Dortmund, as seen in tourist photos and guidebooks, combines industrial heritage, green spaces, and modern architecture. This diversity is its main feature. On the streets of the city, you can find former factories and warehouses that have been converted into cultural venues, as well as many other unusual locations for recreation and photography.
Spacious parks neighbor former coal mines. The city center, with its wide boulevards, pedestrian streets, and café terraces, is perfect for walking around with a camera. Architectural contrasts, from Gothic churches to modern glass and metal structures — and now photographers are declaring their love for Dortmund, and photos of the city catch the eye at first glance.
Dortmund photo spots: what you should definitely photograph
When it comes to the best places to take photos in Dortmund, Lake Phoenix is definitely worth mentioning. The former steelworks site has now been transformed into a lake with a modern promenade and views of the city. For beautiful photos, it's best to come early in the morning or just before sunset to catch the reflections in the water.
Another place in Dortmund that you've probably seen pictures of is the iconic U-Tower or Dortmunder U. It's a former brewery and now an art center with a large letter "U" on the roof. It looks especially impressive in the evening when it's lit up.
Fans of industrial aesthetics will certainly appreciate the Phoenix West area with its giant steelworks. We recommend shooting from a height to capture the panorama of the city with the factory structures in the foreground.
For beautiful photos in Dortmund, head to Westfalenpark. The large rose garden, the road to the Florianturm TV tower, and the picturesque paths provide shots where greenery, flowers, and the city come together. At the top of the TV tower itself, there is an observation deck at a height of about 140 m for luxurious panoramic shots. You can see the whole of Dortmund at a glance!
Parks and water: the green side of Dortmund
The city has plenty of cozy green corners for peaceful and inspiring photos.
- The Rombergpark Botanical Garden is one of the largest in Europe. It is best to visit in the morning or on a cloudy day when the light is soft and does not interfere with the colors of the greenery. You can take beautiful photos by capturing the path along the lake with reflections in the water or people walking among the trees.
- Revierpark Wischlingen is 39 hectares of beautiful nature with a pond, greenery, and quiet corners. Experiment with your viewpoint. For example, choose a lower angle, almost at water level. Pay attention to the wind—it can add dynamism to the shot.
Dortmund city center and boulevards
The city center is one of the main places for taking photos in Dortmund. There are many interesting spaces here, and there are often themed photo zones.
- The Old Market is a classic spot in all European cities. You will surely visit it more than once. So why not take a couple of photos of Dortmund from here?
- Friedensplatz is one of the main city squares, located next to the town hall. Early in the morning or closer to sunset, you can take truly fabulous photos of Dortmund here.
- Westenhellweg is a lively shopping boulevard that allows you to capture the dynamics of city life. There are bright signs, people, and constant hustle and bustle.
Use a wide-angle lens for buildings, and for boulevards and streets, choose an angle where the perspective of the road recedes into the horizon. Shoot slightly above eye level so that people and signs create a line of movement.
Dortmund's architecture
It is difficult to describe Dortmund in a few words. The city's architecture is very diverse.
- St. Rinald's Church or St. Mary's Church attract visitors with their Gothic elements, while St. Peter's Church is a true Gothic church in the Old Town.
- The Kokerei Hansa industrial complex is a former coking plant and now one of the most popular photo spots. Massive structures, pipes, and grates create an atmosphere of industrial aesthetics.
- The Zollernwerk is a former coal mine and now a museum. Colorful photos of Dortmund can be taken at the administrative building.
- Delvig House will appeal to fans of classic photo shoots with picturesque views of the castle on the water.
When shooting in industrial areas, pay attention to signs and restrictions. Some areas may be closed for safety reasons.
City life: people, markets, cafes
Lively and dynamic photos of Dortmund can be taken right on the streets.
- In the Kreuzviertel district, you will find cozy streets with cafés, bar terraces, shop windows, and a lively, youthful atmosphere.
- The Hörde district features old streets and the Old Market.
- Lake Phoenix offers modern embankments and cool locations for family and romantic photo shoots.
- The Thier-Galerie with its unusual architectural lines is very photogenic.
A great idea for a photo walk is to start in the morning at the botanical garden, then move on to the lake, take a walk around Kreuzviertel with its cafes and terraces at lunchtime, and then head to the Dortmunder U tower and the industrial districts. Finally, end the day in the center at the square for evening shooting.
Night and seasons
In the evening, the central streets and squares are well lit. At this time, you can take beautiful photos of Dortmund in the lights, with a lively urban atmosphere. Phoenix Lake looks just as good at dusk. The Florianturm TV tower and modern business centers are beautifully illuminated.
Westfalenpark has an excellent rose garden, so in spring, the most beautiful photos in Dortmund are taken here. You can take macro photos of flowers or portraits against a backdrop of greenery. Summer is ideal for shooting sunsets and for evening photo shoots on the embankments and in the Old Town, among terraces and shop windows. Autumn transforms the park landscapes into a continuous palette of yellow, red, and orange. And if it snows in winter, industrial objects take on new colors.
