#Parks

The Television Tower stands tall in the Westfalenpark rising high above the city. This is Dortmund’s largest park and the only one with an entry fee, but don’t let this deter you as the fee is only 3,50 Euro. The people of Dortmund don’t mind handing this money over though as in return they get the chance to completely relax. Besides this, the view from the Television Tower makes it well worth a visit on its own.

If you are visiting Dortmund with children, you will find numerous play areas for them in the Westfalenpark, from small sand pits to a magnificent adventure playground.

The park always gets a bit busier and more crowded towards the end of August and when the Festival of Lights takes place. Just for a day Westfalenpark is ablaze, immersed in the wonderful light of the illuminations. After sunset, the crowds then enjoy the chance to watch the firework display from their picnic blankets.

A great children’s playground and a meeting place for the in-crowd, a place to chill, drink beer and have a barbecue – you can do practically everything in the West Park. Formerly a cemetery close to the Kreuzviertel quarter, this is a great place for everyone. Above all in summer, people come here from the densely populated southern part of the city centre looking to find some peace and quiet or a diversion from the stresses of everyday life.

A small oasis offering a place for relaxation on the southern edge of the city centre. In recent years, this little park has become increasingly popular among families who use the broad meadow to spread out their picnic blankets. The eponymous Balkan restaurant offers good home-cooking and boasts a pretty beer garden.

This absolute gem in the south of Dortmund can be reached by tram, local train (S-bahn) and various bus routes. No other location in Dortmund radiates so much peace and serenity as Romberg Park. You can take a stroll, go for a run or do some jogging along the main path, and you can take photos of the flora and fauna, or watch photographers taking photos, feed squirrels or just walk along the many winding paths through Germany’s largest botanical gardens.

Dortmund Zoo nestles in a small forest adjoining Romberg Park. Originally known as the Animal Wildlife Park, Dortmund Zoo continues to maintain its park-like character. You would hardly notice the changeover from the Romberg Park to the Zoo if it wasn’t for the little ticket kiosks.

The Zoo’s has a focus on the animal kingdom of South America, and above all on breeding anteaters. The zoo is constantly being modernized and altered to comply with the requirements of animal welfare. The sea lions cause a proper spectacle, especially at feeding time, and are particularly popular with the visitors to the zoo, both young and old.