Dortmund, Germany, is located in the Bundesland of North Rhine-Westphalia, in the Ruhr area. It is the 7th-largest city in Germany with a population of over 600,000 on 280 sq km and 34th-largest in the EU. The Ruhr river flows south of the city, and the small river Emscher flows through the municipal area. The Dortmund-Ems Canal terminates at Dortmund Port, the largest European canal port, linking Dortmund to the North Sea. Dortmund is a "green metropolis," with half the territory waterways, woodland, agriculture and spacious parks such as Westfalen and Rombergpark. The foundations of its economy are the iron and steel industry and engineering.
How to Get There:
Dortmund Airport is a medium-sized airport 13 km east of the city centre, with regular bus, streetcar and train connections to the city centre. The central train station (Dortmund Hauptbahnhof) is the third largest long distance traffic junction in Germany, while Dortmund Harbor (Hafen) is the largest canal harbor in Europe; almost as large as the harbor on the Rhine at Duisburg, the world's largest inland port. It also has a few motorway connections with the rest of Germany. Intra-city transport is provided by buses and the subway.
What to See:
Hohensyburg Casino; The four city churches- in St. Peter's Church, the "Golden Wonder of Dortmund" tells the story of the Passion, with 30 reliefs and 633 oak-carved, gilded figures. In St. Mary's Church, the altar by Dortmund's Master Conrad von Soest features beautiful paintings of the Middle Ages. Climbing the 207 steps of the bell tower at St. Reinhold's Church gets you eye-popping views. Propstei Church, is the only Catholic church in the city centre. Haus Bodelschwingh and Haus Rodenberg (13th century), moated castles; the Altes Stadthaus, built in 1899; Wasserschloss Bodelschwingh, Romberg Park Gatehouse (17th century), once a gatehouse to a moated castle now houses an art gallery; RWE Tower (120 m skyscraper - the tallest in Dortmund) and the Opera House, built in 1966.
Where to Eat:
Dortmund has over 50 restaurants. The Rosin serves innovative gourmet menus influenced by various cultures. Lennis, Gasthaus Alt-Syburg, Ringhotel Drees Und Consul: Hotel Restaurant are popular. Pfefferpotthast (pepper beef stew with onions), a Dortmund speciality served in restaurants and bars on Alter Markt and along the Wallring are a must.
Nightlife:
Bierhaus Stade, a popular meetingpoint in Dortmund,Cafe Muckefuck, Cosmotopia and the Atlantico Café will help you pass your time.
Events:
Top events in the acclaimed Westfalenhallen complex, spectacular open-air cultural
events, chess tournaments and the Christmas market.
Hotels:
There are over 60 hotels in Dortmund, from the 2-5 star class, with prices ranging from € 44 to 110. The Hilton, Pullman, Mercure Hotel Dortmund City, NH Dortmund, Unique Hotel, Tryp, Express by Holiday Inn Dortmund, Mark Hotel Commerz, Steigenberger Hotel and Hotel Koenigshof are recommended. Enough Bed and Breakfast accommodation is also available for the backpacker, at rates starting from € 18.
