10 Best Things To Do On Your Birthday in Dortmund

Dortmund, sculptures near the main train station. Photo by Michielverbeek – Wikimedia Commons

10 Best Things To Do On Your Birthday in Dortmund

In Germany, there’s a great city known across the world for its marvelous tourist attractions. Dortmund is a traveler’s dream since it offers loads of things to do and see. Its foundation can be traced to the steel and coal industries, which have since closed down.

As a guest of this area, you’ll be delighted to know that you can explore on foot, which is a great way to appreciate the sights. Most of the area is woodland, and there are certainly many other things to do in Dortmund, Germany.

Other than its pleasing sights, the city is also famous because it’s home to the top football club, Borussia Dortmund. The game lovers understand this better.

1. The Museum of Art and Cultural History building traces its history back to 1883

Sonnenuntergang in Dortmund City. Photo by Enyavar – Wikimedia Commons

The first item on your list of things to do in Dortmund is to visit the Museum Fur Kunst und Kulturgeschichte. This impressive building traces its history back to 1883 and currently has exhibits from the middle and modern ages.

Take it all in, including detailed accounts of the resistance against the Nazis.

Previously, the museum was in the same location but moved because of multiple incidences of razing as war raged on. Upon its return in 1983, it has become an icon for the city featuring works from top 19^th-century painters.

As you wonder what to see in Dortmund, there are paintings by Max Slevogt, Caspar David Friedrich, and Lovis Corinth in the museum. Additionally, this fun museum features an additional exhibit called the “cabinet of curiosity.”

Here there are different items from the age of the Renaissance, plus a host of other captivating decorative art pieces.

2. The Zollern Colliery is under the Westphalian State Museum of Industrial Heritage

Skyline Panorama Dortmund. Green Ruhr 2027 Dortmund. Photo by Lucas Kaufmann – Wikimedia Commons

Another of the top Dortmund tourist attractions is this former coal mine that is now a reclaimed piece of history for the city.

The Zollern Colliery is under the Westphalian State Museum of Industrial Heritage due to its unique structure. It has some amazing architecture, with the main building’s red bricks sure to blow off your mind.

Perhaps the most enchanting place you want to visit while searching for things to do in Dortmund is the exhibit on coal mine workers. You’ll get a glimpse of what life was like working under extremely harsh conditions.

 Also, there are the different tools and machines the miners used that also form part of the wonder.

3. Westfalen Park is where nature comes alive here

Panorama Skyline Dortmund. Photo by Lucas Kaufmann – Wikimedia Commons

Every city has certain parts that you can’t afford to miss, like exemplary parks and walkways. As you think more about things to do in Dortmund, be sure to check out Westfalen Park. Nature comes alive here, igniting your soul with the joy of the great outdoors.

Choose an afternoon to spend time hereafter paying to enter this magnificent 70-hectare space with loads of attractions.

Additionally, a visit to this park isn’t complete without riding the chairlift. Since 1959 this attraction has carried visitors from the mountain to valley stations. The views along the way are something you have to see to believe.

4. Watch Borussia Dortmund Play as the club calls Milan home

St.Barbara Dortmund Eving. Photo by Tbachner – Wikimedia Commons

While there are plenty of sights and sounds in this city to keep you occupied for your whole trip, some soccer is the icing on the cake. As mentioned earlier, the football club calls this city home, and among the great stuff to do is catch a match at the Westfallenhale stadium.

Typically, the stadium brings fans together to cheer their favorite teams, and can be an exhilarating experience.

5. German Beer and Sausages at Kruezviertel District make up part of the list of things to do in Dortmund at night

Phoenix-Park in Dortmund. Photo by Frank Vincentz – Wikimedia Commons

Another great reason tourists flock to Dortmund is to enjoy a cold glass of pure and authentic German beer. Few other places can serve you like this majestic city.

Not to mention every pint comes with a plate of some local delicacies like sausage. It makes up part of the list of things to do in Dortmund at night.

Head out to one of the many local pubs and ask for a pint of beer – you won’t be disappointed.

