Discover Dortmund: Parks, Art and Industrial Heritage

Dortmund combines art and industrial heritage with gardens, parks and activities on the water. Westfalenpark, Rombergpark Botanical Garden, Zeche Zollern and the Dortmunder U represent different sides of the city. There is also the Hoesch-Hafenbahn Trail, which follows a disused railway line. So when choosing accommodation, it is worth first considering which of these experiences you want to shape your stay.

Parks, gardens and far-reaching views

At Westfalenpark, diverse gardens and the German Rosarium are complemented by creative playgrounds for children, sports facilities, family activities and educational programs. Individual facilities and programs may change. The Florian Tower offers panoramic views over Dortmund; access conditions for the tower may vary. Check the latest information if a visit is important to your plans.

Rombergpark Botanical Garden also offers different ways to spend your time. Its outdoor grounds are accessible around the clock every day. Visitors can take part in public or booked guided tours; if you are planning a tour, it is best to check the specific dates in advance. This lets you plan your garden visit according to your interests, with or without a guided program.

Industrial heritage and city views

Zeche Zollern in Dortmund is a testament to Germany’s industrial past. Its striking machine hall, made of steel and glass with a colorful Art Nouveau glass portal, is an icon of industrial heritage. The colliery is also an anchor point on the Route of Industrial Heritage and the European Route of Industrial Heritage. At the site, visitors can climb the headframe, follow the path of coal, and immerse themselves in the world of hard work underground.

Dortmunder U is a center for art, culture and creativity in the city center. The restaurant on the top floor has an observation platform with sweeping views over downtown Dortmund. Access conditions for the platform may vary; check the latest information if you are counting on the view. Art and culture are the focus here, while Zeche Zollern brings together industrial history and architecture.

Water and trails as additional highlights

From April to October, watersports enthusiasts without their own boat can rent a pedal boat or rowboat at the harbor on PHOENIX Lake, or learn to sail at the sailing school there. If you are planning one of these activities, check seasonal availability before your trip. This makes the season an important difference compared with the outdoor areas of Rombergpark Botanical Garden, which are accessible year-round.

The Hoesch-Hafenbahn Trail follows a disused railway line between PHOENIX Lake in the south and the Westfalenhütte in the north of Dortmund. It is part of a regionally important north–south axis for pedestrians and cyclists. As the trail is being developed in stages, check the current route status before planning a specific trip.

Choose accommodation to suit your plans

Next, consider which places you actually want to visit, and compare travel times between them using an up-to-date map when choosing a location.

Discover more destinations: Eichlinghofen, Solingen, Bochum, Oberhausen, Essen, Wuppertal, Bonn, Bottrop

Back to the main travel overview: North Rhine-Westphalia.