The 24th postcard we have received comes from DORTMUND!
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| Dortmund aerial view. 123rf.com |
WHERE IS DORTMUND?
Dortmund is an
independent city in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. It is in the middle part
of the state and is considered to be the administrative, commercial and
cultural centre of the region.
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| Location of Germany. Wikipedia |
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| Location of Dortmund in Germany. Wikipedia |
Its population of 575,944 (2013) makes it the
8th largest city in Germany. Moreover, Dortmund is the largest city by area and
population in the Ruhr Area, an urban area with some 5.1 million (2011)
inhabitants which is the largest urban agglomeration in Germany.
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| Duchy of Westphalia. Wikipedia |
Westphalia's first
city lies on the north-west edge of the Ruhr, bordering with the Sauerland to
the south-west and with the Münsterland to the north. To be more precise, you
will find Dortmund between 50 to 254 metres above sea level at a northern
latitude of 51°30'58" and at an eastern longitude of 7°28'5".
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| Aerial view of the Datteln-Hamn Canal. Alamy.com |
The River Ruhr and
the River Lenne flow to the south of Dortmund and the Datteln-Hamm Canal to the
north. The Dortmund-Ems Canal terminates in the large Dortmund Harbour - i.e.
almost in the middle of town. Dortmund as the "heart of Westphalia"
is surrounded by eleven neighbors. The following map shows the location of the
neighbouring cities and municipalities.
DORTMUND IS FAMOUS FOR...
...being home of the Borussia Dortmund, a German sports club based in
Dortmund and one of the most successful football clubs in Germany. In 1966, BVB
won the European Cup as the first German club ever as well as 1997 the
Champions League Cup.
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| Borussia Dortmund. 1997 Champions League. Dortmund.de |
...for coal mining and steel
manufacturing. The region has now shifted to high technology, robotics,
biomedical technology, micro systems technology, engineering.
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| Dortmund Zollern. Wikimedia Commons |
...being home to Germany’s
most frequented shopping street: Einkauffsstrasse.
PLACES TO VISIT
This former
high-rise plant built by the Union Brewery is now a centre for art and
creativity. One of the city’s most popular landmarks, it was transformed by
20th and 21st century art, research, education and media art into a unique
innovation centre in May 2010. Adolf Winkelmann’s films, the new presentation
of the Museum Ostwall collection, many special exhibitions and events in and
around the Dortmunder U document the transformation of this industrial city
into a cultural centre.
Hellweg
No other downtown
promenade draws as many pedestrians as the Westenhellweg. Together with the
Ostenhellweg, this old trade route flows through the Dortmund city centre like
a pulsing artery. Today as a shopping metropolis in the eastern Ruhr region,
Dortmund's centre on the intersection of the former trade axes Hellweg and
Hansalinie offers everything a shopper's heart desires.
The town hall and
peace square drafted by the architect Dieter Kälberer were inaugurated on the
16th June 1989. In the centre of the square stands the peace column designed by
the Berlin sculptor Susanne Wehland, upon which the word "peace" can
be seen, in gilded lettering, in the languages of Dortmund's partner cities (as
of 1989).
Old Market Square/ Bläserbrunnen Fountain
Old Market Square/ Bläserbrunnen Fountain
Back in the 12th
century merchants, craftsmen and citizens met here for business transactions.
The fountain, depicting a horn player, was created in 1901 as a drinking trough
for animals and is nowadays a reminder of the old market tradition. To this day
the market square is a popular meeting place with the lively street cafés
creating a Mediterranean atmosphere.
Adlerturm (Eagle Tower) Museum
This former
watch-tower from the 14th century was reconstructed in 1992 and stands on
stilts in order to show the original foundations. On six floors the medieval
history of Dortmund is shown, together with archaelogical finds, weapons and a
model of the town.
DFB Football Museum
The Football
Museum is embedded in Dortmund's art and culture mile, which includes the
Dortmunder U, the Harenberg City Center, the RWE Tower, the Museum of Art and
Cultural History and the City and Regional Library.
The exhibition
concept is experience-oriented. The intention is not just to convey information
but to inspire enthusiasm and touch the hearts of those people for whom
football is a part of their lives.
LIFESTYLE
Dortmund has
everything to make your stay worthwhile - a fascinating industrial history,
interesting museums, theatres, a varied restaurant scene, world-class football
of course, and much more.
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| Dortmund skyline. Wikimedia Commons |
Dortmund is a city of contrast as well as a university
city offering lots of opportunities we shouldn’t miss if we visit this city.
University student Jennifer Blome recommends Heimatdesign, a concept store in
Dortmund, the Kieztörtchen Café in the Kreuzviertel district and the Dortmunder
U arts center in the video below. Enjoy
it!
I must admit the only thing I knew about Dortmund was that it had a football team; now I know it's an interesting place with other nice things. Thanks!
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