Known as Westphalia’s green metropolis, this thriving city in western Germany is similarly renowned for its fine breweries and fashionable soccer club.
Located in North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund is one of the largest cities in the region, one of the oldest cities in the west of the country and one of the best known, and best loved, cities in Germany.
When you arrive in Dortmund, your eye is immediately drawn to the towers that line the cityscape with particular attention to one. The Florian Tower is the city’s famous TV and telecommunications tower, built in 1959 and reaching a height of 720 feet (220 meters), once the highest freestanding structure in the country.
Other skyline highlights include the towers of Reinoldikirche, Marienkirche and Petrikirche, gems of medieval architecture which hark back to the city’s heritage. Head to Marienkirche to see a one-time Protestant church, originally constructed in the 1100s, but rebuilt after the Second World War. Or opt for Petrikirche to take in a famous carved altar, the “Golden Miracle of Dortmund,” almost 600 years old and depicting 36 Easter scenes using 633 gilt carved oak figures.
While you're in Dortmund, don't forget the cultural scene. Get dressed up to enjoy popular social spots such as the Konzerthaus and the Opernhaus Dortmund. The latter was built in 1966 on the site of an old synagogue, destroyed by the Nazis in the 1930s, and now hosts a range of performances. You can also head out during the day to experience Dortmund's impressive museums and art galleries.
Despite the city’s history as an industrial center, with extensive coal and steel milling conducted within the city limits for a century, Dortmund is regarded today as a green haven, described by some as Westphalia’s “green metropolis.” Nearly half of the area that makes up Dortmund’s territory is made up of waterways, woodland, farmland and other green spaces—so make sure you go for a stroll.
Spacious parks around the city such as Westfalenpark and the Rombergpark are well worth a visit. Head to Westfalenpark to enjoy Rosarium, a rose garden boasting more than 3,000 species, or travel to Mergelteichstrasse to visit Zoo Dortmund.
It's this impressive blend of lush greenery and high culture that makes Dortmund such a captivating city.
