Dortmund Germany Map

Dortmund City

Dortmund is found in the European Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan region. It is the 8th largest city in Germany (German: Deutschlandkarte) and was previously known as “Steel City” for the countless number of coal mines that existed during the Industrial Revolution. After the decline of the mining industry, Dortmund developed into a modern and cosmopolitan metropolis and is known today for its high technology developments. Dortmund is also famous for its soccer team in the Bundesliga – the German top-tier football club, the Borussa Dortmund.

Geography

The city is surrounded by several cities and municipalities, with Sauerland to the south and Munsterland to the north. It is part of the European Rhine-Ruhr metropolitan, where the River Ruhr flows through the city’s south area. A smaller river, the River Emscher flows through the greater municipal area. The city is located on the northwest edge of the Ruhr, made up of 62 boroughs and 12 suburb districts.

How to Reach (Transport)

1. By Plane – The Dortmund Airport is the main international airport that serves the city. It is a medium-sized airport known for being the home of a number of low-cost airlines in Germany. Destinations include national and other European cities. Located 10 km from the city center, there are no trains or trams that go directly to the city center. Public transportation that gets you to and from the city is through shuttle buses.
2. By Train – The city is served by the Deutsche Bahn, with connections to and from several cities in Germany and a number of other international connections. The S-Bahn is the fastest and easiest way to get around the city.
3. By Central Station – The main public central station is the Dortmund Hauptbahnhof – comprised of a number of railroad systems and the S-Bahn under the Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Rur. It is the local public transport system of 39 companies providing buses and trains over 289 million kilometers in the region.

When to Visit

The best seasons to visit Dortmund are spring and summer when the weather is the most pleasant for sightseeing and traveling. Summers are rather cool in the city, with occasional rains. July, however, experiences the most rain of the year, making it an inconvenient time to visit.

Culture (Fairs and Festivals) and Traditions

1. Dortmund Christmas Market – An event that occurs in every major German city, Dortmund’s festival stands out for being home to the world’s largest Christmas tree. Made of over 1,700 fir trees and over 13,000 lights, the tree stands at 147 feet high, dominating the market area of over 300-holiday stalls of local produce, handicrafts, souvenirs, and traditional food and drinks. Live acts and puppet shows also take place during the Christmas fair.
2. International Culture Days – A biannual celebration established in 1957, this festival hosts over 100 artistic and cultural presentations. A local event that has become a national celebration, a wide range of performances occur all throughout the city, which includes international dance competitions, theater, literature, photography, and music events.
3. Rock in the Ruins – This open-air festival used to take place on the grounds of Hohensyburg Castle. The rock music festival moved to the former steelworks Phoenix West Area in 2011. A popular music festival in Germany, it became famous for being a platform of up and coming young artists. Over 15,000 people attend the festival each year, making it the essential representation of local youth in Dortmund.

Points of Interest (Places to Visit)

1. Hohensyburg Castle – Found in the south of the city, this compound of historic ruins is a popular tourist destination in Dortmund. The Ruins of Syburg, the Gothic revival Vincke-Tower, a casino, a nature reserve, and a war memorial are among its most popular sites and attractions. A hilltop castle, it offers the best panoramic view of the Ruhr valley.
2. Florianturm – A popular landmark in the city, this telecommunications tower was once the tallest freestanding structure in Germany. The lower floor contains the operation rooms, while the upper floor has a revolving restaurant. There are 2 observation decks in the tower, one at 465.5 feet and the other at 475 feet.
3. Zollern II/IV Colliery – Found in the northwestern suburb of Bovinghauren, this colliery compound contains an Art Nouveau-style main entrance, admin bureaus, blacksmith and carpenter shops, a tool store, first aid, and fire station, a stable, and a pithead bath. This industrial museum was a model mine when it was built in 1898, and has become a popular Dortmund attraction known for its representation of the city’s industrial history.

Accommodation

Dortmund has every kind of accommodation suited for every kind of traveler. There are plenty of hotels and hostels in the city, as well as camping sites, RV camping, and mobile camping options.