Dortmund North Rhine-westphalia, Germany Travel Guide
Winters (December-February): Expect mild to frigid conditions. Average temperatures range from 0°C to 4°C (32-39°F). Snowfall occurs, but rarely in heavy or long-lasting amounts. Days remain short and often grey.
Spring (March-May): Temperatures gradually rise, moving from 5°C to 15 degrees celsius (41-59°F). Sunshine becomes more frequent. This season brings flowering plants and a refreshing atmosphere.
Dortmund experiences no monsoons or hurricanes. Extreme temperatures are possible but rare.
Summer heatwaves occasionally push temperatures above 30°C (86°F). Winter cold snaps bring temperatures below -10°C (14°F). Strong winds and thunderstorms occur, especially in summer. Prepare for variable conditions by packing layers.
Crowds & Higher Prices
December also brings high visitor numbers.
Accommodation prices rise, attractions see more crowds, book in advance.
Pleasant & Fewer Crowds
Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, lower prices. Good for outdoor activities. October autumn foliage.
Weather can be variable (cooler/wetter). Some attractions have reduced hours.
Budget-Friendly & Fewer Tourists
Lowest prices, fewer tourists, excellent for seeing museums and indoor activities.
Coldest weather, shorter daylight hours. Some attractions may have limited hours or close. Grey, damp weather.
Plan your visit for specific activities. Football matches (Borussia Dortmund) from August to May. Attend festive Christmas markets from late November to late December. Have fun with outdoor public parks (Westfalenpark, Rombergpark) from April to October. The best months for cycling and walking are May to September. Museums and indoor attractions are enjoyable year-round.
The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn, with their pleasant good temperatures and fewer people, suit outdoor pursuits. October especially shines with beautiful autumn leaves.
August to May for Bundesliga games.
Late November to late December.
April to October for greenery.
May to September for outdoor exploration.
Enjoyable year-round, ideal for low season.
Germany belongs to the Schengen Area, a zone of 27 European countries that abolished passport and all other types of customs and immigration at their mutual borders.
Understand the different visa types and their application processes for Germany.
Prepare your essential documents for smooth entry into Germany.
For visa application assistance, discover these useful resources.
Germany uses the Euro (€), its currency.
The Euro (€, EUR) is Germany’s official currency. ATMs (Geldautomat) are common and generally offer the best exchange rates. Banks also provide currency exchange services. Exchange offices may have less favorable rates.
Credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Maestro) are widely accepted. Some smaller establishments, notably in markets or local pubs, may prefer cash. Always carry a bit of cash for small buys.
Daily cost estimate for budget-friendly travel.
Accommodation: €25-€40 (hostel), €50-€80 (basic hotel).
Total: €60 - €100 per day.
Daily cost estimate for balanced travel.
Accommodation: €80-€150 (3-4 star hotel).
Total: €150 - €250 per day.
Daily cost estimate for high-end travel.
Accommodation: €200-€500+ (5-star hotel).
Total: €350 - €700+ per day.
| Expense Category | Price Range (Euro) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel Dorm | €25-€40/night | Per person, per night |
| Budget Hotel | €50-€90/night | Per room, per night |
| Mid-range Hotel | €90-€180/night | Per room, per night |
| Luxury Hotel | €180-€500+/night | Per room, per night |
| Street Food | €4-€8 | Currywurst, Döner, Bratwurst |
| Casual Lunch | €12-€20 | Lunch menus (Mittagsangebote) offer value |
| Mid-range Dinner | €20-€40 | Per person, without drinks |
| Fine Dining | €50-€150+ | Per person, can be much higher |
| Coffee | €3-€5 | |
| Beer (0.5L) | €4-€6 | |
| Single Transport | €3.20 (Preisstufe A3) | Dortmund city center |
| 24-Hour Transport | €9.30 (Preisstufe A3) | Unrestricted travel in Dortmund for AROUND the clock |
| Deutschland-Ticket | €49/month | Unlimited regional/local transport nationwide |
| Airport Taxi (DTM) | €30-€40 | From Dortmund Airport to the downtown area |
| German Football Museum | €19-€24 | Adult entry |
| Signal Iduna A Green space tour | €15-€18 | Adult entry |
| Westfalenpark | €3.50 | Adult admission |
| Florian Tower | €5 | Observation deck |
Prioritize your health and safety for a worry-free trip to Dortmund. Gera lot of them haves high standards of public health and safety.
No vaccinations are routinely required for entry into Germany from most countries.
Ensure routine vaccinations (MMR, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio) are current. Hepatitis A and B, and Measles are also recommended. Consult a travel doctor for personalized advice.
If planning rural or outdoor activities, a Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination might be considered, though less relevant for urban Dortmund.
Prevention is Simple
Common Cold/Flu is prevalent, specifically in winter. Wash your hands frequently. Seasonal allergies from high pollen in spring and summer; bring medication if needed.
Ticks in forested areas (spring/summer) require long sleeves and trousers; check for ticks. Sunburn needs sunscreen, even on cloudy summer days. Food-borne illness is rare due to high hygiene standards.
Germany keeps excellent food safety and hygiene standards.
Dortmund has well-equipped hospitals, including Klinikum Dortmund and St. Johannes Hospital.
Widely available (red "A" sign). A few offer late-night service (Notdienst Apotheke); check local listings.
General practitioners or specialists available. Appointments could be required.
Dortmund is generally a safe city. Crime rates are moderate for a large urban area. Pickpocketing occurs in crowded tourist areas, public transport, and during large events.
Natural disaster risks in Dortmund are relatively low.
Localized flooding during heavy rainfall (Emscher, Ruhr rivers). Heatwaves in summer. Occasional powerful winds and thunderstorms. Frosty conditions/significant snowfall in winter.
Highly recommended for all travelers. Covers medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption, baggage loss, plus personal liability.
Review policy details carefully for coverage limits and exclusions. Contact your embassy or consulate in Germany for assistance with lost passports or other serious issues.
