Dortmund offers a surprisingly diverse array of walking tours, making it an excellent city to explore on foot. Its mix of medieval streets, industrial landmarks, and modern shopping districts makes each tour a unique window into the city’s past and present. Whether you’re interested in deep history, local stories, or the vibrant football culture, Dortmund’s walking tours deliver an authentic experience. We particularly like the Dortmund Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide, which combines expert storytelling with a personalized approach. Walking through Zum Alten Markt, for example, gives you a sense of the city’s lively spirit, especially on match days when Borussia Dortmund fans celebrate together.
What makes Dortmund special for walking tours is its layered history—ranging from 9th-century origins to post-industrial renewal—and its easy-to-navigate city center. You’ll find options that focus on history and architecture, local culture, or even beer tasting. Each tour offers different strengths, so whether you want a quick introduction or a full day exploring hidden corners, there’s plenty to choose from.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the seven best walking tours in Dortmund, balancing private experiences, group explorations, and themed tasting walks. Each one highlights different aspects of this vibrant city, helping you find the perfect fit for your interests and schedule.
1. Dortmund Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide
At number 1, this Dortmund Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide offers a personalized introduction to the city’s highlights in about 1.5 hours. Perfect for travelers who want a flexible, in-depth experience, this tour is limited to groups of up to 15 people, ensuring individual attention. The guide focuses on landmarks like the Dortmunder U tower, a striking symbol of the city’s industrial past, and Zum Alten Markt, which has been the social hub for nearly 900 years. The guide also shares insights into Dortmund’s transition from coal and steel to a tech-oriented economy.
What makes this tour stand out is its blend of history, culture, and local stories, making it suitable for first-timers or anyone wanting a deep dive. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge help bring Dortmund’s centuries-old story to life. The cost is $359.17 per group, making it a good value if you’re traveling with friends or family.
Bottom line: This tour is excellent for those who want a flexible, personalized experience with a knowledgeable guide and a chance to see key sights comfortably within 90 minutes.
2. Dortmund: Guided Walking Tour with a Local
For a more informal, locally-tailored experience, the Guided Walking Tour with a Local is a great choice. It lasts about 1.5 hours and costs $112 per person. This tour is especially good if you want to hear about everyday life in Dortmund, along with the city’s main landmarks. Your local guide, Eva, shares personal stories and points out some of the city’s liveliest areas, like the graffiti wall and the roof terrace of the U. Plus, she offers restaurant tips via WhatsApp after the tour.
This tour is praised for its insider knowledge and friendly approach, making it ideal for travelers who want a genuine, authentic feel for Dortmund. While it’s a bit more casual, the depth of local insight makes it valuable for those who want to connect more closely with the city’s community.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers interested in local life and hidden corners, this tour offers a friendly, detailed overview led by someone with a passion for Dortmund.
3. BVB New Year’s Walk 2026
If you’re a football fan or just curious about Dortmund’s passionate BVB fans, the BVB New Year’s Walk is a unique, festive experience. Held from January 1-4, it takes fans into the SIGNAL IDUNA PARK, home of Borussia Dortmund. The walk includes exploring the stadium, tasting the famous currywurst, and enjoying drinks like champagne or mulled wine.
Perfect for sports enthusiasts or those visiting during the winter holiday, this day-long event combines stadium exploration with social celebration. It’s less about city sights and more about sharing in Dortmund’s football culture. Since it’s tied to New Year’s festivities, advance booking is essential.
Bottom line: Best for sports lovers and those visiting in early January, this tour offers a chance to experience Dortmund’s football pride in a lively, communal setting.
4. Dortmund: 2-hour Best Intro Walking Tour with a Local
At number 4, the 2-hour Best Intro Walking Tour with a Local delivers a quick but rundown of Dortmund’s highlights. This small-group experience (up to 8 travelers) is perfect if you have limited time but want to see the city’s essentials. Your local guide shares top sights, hidden spots, and offers a tasting of a typical local product—like beer or snacks—highlighting Dortmund’s traditions.
The guide’s tips on where to eat, drink, and explore after the tour make it practical for planning the rest of your day. Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the ability to customize the route if desired.
Bottom line: This tour suits travelers with limited time who want a friendly, insider look at Dortmund’s best in just two hours.
5. Dortmund: Private Walking Tour With A Guide
Offering a longer, customizable experience, the Private Walking Tour with a Guide spans from 2 to 8 hours. This private option is ideal if you want an in-depth exploration tailored to your interests—whether that’s historic sites, modern architecture, or local dining. The guide helps you see the main sights and dive into lesser-known corners, sharing personal recommendations along the way.
Priced at $53 per person, this tour offers excellent value if you’re traveling with a group and want flexibility. The guide’s familiarity with Dortmund’s history, food scene, and cultural spots provides a rich, personalized experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who prefer a private, customizable experience and want to spend as much time as they like exploring Dortmund’s diverse neighborhoods.
6. Dortmund Private Guided Walking Tour
This Dortmund Private Guided Walking Tour is a 1.5-hour stroll designed for up to 15 people. It emphasizes Dortmund’s early roots from the 9th century and its rise as an Imperial Free City. Your guide highlights religious upheavals, industrial milestones, and modern development with stories that connect past and present.
The tour is especially good if you want a structured overview with a private touch, focusing on Dortmund’s resilience during wartime and its industrial heritage—like the Dortmunder U landmark. The group size and private format allow for more tailored questions and a relaxed pace.
Bottom line: Ideal for history lovers who want a private, engaging introduction to Dortmund’s long, complex story.
7. Tasting – “Dortmund export beers” walking tour and tasting
Rounding out the list, the Dortmund export beers tasting is a 2-hour walk that combines industrial culture with beer tasting. You’ll explore Phoenix West, an old industrial site turned cultural hub, while sampling local export beers and hearing stories behind Dortmund’s brewing traditions.
This tour is perfect for beer enthusiasts who want an active way to learn about Dortmund’s beer stories and industrial history. The reviews highlight its high rating (4.8/5) and the engaging narratives about Dortmund’s brewing culture.
Bottom line: Great for those interested in local beer, industrial heritage, and a lively, tasting-focused experience.
How to Choose the Perfect Walking Tour in Dortmund
When selecting among Dortmund’s walking tours, consider your interests, budget, and schedule. If you prefer a personalized experience, the Dortmund Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide or the Private Guided Tour are excellent choices. For a quick, lively overview, the 2-hour Best Intro Tour offers great value.
If you’re a football fan visiting during the New Year, the BVB Walk provides a unique sports experience. For food and drink lovers, the beer tasting tour combines industrial history with local brews. And for those pressed for time, the Local Guide Tour gives a heartfelt, authentic look at daily life.
Booking early, especially for private or themed tours during peak seasons, ensures availability. Also, check if tours are suitable for your fitness level—most are quite accessible, but some private options are more flexible.
Final Thoughts
Dortmund’s walking tours cover a wide spectrum—from in-depth private explorations to lively beer tastings. For history lovers, the Dortmund Private Guided Tour offers a compelling, private dive into the city’s past. Fans of local culture will appreciate the Guided Tour with a Local, which emphasizes community stories.
If you want an active, fun way to explore Dortmund’s industrial roots, the Beer Tasting Tour combines culture and refreshment perfectly. And those with limited time should consider the 2-hour intro tour for a quick but rich overview.
No matter which tour you choose, booking early will help you secure the best experience. Dortmund’s vibrant streets and stories are waiting—step out and discover them on foot.