Why Dortmund is a Must-Visit for Soccer Fans
Dortmund isn’t just a city—it’s a football cathedral. Home to Borussia Dortmund, one of Europe’s most passionate and successful clubs, this city lives and breathes the game. A visit to Signal Iduna Park, Germany’s largest stadium, is an experience every football fan should have. The famous Yellow Wall (Südtribüne), where over 25,000 standing fans create one of the most electrifying atmospheres in world football, is something you won’t find anywhere else. But Dortmund’s football culture goes beyond matchday. Walk through the city, and you’ll find murals dedicated to BVB legends, cafés buzzing with match discussions, and pubs filled with fans singing club anthems. If you’re looking for a football trip that’s more than just a game, the Ultimate Dortmund Soccer Travel Guide is your key to experiencing it all.
Beyond football, Dortmund offers a unique mix of industrial heritage, modern city vibes, and a thriving beer culture. The city’s history as a former steel and coal hub is reflected in landmarks like the Dortmunder U, now a cultural and art center, while the Westfalenpark provides a scenic escape from the urban energy. Dortmund is also known for its local brews—no visit is complete without trying a Dortmunder Export beer at a traditional brewery. Whether you’re here for the football, the culture, or the unbeatable atmosphere, Dortmund guarantees an unforgettable experience. And with the Ultimate Dortmund Soccer Travel Guide, you’ll have everything you need to make the most of your trip.
Getting to Dortmund: The Best Travel Options
Before you can dive into the Ultimate Dortmund Soccer Travel Guide, you need to get there. The fastest and most convenient way is by plane, with Dortmund Airport (DTM) serving as the city’s main international gateway. While it primarily handles European flights, nearby Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS), just an hour away by train, offers more global connections. Once you land at Dortmund Airport, the Airport Express bus takes you to the Hauptbahnhof (central station) in just 25 minutes. Alternatively, taxis and ride-sharing services provide a quick and direct route to the city center or Signal Iduna Park.
For those traveling by car, Dortmund is well connected via the German Autobahn, making it an easy drive from cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf, or even Amsterdam. Parking in the city can be tricky on matchdays, so a smart option is to park in a nearby town like Bochum or Unna and take the S-Bahn into Dortmund. If you prefer train travel, Dortmund’s Hauptbahnhof (Dortmund Hbf) is a major rail hub, with high-speed ICE trains connecting it to Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich, while regional trains offer convenient access from surrounding areas. No matter how you arrive, the Ultimate Dortmund Soccer Travel Guide ensures you’re ready for an unforgettable football experience in Germany’s soccer capital.
Where to Stay: The Best Accommodation Options in Dortmund
As soon as you arrive in Dortmund, the city’s first landmarks greet you—whether it’s the Dortmunder U, a former brewery turned cultural center, the Florian Tower in Westfalenpark, or the impressive Signal Iduna Park looming in the distance. But before diving into matchday excitement, choosing the right place to stay is essential. If you want to be close to the action, staying near Signal Iduna Park is a great option. Hotels like Hotel Lennhof and Dorint An den Westfalenhallen put you within walking distance of the stadium while still offering easy access to the city center. These locations provide convenience for matchday while keeping you close to Dortmund’s vibrant football culture.
For a more luxurious stay, Dortmund has high-end hotels where you can enjoy the city like a Borussia Dortmund star. The L’Arrivée Hotel & Spa offers a premium experience with wellness facilities, while Radisson Blu Dortmund provides a stylish and comfortable stay near Westfalenpark. If you’re traveling on a budget, there are plenty of affordable hostels and budget hotels in the city center, such as a&o Dortmund Hauptbahnhof and DJH Jugendgästehaus Adolph Kolping. Whether you’re looking for a stadium-side hotel, a luxury getaway, or a budget-friendly option, the Ultimate Dortmund Soccer Travel Guide ensures you find the perfect base for your football adventure.
