The hometown of the first-division club Borussia Dortmund and the special charm of this North Rhine-Westphalian metropolis. The city is also a good starting point for a trip to the Netherlands, only an hour's drive away. 

Big city in the west
Thanks to the steel industry, the Ruhr area was one of the most important industrial regions in Europe in the last century. The largest city in the Ruhr area is therefore rich in industrial monuments. Discover an extraordinary cultural landscape in the middle of Europe.

Embark on the “Nature and Technology” adventure trail and visit the old Hansa coking plant. Climb the coal tower and enjoy the panoramic view. Since the coking plant was shut down 20 years ago, nature has taken over somewhat and turned the former industrial plant into a fascinating destination.

Of particular interest are the many churches in the city area, which you can easily reach with a rental car in Dortmund. Climb the bell tower of the 13th century Reinholdikirche and enjoy the view of the whole city. Or visit the 12th century Marienkirche with the Marian altar by Master Conrad von Soest. If you are interested in church art, the city church of St. Petri should feature on your route. It houses one of the largest church sculptures in Gothic style, on which the story of the passion is told in 30 beautifully worked reliefs.

Time for an excursion in the area? With one of our rental cars in Dortmund you are mobile, flexible in time and not tied to any departure times. 

A jaunt to the nearby Sauerland is a relaxing change. For nature lovers there is a real paradise here. The land of 1,000 mountains is ideal for hiking, biking and skiing. The five large lakes in this tranquil landscape are also ideal for family outings. 

A cultural highlight for music fans is the annual “Rock in the Ruins” festival in April. Well-known bands like Phillip Boa and the Voodoo Club or Killing Joke perform here. But local bands are also represented at this open-air festival in the shadow of the blast furnace on Phoenix West.

“International Culture Days Dortmund” has been taking place every two years for overa decade. It is the oldest and largest international cultural festival of its kind in Germany and presents innovative, contemporary art and culture from a host country. More than 100 events from spring to summer delight visitors with dance, literature, photography, music and theatre at an international level.

"ExtraSchicht": The festival of industrial culture in the Ruhr area takes place every year in June or July. Then former industrial plants serve as a backdrop and today's production facilities, mines and dumps become venues. Imaginative productions by international artists inspire hundreds of thousands of visitors. 

Every year in September the big DEW21 Museum Night takes place. There are plenty of events at around 60 venues. Museums and galleries, studios and churches are open until late into the night.

Concerts, theatre performances, readings, exhibitions and shows. In the run-up to Christmas, you can stroll through one of the largest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany. Around 300 stands comprise handicrafts, Christmas decorations, children's toys and much more. You'll also find roasted almonds, fresh crepes, Westphalian ham and grated cakes.

A special attraction is the huge Christmas tree with 48,000 lights and a 4-metre high angel on the top.

Dortmund U, the former cellar of the Union brewery is a centre for art and creativity. A variety of events, art and culture make this landmark a real attraction. The listed fermentation and storage tower houses exhibitions, cinema and workshops. There is something for every taste.