No matter where you are, you can always find something unique and memorable to do or see for absolutely no money. This is particularly true when it comes to Berlin, where you don’t even have to search for fun and free activities – they come to you themselves. Anyway, here are a few ways to enjoy Berlin without spending a penny.

Visit Viktoriapark

Crowning the neighborhood of Kreuzberg, this hilltop park is great for a lunchtime picnic accompanied by a view over the city. As well as relaxing or playing sports amid the greenery, you can also enjoy some curious sculptures and an artificial waterfall in summer.

At the top of Viktoriapark – tian2992/Flickr

Visit the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Just south of the Brandenburg Gate are the 2,711 concrete slabs that make up the Holocaust Memorial, which – with its grey color and grid-like but undulating layout – brings a strange feeling of loneliness and disorientation. The haunting experience of walking through this quite abstract and unusual memorial leaves space for you to reflect on the unimaginable horror of the Holocaust. That’s why it’s one of the most important places to visit if you want to really understand Berlin.

The memorial at night – Wikipedia

Visit a flea market

Suggesting shopping as a ‘free thing to do’ is an absurdity, I know. That said, browsing is always free. The biggest appeal of Berlin’s flea markets is their atmosphere, with all kinds of arts and crafts that you can admire without buying. While you’re browsing, you’ll almost certainly see some weird and wacky things you never even knew existed. Some of the best places to do this include the flea market at Bode Museum (every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm), where you can find a great selection of antique books; Antikmarkt (Sunday – 8 am-4 pm), with lots of jewelry, art, and vinyl; and Mauerpark, where every Sunday you can also take part in the famous karaoke in the arena.

Discover the street art

If there is one city in the world where discovering the street art should be a priority, it’s Berlin. Eye-catching graffiti pops up everywhere; thought-provoking pieces by some of the world’s most famous street artists lurk around every corner, especially in the trendy neighborhood of Kreuzberg. And then, of course, there’s the East Side Gallery: the longest open-air gallery in the world, painted on remnants of the Berlin Wall.

“Pneumohumanoides” by Jens-Helge Dahmen on the East Side Gallery – Andy Hay/Flickr

Visit the dome of the Reichstag building

Book in advance and get a good view of the city from the rooftop terrace and the glass dome of the Bundestag. The building is open every day from 8 am until midnight, and groups of visitors are admitted every 15 minutes – the last session beginning at 9.45 pm. Your admission includes an audio guide, so you can enjoy some history to accompany the great views.

Inside the dome – Susanne Nilsson/Flickr

Get active at Tempelhof

What was once an iconic pre-war airport is now one of the biggest urban parks in Berlin; a historic site where you can go biking, walking, skateboarding or practice any other type of sport. Alternatively, if you feel like just lazying around, find a spot on the grass and enjoy some German beer and bratwurst. It’s not uncommon, especially in the summer, for Templehof to host an array of concurrent events. Regardless of what’s on, you owe it to yourself to visit this unusual park. After all, it’s not often you get the chance to walk down an airport runway, is it?

Nothing beats the sight of an abandoned airport – K.H.Reichert/Flickr

Visit the Museum of Unheard of Things

The oddest objects – and the even odder stories behind them – turn this tiny museum into an hour-long escape from reality, where you’ll be immersed in a world of wild imagination conceived by its creator: artist Roland Albrecht. All of these objects – small or large, everyday or special – have their own personality and make this museum a one-of-a-kind experience. Opening hours, tickets and other information about the Museum of Unheard Things here.

Pinning this post doesn’t cost a penny either, so you might as well just do it now. Who knows when you’ll find yourself in the center of Berlin with no money? 

The post 7 unique and free things to do in Berlin appeared first on 203Challenges.

“The journey, not the destination matters…”

Having said that, here are a few random snapshots of castles in Europe for you to consider. We reckon they make the perfect travel antidote for that moment when you feel like giving up on normal life and becoming a Medieval princess or knight.