Hotel tips near Signal Iduna Park: Mercure Hotel and Steigenberger Hotel.
Getting Around: Public Transport and Hop-On Hop-Off Buses
Once you’ve settled in, it’s time to explore Dortmund, and the city’s public transport system makes getting around effortless. The U-Bahn (metro) and S-Bahn (commuter trains) provide quick connections across the city, with U45 being the go-to line for reaching Signal Iduna Park on matchdays. Trams and buses, operated by DSW21, cover all major districts, ensuring you can easily navigate between landmarks like the Dortmunder U, Westfalenpark, and the Borsigplatz, where Borussia Dortmund was founded. If you prefer a more relaxed sightseeing experience, the hop-on-hop-off bus is a great alternative. With stops at major attractions, including Alter Markt, Westfalenhallen, and Phoenix See, it’s an easy way to take in Dortmund’s top sights while giving your legs a break before the big match.
Dortmund’s Must-See Football Landmarks
Signal Iduna Park: The Home of the Yellow Wall
No football trip to Dortmund is complete without visiting Signal Iduna Park, the legendary home of Borussia Dortmund. With a capacity of over 81,000, it’s Germany’s largest stadium and one of the most intimidating venues in world football. The highlight? The Südtribüne, better known as the Yellow Wall, where over 25,000 standing fans create an electrifying atmosphere unmatched anywhere else. Whether you’re attending a match or taking a stadium tour, you’ll experience the magic of one of football’s greatest cathedrals. The Borussia Dortmund Museum (Borusseum) inside the stadium is a must-visit, showcasing the club’s history, iconic trophies, and unforgettable moments.
Borsigplatz: The Birthplace of Borussia Dortmund
To truly understand Dortmund’s football culture, head to Borsigplatz, the historic square where Borussia Dortmund was founded in 1909. Located just outside the city center, this spot is a sacred place for BVB fans, often the starting point for championship parades. The area is filled with murals, street art, and local pubs where you can soak in the deep-rooted passion for the club. Every year, fans gather here to celebrate major victories, making it a symbolic heart of Dortmund’s football heritage.
Westfalenhallen: The Pre-Match Gathering Point
Just a stone’s throw from Signal Iduna Park, Westfalenhallen has long been a major meeting point for football fans before and after matches. Originally built as an exhibition hall, it has hosted some of the biggest sporting and entertainment events in Germany. On matchdays, the area surrounding Westfalenhallen transforms into a sea of black and yellow, with thousands of fans gathering for food, drinks, and pre-game festivities. If you’re looking to experience Dortmund’s matchday culture beyond the stadium, this is the place to be.
From the electric Yellow Wall to the historic Borsigplatz, Dortmund’s football landmarks tell the story of a club and a city that live and breathe the game. With the Ultimate Dortmund Soccer Travel Guide, you won’t miss a single highlight of this footballing powerhouse.
Where to Eat: The Best Spots for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
A football-packed weekend in Dortmund isn’t complete without indulging in the city’s food scene. Start your day with a hearty German breakfast at Schürmanns im Park, where you can enjoy fresh bread, cheeses, and locally sourced ingredients in a cozy setting near Westfalenpark. If you prefer a quick but quality coffee and pastry, Kieztörtchen is a fantastic café offering fresh-baked goods. For lunch, nothing beats a classic currywurst, and Wurst Willi serves one of the best in town. Another must-try is Pfefferkorn, a steakhouse near Signal Iduna Park where fans gather before matches to enjoy top-quality meats and Dortmund’s famous Export beer.
When it’s time for dinner, you have plenty of great options. If you want an authentic Dortmund experience, head to Hövels Hausbrauerei, a traditional brewery serving hearty German dishes alongside freshly brewed Hövels Original beer. For a more upscale experience, Zum Alten Markt, located in the heart of the city, offers excellent local cuisine, including the famous Westphalian Pfefferpotthast (a slow-cooked beef stew). If you’re looking for something international, Yumini is one of Dortmund’s best spots for high-quality sushi and Asian cuisine. Whether you’re fueling up before a game or celebrating a big win, the Ultimate Dortmund Soccer Travel Guide ensures you find the perfect spot to eat in this football-loving city.
