
Weird & Unusual Attractions in Dortmund, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
1. Westfalenhallen Phantasialand
A unique amusement park with thrilling rides and themed areas like Magic Island and Mystery Land.
- Unique Rides: Offers rides that you won't find in other parks, such as the 'Takabisha' and 'Raik'.
- Themed Areas: Each themed area has its own distinct atmosphere and rides to match.
- Special Events: Holds special events like the 'Phantastival' and 'Winter Magic'.
2. Kleines Kino Emmerich
A miniature cinema playing classic movies on a mini screen.
- Miniature Experience: Offers an intimate movie-watching experience in a tiny theater.
- Classic Films: Screens classic films that you might not find in mainstream cinemas.
- Cozy Atmosphere: Provides a comfortable and cozy atmosphere with vintage decor.
3. Lebkuchenmuseum Dortmund
A museum dedicated to the history and art of making Lebkuchen, a traditional German gingerbread.
- Gingerbread History: Displays the history and evolution of Lebkuchen from medieval times to modern day.
- Recipe Demonstrations: Offers demonstrations on how to make traditional Lebkuchen recipes.
- Tasting Opportunities: Allows visitors to sample various types of Lebkuchen and learn about their flavors.
4. Zeche Zollverein Brauerei
A brewery located inside an old coal mine, offering tours and tastings.
- Mine-turned-Brewery: Operates in a repurposed coal mine, providing a unique brewing environment.
- Tours and Tastings: Offers guided tours of the mine and beer tastings.
- Artisanal Beers: Brews artisanal beers using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients.
5. Freiheitshaus Dortmund
A medieval house from the early 16th century that serves as a museum showcasing life in the past.
- Medieval Architecture: Features original medieval architecture and furniture.
- Historical Artifacts: Houses a collection of artifacts from the Middle Ages, such as weapons, coins, and pottery.
- Guided Tours: Provides guided tours explaining the history and significance of the house.
6. Dortmunder U-Bahn Museum
A museum dedicated to the history and development of Dortmund's underground rail system.
- Urban Transport History: Showcases artifacts, photographs, and models related to Dortmund's urban transport history.
- Interactive Exhibits: Includes interactive exhibits for visitors to experience the underground world firsthand.
- Vintage Trains and Cars: Features vintage trains and cars that were part of Dortmund's original U-Bahn system.
7. Hafenstraße Underground Sculpture Park
An underground park filled with sculptures created by local artists.
- Local Artistic Expression: Provides a platform for local artists to showcase their work.
- Underground Setting: Located underground, creating a unique and atmospheric setting for the sculptures.
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours to help visitors appreciate the sculptures and their meanings.
8. Das Phantastische Bierlokal
A bar with an Alice in Wonderland theme, offering a variety of beers and food.
- Alice in Wonderland Theme: Decorated in the style of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland.
- Wide Beer Selection: Offers a wide selection of beers from various breweries around the world.
- Theme-inspired Food: Serves food inspired by Alice in Wonderland's story and characters.
9. Der Lange Reck
A historic building with a leaning tower similar to Pisa.
- Historical Significance: Built in the 16th century, it has been preserved as a cultural monument.
- Leaning Tower: Features a leaning tower that leans at an angle similar to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
- Interior Tours: Offers guided tours of the interior, showcasing its original architecture and artifacts.
10. Das Schlangenhaus
A snake house with over 150 species of snakes from around the world.
- Wide Variety of Snakes: Houses more than 150 species of snakes, including venomous ones.
- Educational Exhibits: Provides educational exhibits about snake biology, behavior, and conservation.
- Interactive Encounters: Offers opportunities for visitors to interact with and learn about the snakes.
11. Der Kannenstatter Friedensbrunnen
A peace fountain honoring the city's role in the signing of the Treaty of Westphalia.
- Peace Symbolism: Symbolizes the pursuit of peace and reconciliation.
- Historical Significance: Commemorates Dortmund's role in the signing of the Treaty of Westphalia, which ended the Thirty Years' War.
- Artistic Design: Features an artistic design by sculptor Fritz Cremer.
12. Der Zaubersee
A fairy-tale lake with mythical creatures and storybook characters.
- Fairy Tale Themes: Features various storybook characters and fairy tale scenes.
- Mythical Creatures: Populated by mythical creatures like dragons, mermaids, and unicorns.
- Relaxing Atmosphere: Provides a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.
13. Das Phantastische Labyrinth
An indoor maze filled with optical illusions and surprises.
- Optical Illusions: Incorporates various optical illusions to confuse and entertain visitors.
- Surprises Around Every Corner: Features surprises and hidden treasures around every corner.
- Challenging Maze: Provides a challenging maze to navigate through, testing problem-solving skills.
14. Die Zeitmaschine
A time machine that takes visitors on a journey through Dortmund's history.
- Historical Immersion: Immerses visitors in different periods of Dortmund's history.
- Interactive Experience: Offers interactive exhibits and activities to engage visitors.
- Educational Value: Helps visitors learn about Dortmund's history in a fun and engaging way.
15. Der Riese im Hagenpark
A giant wooden sculpture of a sleeping giant located in the Hagenpark.
- Giant Sculpture: Standing at over 26 meters tall, it is one of the largest wooden sculptures in Germany.
- Park Setting: Located in a park with green spaces and walking paths.
- Symbolism: Represents the peace, harmony, and tranquility that Dortmund stands for.