Plus, the atmosphere is always buzzing with party-goers having a good time. Many people frequent this area in the Kruezviertel District, where you can smell German sausages from a mile away!

6. Dortmund’s Botanical Gardens are on 65 hectares of land 

Reflection of previous Hoesch Administrative Building in Phoenixsee harbor waters. This building was constructed adjacent to the visible tower at the right, the core of which is the last remaining remnant of the historic Hoerde Castle (German: “Hörder Burg”). Hörde, Dortmund. Photo by Franz van Duns – Wikimedia Commons

It is known as the Botanischer Garten Rombergpark. These gardens are on 65 hectares and rank among the largest globally.

Jot them down on your list of things to do in Dortmund as you plan your trip, and you won’t regret it.

Before 1822, the Romberg family owned the land and later turned it into a park. It remained privately owned until it was handed over to Dortmund city in the 1920s. Now, visitors from across the world get to marvel at the wide range of flora.

There’s everything from numerous trees, herbs, and even flowers that bring the park to life every summer. Added to that are four large greenhouses which you must visit and a whole host of old tall trees from the Romberg era.

Crowning it all are amazing scents from the over 400 species of herbs from across the world.

7. The Historic Alten Market is at Dortmund’s heart where you can shop to your heart’s pleasure

Green Ruhr 2027 Dortmund. Photo by Lucas Kaufmann – Wikimedia Commons

No city visit is complete without stepping foot in the local markets and sampling what the region offers. Among things to do in Dortmund is to visit the Alten market at the city’s heart where you can shop to your heart’s pleasure.

In German, the name Alten means old, which is what this market is. It traces its history back to the 12 century and remains the city’s busiest part to date. The market is on a square that retains its historical charm even though the surrounding buildings are a bit modern.

However, you’ll be delighted to know that not all shops are new in this area.

8. Solebad Wischlingen is easily accessible by train and only takes 5 minutes to get some quiet time.

Grating, kerb, and road surfaces are uplifted by the relentless force of untrammeled plane tree roots. Location Dortmund, Hörde, Am Oelpfad, near cemetery. The image was taken 2020-01-24. Focus stack. Photo by Franz van Duns – Wikimedia Commons

Now not every trip means walking around or trying to visit as many surrounding areas as possible. At times you want to relax, and the place to do so in Dortmund is at the Solebad Wischlingen.

It’s a spa that offers visitors an oasis for relaxation and tranquility away from the busy city streets’ hustle and bustle.

Ensure you include it among things to do in Dortmund and its surroundings. It’s easily accessible by train and only takes 5 minutes to get some quiet time.

The good news is this facility accommodates all people, including children, and has warm indoor and outdoor pools where you can all chill.

Additionally, there’s a sauna area, Jacuzzi, and private rooms where you can sit and relax alone. After that, take a dip at the plunge pool or head to the café for some refreshment.

9. Kletterhalle Bergwerk is a great place for the whole family

Germany, Westfalenpark, playground). Photo by Mbdortmund – Wikimedia Commons

At the Kletterhalle Bergwerk indoor climbing facility, the whole family gets a chance to scale the walls. It’s a great place to get some exercise while on holiday and have lots of fun.

 The facility is a great place for the whole family and comes with instructors to assist with the gear. Be ready to use lots of muscle power to get to the top ahead of everyone else.

10. Dortmund Zoo is a smaller zoo where you can enjoy watching different animals

Amtshaus (Rathaus) in Dortmund Aplerbeck. Photo by Helfmann – Wikimedia Commons

Kids love animals, and heading to the Dortmund zoo is one way to spend a nice afternoon in the city center.

It’s a smaller zoo where you can enjoy watching different animals. Normally, the most notable species are from South America, like the tamandua, giant anteater, and otter.

The city of Dortmund is in charge of the zoo, and you will pay a small fee to access it. You can even host events here and enjoy guided tours. Other cool animals you can expect are the Angolan giraffe, Sumatran tiger, and white rhino.