Dortmund stands out as a city full of character, especially when it comes to its beer culture and industrial heritage. Unlike many German cities that focus solely on traditional beer tours, Dortmund offers a variety of experiences that blend history, humor, and lively pub scenes. One of our favorites is the Beer & Steel: Bike Culture Tour with Dortmund’s unique Fritze, which combines the city’s coal and steel past with a fun cycling adventure led by a local comedian. We love how this tour offers both an insider’s look at green routes and lively entertainment—perfect for travelers wanting more than just a tasting.
From short guided walks to private pub crawls with reserved spots and free shots, Dortmund’s drinking tours cater to different interests and group sizes. Whether you’re interested in discovering Dortmund’s beer stories, enjoying a guided pub crawl, or exploring the city’s beer history with tastings, this list highlights the most engaging options to suit your mood and schedule.
Below, you’ll find a quick overview of the various types of tours available—each with its own appeal—and then detailed descriptions of each experience to help you decide which is best for you.
1. Beer & Steel: Bike Culture Tour with Dortmund’s unique Fritze
At number 1 on our list is the Beer & Steel: Bike Culture Tour with Dortmund’s unique Fritze, which offers an engaging way to explore Dortmund’s industrial roots while enjoying its beer scene. This 3.5-hour guided bicycle tour combines cycling through Dortmund’s greenest areas with storytelling from a local cabaret artist who humorously shares the city’s coal and steel importance.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of history, humor, and active sightseeing. You’ll pedal past historic sites and stop at local breweries or pubs, all while hearing amusing anecdotes from Fritze. The tour is ideal for active travelers who want a unique perspective on Dortmund’s cultural fabric without sacrificing entertainment. The route is carefully curated to showcase insider tips and hidden gems, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy combining exercise with local flavor.
While reviews aren’t provided, the combination of bike culture, local comedy, and scenic routes makes this tour a memorable pick. Expect to learn, laugh, and taste your way through Dortmund’s proud industrial and brewing history.
Bottom Line: If you love cycling, humor, and uncovering Dortmund’s green secret spots, this tour offers an energetic and fun experience.
2. Dortmund beer history – guided tour with tasting
At number 2, this Dortmund beer history – guided tour with tasting takes you on a 1.5-hour journey through the city’s 700-year-old beer tradition. This is a great choice for travelers interested in beer stories and how Dortmund became a brewing hub, especially considering its long-standing connection to local breweries.
The tour includes listening to and tasting the evolution of beer, with stories about Dortmund’s brewing history intertwined with local anecdotes. It’s a compact, focused experience perfect for those with limited time who still want to get a sense of Dortmund’s beer identity. The tasting component adds a layer of flavor, making the history more tangible.
What makes this tour unique is its emphasis on Dortmund’s beer tradition, which dates back centuries. You’ll learn how beer has shaped local customs and hear some captivating stories that make the city’s craftsmanship come alive. While reviews are not specified, the combination of storytelling and tasting promises an engaging experience for beer aficionados and casual drinkers alike.
Bottom Line: This short but rich tour offers a perfect snapshot of Dortmund’s beer heritage, especially suited for those keen on history and tasting authentic local brews.
3. Dortmund: Private pub crawl with insider guide & free shots
Number 3 is the Dortmund: Private pub crawl with insider guide & free shots, designed for groups seeking an exclusive nightlife experience. For around $323, up to 10 people can enjoy a 4-hour tour that takes you to 3-4 carefully selected bars, each with its own character and local flavor.
This tour emphasizes reserved seats, VIP treatment, and fun drinking games, making it ideal for private parties, corporate groups, or JGA celebrations. Your guide ensures you skip lines, get guaranteed entry, and enjoy special drink offers. The experience begins at Platz am Apfelbrunnen, with visits to local bars where you can try beer, cocktails, spirits, and wine. Free shots and an anti-hangover powder are included, ensuring you start off right and end on a high note.
What’s special here is the personalized approach—a local insider guides you through Dortmund’s vibrant nightlife, sharing city facts and fun stories. The included drinking games and city quiz add a lively, interactive element, perfect for groups wanting a memorable, energetic night out.
Review note: Rated 4/5, this tour is ideal if you prefer a customizable, fun, and social experience with friends.
Bottom Line: For private groups wanting an exclusive, lively pub crawl with guaranteed entry and lots of free shots, this experience hits the mark.
4. Pub crawl – experience Dortmund’s beer culture
The Pub crawl – experience Dortmund’s beer culture ranks high with a rating of 4.8/5 and offers a lively 2.5-hour exploration of the city’s cult pubs. This tour is perfect for those who want a relaxed, story-driven introduction to Dortmund’s brewing scene.
During this experience, you’ll visit five iconic pubs, each serving up Dortmund’s signature beers. The guide shares stories behind each pub and the city’s brewing traditions, including the famed Dortmund “Stößchen” (small beer shots). The atmosphere is casual, with plenty of opportunities to sample local brews and learn about Dortmund’s beer culture in a lively, social setting.
What makes this tour stand out is its well-rated reviews and the focus on cult pubs that have been part of Dortmund’s scene for years. The tour’s pacing is designed to keep everyone engaged without feeling rushed, making it an ideal choice for beer lovers who enjoy storytelling with their sampling.
Bottom Line: If you want a compact yet engaging introduction to Dortmund’s beer streets, this tour offers a fun, story-rich experience with a friendly vibe.
5. Stösschen-Kultour – Beer tasting & tour in the middle of Dortmund’s unique Fritze
Finally, Stösschen-Kultour is a 2.5-hour experience that combines beer tasting with a tour through Dortmund’s iconic Fritze district. This tour is perfect for travelers wanting to enjoy local beers while exploring Dortmund’s architecture and highlights in a relaxed, informal setting.
This experience features visits to long-established local venues, where you’ll enjoy a small beer tasting and hear fun stories about Dortmund’s brewing traditions. The host, known as Unikat, and comedian, bring their own charm, entertaining guests with anecdotes and humor. It’s a laid-back way to enjoy Dortmund’s beer history, combined with city sightseeing.
What makes this tour appealing is its focus on local charm and entertainment, making it ideal for those interested in Dortmund’s culture along with their beer. Reviews are not provided, but the emphasis on entertainment and local locales suggests an authentic, enjoyable outing.
Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors who want a relaxed, humorous way to experience Dortmund’s beer and architecture in one go.
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Dortmund
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, schedule, and group size. If you’re an active person who wants a combination of history, humor, and cycling, the Beer & Steel Bike Culture Tour is a top pick. For those who prefer a short, focused history lesson with tastings, the beer history guided tour is ideal. If celebrating with friends or colleagues, the private pub crawl offers privacy, fun games, and guaranteed entry.
For a social pub experience in a cozy setting, the Dortmund pub crawl provides a lively, story-rich environment, while the Stösschen-Kultour offers a laid-back, entertaining way to enjoy Dortmund’s local beers and architecture.
Consider your budget, group size, and interests. Booking early is advisable, especially for private and guided tours, to secure your preferred time and availability.
Final Thoughts
Dortmund packs a punch for beer lovers and those eager to enjoy its lively nightlife and industrial history. From active cycling adventures to intimate tastings and lively pub crawls, there’s a tour for every mood. If you’re traveling alone or with friends, the private pub crawl offers an easy, social way to experience Dortmund’s beverage scene. For those with a few hours and a curiosity about beer traditions, the guided history tour is a solid choice.
We recommend planning your tour around your interests—whether that’s history, active exploration, or social drinking—and booking ahead to guarantee spots. Dortmund’s drinking tours provide a fantastic way to connect with local culture in a relaxed, engaging setting.