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Dortmund

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About Dortmund

A city of art and industry, Dortmund lies at the southern end of the Dortmund-Ems canal. Boasting excellent museums, fascinating art galleries, beautiful public parks and the haunting remnants of Nazi Germany, it makes for a fascination destination for history lovers and those wishing to immerse themselves in German culture. Our collection of the best places to stay in Dortmund are ideally positioned for accessing all the city has to offer.

Dortmund has a long, rich history. First mentioned in 885, it became a Free Imperial City in 1220 and subsequently joined the Hanseatic Trade League, fast-becoming a booming trading centre in the Middle Ages. Following the Thirty Years War, it fell into quick decline but the 19th century saw a reversal of its fortunes, enshrining the city as a centre of heavy industry in the form of coal and iron ore mining; its canal underwent an expansion and it saw rapid levels of growth, before being brutally subjected to Allied bombing during WWII.

In the aftermath of WWII, many of its medieval churches were reconstructed, like the Marienkirche - originally built between the 11th and 14th centuries - an architectural marriage of Romanesque and Gothic styles. St. Reynold's Church is also a must-see: with its gorgeous Baroque spire, Romanesque nave and Gothic chancel, it is a delightful historical hodgepodge of different styles. In an hour of reflection, be sure to visit the Steinwache, a haunting reminder of the perils of Nazi ideology: a former Gestapo police station where thousands of political prisoners were interred, the cells beneath have graffiti on the walls from the prisoners themselves.

As for art, you are spoilt for choice. The Museum Ostwall should be high on anyone's priority list for sightseeing: featuring modern, abstract works from the likes of Picasso and Salvador Dali. The Museum fur Kunst und Kulturgeschichte, another great gallery, features classical works from the 18th to the 19th centuries. There is also an excellent Brewery Museum, detailing the laborious process of beer-making, and offers some splendid guided tours of the facilities. Afterwards, be sure to head out to one of the many beer gardens lining the city streets and sip on some local beer at the Alter Markt with a plate of Salzkuchen - a bagel coated with caraway seeds and lined with pork and onions, a local delicacy.

What not to miss

  • Take the lift to the top of the Florianturm - a 140m high television tower - boasting gorgeous panoramic views of the city!
  • Head to the southernmost part of the city and explore the ruins of the Hohensyburg - a 12th century fortress on an outcrop.
  • Reflect on the dangers of authoritarianism at the Steinwache, a former Gestapo police station where thousands of political prisoners were interred.
  • Visit the Museum Ostwall and marvel at paintings by Salvador Dali and Picasso.
  • Go for a quiet stroll through the beautiful botanical garden of Botanischer Garten Rambergpark - one of the largest of its kind - full of lemon and fern trees.
  • Find some solace in St. Reinold's Church, a beautiful mix of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles.

With so much on offer this is undeniably a popular spot so in order to ensure a room at one of the best places to stay in Dortmund we recommend planning your trip well in advance.

The best places to stay in Dortmund

City chic

  • The Grey: a sleek, chic minimalist hotel in the heart of the city. Offering lush, ultra-modern rooms and a bowling alley for guests, it is the height of trendiness. Ideal for young couples.
  • Hotel Ambiente: a crisp, contemporary hotel on the outskirts of the city, offering simple contemporary rooms with parquet flooring and lovely modern bathrooms. Enjoy the gourmet restaurant and the smart, effortlessly cool bar.

For an apartment or villa

  • Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments in the nearby area.

Travel information

  • Fly to Dortmund Airport from where you can take public transport a taxi to reach your destination.
  • If you want to rent a car we recommend you contact our partner Rentalcars.
  • The best time to go is during the summer when the temperature ranges between 12 and 23 degrees.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Dortmund

Best Hotels in Dortmund

  • The Grey Dortmund 34 rooms from $137

    City Style  -  A sleek urbane hotel in Dortmund's city centre, offering stylish suites and a hip bar.
    Business meetings  -  The city centre location makes it a good option for business meetings.
    Sights nearby  -  Just a ten minute walk from Dortmund's picturesque, historic market square.
    Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
    Pet friendlyParking

    A stylish ultra-modern hotel in the centre of Dortmund. Rooms take on a futuristic feel with minimalist designs and contemporary furnishings. Get your bowling boots on and make use of the hotel's bowling alley. A great choice for people in Dortmund on business. See More

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  • Hotel Ambiente Dortmund 36 rooms from $165

    Short break  -  A smart well-connected hotel, close to the business centre and with a spa nearby for evening relaxation.
    Great walks  -  Take a relaxing walk around the scenic Botanischer Garten Rombergpark.
    Sights nearby  -  Marvel at the gothic architecture of the Marienkirche church.
    Restaurant  -  Recommended.
    RestaurantGardenDisabled accessParking

    A contemporary hotel situated in quiet gardens on the outskirts of Dortmund. Well-proportioned rooms with parquet flooring, crisp white linen and minimalist furnishings. A gourmet restaurant with a pretty terrace and a smart bar to enjoy an evening tipple. Very chic. See More

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