7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Dortmund

As a digital nomad living in Dortmund, you have the unique opportunity to blend work and travel seamlessly. While the city itself offers a vibrant cultural scene, sometimes a change of scenery can rejuvenate the spirit and inspire productivity. Whether you're looking for a popular tourist spot or a hidden gem, the surrounding areas provide a plethora of options for weekend getaways. Here are seven destinations that cater to a variety of tastes, from the well-trodden paths to the roads less traveled.

Cologne

Just a short train ride away, Cologne (Köln) is a bustling city known for its impressive Gothic cathedral, the Kölner Dom, and vibrant arts scene. Stroll along the Rhine, visit the numerous museums, or explore the Belgian Quarter with its trendy boutiques and cafes. Cologne is also famous for its lively carnival celebrations if you happen to be around during the season.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Cologne from Dortmund is by train, with frequent connections that can get you there in about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the panoramic views of the city from the south tower of the Cologne Cathedral. It's a bit of a climb, but the vista is well worth the effort.

Where to Stay: Consider the Excelsior Hotel Ernst for a luxurious stay right next to the cathedral, or the Chelsea Hotel for a more contemporary art-focused experience.

Where to Eat: For a traditional Cologne experience, visit Brauhaus Sion for their famous Kölsch beer and hearty German fare, or Café Rico for a cozy brunch spot.

Münster

Münster is a charming university city with a historical center, beautiful promenade, and a reputation for being the bicycle capital of Germany. Spend your weekend exploring the Prinzipalmarkt, the city's main market square lined with gabled houses, or visit the Münster Cathedral. The city also boasts an array of art galleries and museums, such as the LWL Museum for Art and Culture.

How to Get There: Münster is easily accessible from Dortmund by train, with the journey taking approximately 30 minutes to an hour.

Travel Tip: Rent a bike and join the locals in cycling around the Aasee, a picturesque lake in the heart of the city.

Where to Stay: The Mövenpick Hotel Münster offers comfort and a great location, while the Factory Hotel combines modern design with historical architecture.

Where to Eat: Altes Gasthaus Leve offers traditional Westphalian dishes in a historic setting, while Café Garbo serves excellent coffee and cakes.

Teutoburg Forest

For a nature-filled retreat, head to the Teutoburg Forest, a range of wooded hills in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. This region is steeped in history and legend, including the site of the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest where the Romans suffered a significant defeat. Hike or cycle through the dense forests, visit the Externsteine rock formation, and unwind in the thermal baths of Bad Salzuflen.

How to Get There: The Teutoburg Forest is best reached by car from Dortmund, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the specific area you're visiting.

Travel Tip: Make sure to climb the Hermannsdenkmal monument for a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Where to Stay: The Waldhotel Brand's Busch is a cozy option nestled in the forest, or try the Légère Hotel in Bad Salzuflen for a more modern stay.

Where to Eat: Waldrestaurant zur Loose offers a rustic dining experience with local specialties, and the Römer is known for its delicious German cuisine.

Essen

Essen, a city within the Ruhr region, is a testament to Germany's industrial heritage. The Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-visit for its historical significance and the Ruhr Museum. Essen also offers a thriving cultural scene, with the Museum Folkwang and the Aalto Theatre being highlights.

How to Get There: Essen is a quick train ride from Dortmund, taking about 20 to 30 minutes.

Travel Tip: Visit the Red Dot Design Museum, located on the Zollverein complex, to see contemporary design innovations.

Where to Stay: The Mintrops Stadt Hotel Margarethenhöhe offers a quaint stay in a historic district, while the Sheraton Essen Hotel provides modern amenities and a central location.

Where to Eat: Pfefferkorn's No.1 am Markt serves up delicious steaks, and Café Livres is a unique combination of a café and bookstore.

Xanten

Xanten, a small town on the Lower Rhine, is a hidden gem known for its Roman history. The Archaeological Park Xanten is an open-air museum showcasing the remains of the Roman settlement Colonia Ulpia Traiana. Enjoy the medieval architecture of the town center, the Xanten Cathedral, and the picturesque harbor on the Rhine.

How to Get There: Xanten can be reached by regional trains from Dortmund with one transfer, and the trip takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to take a boat tour on the Rhine for a different perspective of the town and its surroundings.

Where to Stay: Hotel Neumaier is a comfortable option right in the heart of the town, and the Hotel an de Marspoort offers a charming stay near the Archaeological Park.

Where to Eat: For a taste of local cuisine, visit Zum Amphitheater, which offers a view of the Archaeological Park, or try Hövelmann's Restaurant for a fine dining experience.

Wuppertal

Wuppertal is an offbeat destination known for its unique suspension railway, the Schwebebahn, which offers a floating tram experience above the Wupper River. The city also has a vibrant cultural scene, with the Von der Heydt Museum being a highlight for art enthusiasts. For nature lovers, the Wuppertal Zoo is one of the oldest and most scenic in Germany.

How to Get There: Wuppertal is accessible from Dortmund by train, with the journey taking around 40 minutes to an hour.

Travel Tip: Take a ride on the Schwebebahn for a unique perspective of the city – it's not only a mode of transport but also a historical attraction.

Where to Stay: The Central-Hotel Wuppertal offers a convenient location, while the Park Villa is a boutique option with a beautiful garden.

Where to Eat: Restaurant Atelier is known for its creative dishes and artistic atmosphere, and Café Ada offers a cozy spot for coffee and light bites.

Drachenfels (Dragon's Rock)

Drachenfels, part of the Siebengebirge mountain range, is a mythical destination offering stunning views of the Rhine Valley. According to legend, Siegfried – the hero of the Nibelungenlied – killed a dragon living on the mountain and bathed in its blood to become invincible. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of Drachenfels Castle, take a cogwheel train to the summit, or hike the various trails.

How to Get There: The journey to Drachenfels from Dortmund involves a train to Bonn and then a connecting train to Königswinter, taking around 2 to 2.5 hours in total.

Travel Tip: Visit the Schloss Drachenburg, a fairytale-like palace halfway up the mountain, for its architecture and the Drachenfelsbahn, the oldest cogwheel railway in Germany.

Where to Stay: The Maritim Hotel Königswinter offers elegant accommodations with views of the Rhine, and the Hotel Haus Hindenburg provides a cozy, family-run atmosphere.

Where to Eat: The Restaurant Drachenfelsschänke at the top of Drachenfels offers regional dishes with an unbeatable view, and Weinhaus Weinmühle in Königswinter serves excellent local wines and cuisine.