mall area today. The historical highlights of the square include its old fountain, added in 1901 as a drinking trough for animals. The Town Hall (Rathaus) is also located nearby, a key part of the city’s historic landscape.
3. St. Reinold’s Church
This 104-meter-tall tower is visible for miles around and is a striking feature of Dortmund’s cityscape. Started in the Middle Ages in the 13th century, the building was not completed until 1454. The church was named after Dortmund’s patron saint, Reinold. Inside, you can find a 14th-century statue of St. Reinold. Moreover, you can climb the tower for its magnificent views across the city and see the church’s six steel bells, together weighing some 20 tons.
4. Hohensyburg
Located 12 kilometers south of Dortmund, Hohensyburg (Syburg) is the ruins of a medieval castle above the Ruhr Valley. It is a popular destination for hikers and features a variety of attractions, including the Vincketurm and the Kaiser-Wilhelm Memorial, built in 1902. Also on the hilltop, there is a miniature golf course and a casino, making it a great spot for a day trip.
5. Dortmund U
The former brewery building in Germany has been a landmark since 1927. The trademark ‘U’ on the roof was added in 1968 and is 9 meters tall. Today, Dortmunder U is home to Museum Ostwall, a collection of 20th and early 21st-century paintings showcasing modern and contemporary art.
6. German Football Museum
tball, then you shouldn’t miss this museum! Dortmund is the home of a popular German football club, Borussia Dortmund, and also has ties to the German national team.
The World Cup and European Championship Trophies are on display, along with all kinds of memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and quizzes. Your visit to Dortmund will not be complete without stopping by this impressive museum.
Suggested Tour: German Football Museum
7. Transport Museum and Mooskamp Station
A collection of vintage vehicles. You will see old trams here, housed in Mooskamp Station. The oldest of the trams included in the collection dates back to the early 1900s. From Dortmund, these old trams headed deep into the Ruhr Valley, carrying workers to the region’s mines, coke plants, and steelworks.
8. Botanischer Garten Rombergpark
One of Dortmund’s largest gardens. The park came into the city in the 1920s. It has four greenhouses, for tropical vegetation, succulents, ferns, and a mixture of camellias, lemon trees, and jasmine.
9. Haus Dellwig
Haus Dellwig is an old moated building first mentioned in the city records in the 12th century. The highlights of the building include fully restored rooms, such as the kitchen and various living quarters, as well as a variety of workshops. This attraction is a must-visit.
10. Wasserschloss Haus Rodenberg
It’s a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture. Wasserschloss Haus Rodenberg is surrounded on three sides by a moat and overlooks a lake in the center of a park. The first records of it are from 1290, and it is known to have been reconstructed after 1422. In the late 1600s. This is truly a paradise for people who love history.
11. LWL-Industriemuseum Zeche Zollern
This former colliery is a fascinating example of industrial heritage and features an impressive machine hall, one of the most architecturally significant in the region. Built in 1898, the solid brickwork and iron structures make it a must-visit for those interested in Dortmund’s industrial past.
12. DASA
A modern facility that opened in 1993, DASA features exhibitions that focus on the impact of technology and work culture on people’s daily lives. A great place for those interested in innovative exhibits and workplace evolution.
13. Signal Iduna Park
Football fans should not miss a stadium tour of Signal Iduna Park, the home of Borussia Dortmund. As one of the most iconic stadiums in Europe, this massive facility has a capacity of 81,365 and is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere on match days. Visitors often describe it as a place full of passion for the game.
14. Kokerei Hansa
It was built in the years 1927 to 1928 as a large coking plant. This industrial monument would help you understand a lot about the coking industry. During your visit, you’ll be provided with an audio guide that will help you explain the cooking process.
15. Propsteikirche
The only Catholic church in the city center, Propsteikirche was built in 1331 and consecrated in 1458. Unfortunately, it suffered severe damage during the Second World War but was reconstructed by 1966. Its late Gothic altar and striking architecture make it a remarkable stop.
16. Dortmund Zoo
A perfect spot for families, Dortmund Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, including rare species native to South America. The zoo focuses on conservation and provides educational exhibits that make it a fun and engaging visit.
17. Brewery Museum
Dortmund has a rich beer brewing history, and the Brewery Museum offers visitors a deep dive into this tradition. Here, you can learn about the city’s famous beer culture and even sample some local brews.
18. Museum of Art and Cultural History
For those passionate about art and history, the Museum of Art and Cultural History offers exhibitions covering various eras, from the Middle Ages to the early 20th centuries.
How to Go to Dortmund, Germany from the UK
As of 2025, here are the most reliable options to fly from the UK to Dortmund:
Via Ryanair (One-Way)
- Route: From London Stansted (STN) to Dortmund Airport (DTM)
- Starting Price: £96.99 (prices may vary depending on the travel date and booking time)
Via EasyJet
- Note: As of 2025, EasyJet does not offer direct flights from London to Dortmund. Check for alternative routes or nearby airports.
Why Dortmund Is Worth Visiting
Dortmund offers much more than football. From historic landmarks and museums to green parks, breweries, and local food spots, the city has something for every kind of traveler.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend, catching a match at Signal Iduna Park, or exploring Germany’s Ruhr region, Dortmund is a destination worth adding to your itinerary. With its mix of culture, history, and modern city life, it’s easy to see why so many travelers enjoy spending time here.
FAQ
Choose a fun and energetic way of sightseeing and meet highlights of Dortmund with family-friendly vibes. Children and parents have fun while exploring the Old Town. The major rule here is: no boredom! Enjoy dozens of historical facts and fascinating legends.
Dortmund is also famous for its Christmas market, which draws well over three and a half million visitors to its 300 stalls around a gigantic Christmas tree.
Dortmund is a center for the arts and culture in the east Ruhr region of Germany and you’ll find many ways to enjoy it, including impressive museums like the Museum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte, concert halls, art galleries, live music, and much more./
About the Writer
Hi there! I’m Fatima. My first major travel was in 2016 in the beautiful city of Cebu. After that, I got interested in traveling. Now I enjoy learning languages and other country’s cultures. My goal is to visit at least one country each year and to share my experiences with other people through writing or blogging. Witness my journey by following me on Instagram.