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Vacation with your dog at the Esplanade Dortmund:
1. Via Dortmunder U to Westpark (West route):
If you don’t have that much time—or if your dog is a bit older—I recommend this short cultural walk. The Dortmunder U is one of the city’s most important cultural centers, and its impressive LED façade can be seen from all over downtown, especially at night.
In the nearby Westpark, you’ll also find a fenced dog area where your humans can sit and relax while we dogs get to know each other. From Hotel Esplanade, it’s about a 20-minute walk to Westpark.
2. Via the stadium to Bolmke (Southwest route):
If your dog is more of a Border Collie type and needs to burn off some serious energy, you’ll want more space. My absolute favorite spot is the Bolmke nature reserve. This beautiful, expansive woodland lies behind Signal Iduna Park, Borussia Dortmund’s stadium.
It offers wide meadows, forest areas, refreshing streams, and a well-developed network of paths. You can reach it in about 20 minutes by tram or car; on foot, it takes around an hour from Hotel Esplanade. And the best part: here we can run off-leash—pure freedom!
3. To Fredenbaumpark (North route):
If you’re heading north, Fredenbaumpark is, in my opinion, the best destination for both two- and four-legged visitors. This large, wooded park features wide paths and open meadows, so it never feels crowded.
There’s also a fenced dog park just across the street, located in the park area next to the Dortmund Natural History Museum. Walking there takes about 40 minutes, 25 minutes by tram, or around 9 minutes by car.
Extra Christmas tip:
If you’re visiting Dortmund during the holiday season and have already seen the world’s largest Christmas tree in the city center, I highly recommend the beautiful and romantic medieval Christmas market in Fredenbaumpark.
4. To Westfalenpark / Phoenix Lake (Southeast route):
If your dog is anything like me and doesn’t mind being around a few more people, then a trip to Westfalenpark is definitely worth it. There’s always something going on—concerts, flea markets, light festivals, and much more.
And if you still have some time afterwards, you should take a walk around the man-made Phoenix Lake in Dortmund-Hörde. Similar to the Dortmunder U, this area is especially beautiful at dusk or after dark. The lake, the illuminated buildings in the foreground, and the lit-up stadium and Florian Tower in the background create a truly special view—especially if you can see colors!
You can reach Westfalenpark in about 40 minutes on foot, 13 minutes by car, or 25 minutes by tram.
5. Phoenix West (Southeast route):
Phoenix West is also a fantastic spot. Our Phoenix rooms are inspired by this former steelworks site. Here, you can explore the industrial heritage while enjoying a wonderful walk.
Wide open meadows and water areas make it especially fun for your dog. And for you humans, there’s a treat as well: you can enjoy a freshly brewed Dortmund beer at Bergmann Brewery—made right on site.