Exploring Dortmund’s Iconic Landmarks
Dortmunder U: A Symbol of the City’s Industrial and Cultural Legacy
One of Dortmund’s most recognizable landmarks is the Dortmunder U, a former brewery-turned-cultural hub that towers over the city skyline. Once the home of Union Brewery, this massive building has been transformed into a center for art, media, and digital culture. The U on top of the building lights up at night, making it a striking sight from all over the city. Inside, you’ll find contemporary art exhibitions, interactive displays, and a rooftop terrace with a stunning panoramic view of Dortmund—a perfect spot to take in the city before heading to a match.
Westfalenpark and the Florian Tower
If you’re looking to escape the urban energy for a bit, Westfalenpark is the perfect green oasis in the heart of Dortmund. This massive park is home to beautiful gardens, walking trails, and the iconic Florian Tower (Florianstrum), one of the tallest structures in Germany. You can take an elevator to the observation deck for incredible views of Signal Iduna Park, the city skyline, and the surrounding Ruhr region. Whether you’re relaxing before a game or recovering after a night out, Westfalenpark is a great place to unwind.
Phoenix See: A Modern Waterfront Escape
Dortmund’s industrial past has given way to modern development, and Phoenix See is the perfect example of that transformation. Once the site of a massive steel factory, this area has been turned into a picturesque lake surrounded by cafés, restaurants, and walking paths. It’s a great place to grab a coffee or a beer while enjoying a relaxing lakeside stroll. If you want to explore Dortmund beyond football, Phoenix See offers a refreshing contrast to the city’s industrial roots and is a favorite spot among locals for weekend walks and outdoor activities.
From historic landmarks to modern developments, Dortmund has much more to offer beyond football. And with the Ultimate Dortmund Soccer Travel Guide, you’ll know exactly where to go to experience the best of the city.
Where to Watch the Match and Experience Dortmund’s Nightlife
If you can’t secure a ticket for Signal Iduna Park, don’t worry—Dortmund has plenty of sports bars where you can soak in the matchday atmosphere. Mit Schmackes, owned by former Borussia Dortmund legend Kevin Großkreutz, is a must-visit, offering great food, a lively crowd, and wall-to-wall BVB memorabilia. Another top spot is Wenkers am Markt, a traditional brewery and sports pub in the city center, where fans gather over Dortmunder Export beer to cheer for their team. For a more modern setting, Strobels, located right next to Signal Iduna Park, is the perfect pre- and post-match venue, with big screens, great burgers, and an unbeatable football vibe.
Once the final whistle blows, Dortmund’s nightlife comes alive. If you’re looking for a vibrant party scene, head to the Alter Markt area, where bars like Daddy Blatzheim and Spirit Bar serve up cocktails and local brews with a buzzing crowd. If you prefer a classic German beer hall experience, Hövels Hausbrauerei is the place to go for freshly brewed local beer in an authentic setting. For those who want to party like a Borussia Dortmund star, Nightrooms is one of the city’s top nightclubs, hosting DJs and themed parties until the early hours. Whether you’re celebrating a big win or just soaking in the city’s nightlife, the Ultimate Dortmund Soccer Travel Guide ensures you know exactly where to go.
Enjoy Your Ultimate Dortmund Soccer Trip!
We hope this guide has given you everything you need to plan the perfect football-filled weekend in Dortmund. Whether you’re standing in awe before the Yellow Wall at Signal Iduna Park, exploring the city’s deep football culture, or enjoying the best food, beer, and nightlife Dortmund has to offer, this trip is guaranteed to be unforgettable. With its electric matchday atmosphere, historic landmarks, and passionate fan culture, Dortmund is a dream destination for any soccer fan.
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