Old Castle – Celje, Slovenia

This 12th-century castle has always been one of the biggest and most magnificent forts in Slovenia, no matter how often its residents have changed. One of the attractions of the castle – Frederick’s Tower – reveals the intriguing legend behind an impossible love story: the romance between Frederick, son of Count Herman II, and a beautiful maiden named Veronika. Count Herman II did not approve of their love, so he threw Frederick in the tower and left him there for more than four years until he died.

Veliki Tabor – Northwest Croatia

The poor maiden from the story of the previous castle managed to run away from the angry count at first, but was eventually caught and imprisoned by his soldiers in Veliki Tabor Castle and later drowned in a large vat in the castle’s yard. Her body is believed to be built into the wall connecting the entrance of the castle and the pentagonal tower.

Centuries after these horrific events, the castle is now a museum displaying old vehicles, ethnographic items, swords and many more interesting exhibits. The building itself stands out as one of the most important historical examples of secular architecture in Croatia.

Brissac Castle – south of the city of Angers in France

The original castle here was built in the 11th century, and in the 15th century it was renovated by the Duke of Brissac. The twin towers, however, remained the same and can still be seen with their original facades. This castle is known as one of the most haunted places in the world – people claim to have seen and heard the ghost of the Lady in the Green Dress, a victim of a double murder that happened here in the 15th century.

Neuschwanstein Castle – near the town of Fussen, Bavaria, Germany

This famous castle was built by King Ludwig II, who is known as ‘The Fairytale King’. The spectacular surroundings of the castle – which sits atop a hill in the Alps of Bavaria – contribute to the fairytale ambiance it exudes. King Ludwig II is known to have admired and supported legendary composer Richard Wagner; the castle is actually built in his honor and the interior is inspired by some of his works.

Fun fact: Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney to create The Magic Kingdom.

Birr Castle – Birr, County Offaly, Ireland

Birr Castle was built in the 12th century and now serves as the residence of the 7th Earl of Rosse, which is why the residential part of the castle is not open to tourists. However, you can visit the gardens, which are home to many beautiful rare plants, as well as waterfalls, rivers and lakes. As you explore the grounds you’ll find the ‘Great Telescope’, which was built in the 1840s by the Third Earl of Rosse and for 70 years remained the largest telescope in the world. It is nowadays arguably the largest historical scientific instrument still working.

Castle of Dona Chica – Braga, Portugal

The combination of architectural styles – Art Nouveau, Renaissance and Romanesque – as well as the creative mix of construction materials makes the appearance of this castle unique. The name Chica comes from the nickname of its original patroness, Francisca Peixoto Rego. Over the years the castle has changed hands many times, leading to plenty of discussion as to what should be done with it. However, none of these ideas have been turned into a reality, and the castle remains one of the most hauntingly beautiful abandoned places in the world – a must-see for those into ruins and abandoned sites.

The post 6 randomly chosen castles with stories in Europe appeared first on 203Challenges.

Brauerei Fässla works both as a brewery and a hotel. So if you fancy spending a few nights in a building where the bed is just a short stagger from the bar, this is the place to be. They offer a pilsener, two types of wheat beer, a lager and an extra-strong beer called ‘Bambergator’. You know you want to drink this one, if only because of its name!

Fassla Brewery in Bamberg.

Schlenkerla is probably the most visited Bamberg brewery, famous for its smoked beer prepared by drying the malt on an open fire. It features three types of smoked beer, each stronger than the last. Their strongest beer is so heavy and filling that you won’t need chips as a side dish. The brewery also makes a schnapps (liquor) using the same smoking process. If you’re a fan of Jägermeister, you’ll like Schlenkerla’s homemade equivalent.

Schelnerkla brewery in Bamberg.

The Kaiserdom brewery is the biggest in Bamberg, offering a range of beers that are special in their own way. Step into this charming old building and a selection of pilseners, dark, unfiltered and wheat beers await you. You might want to come for the special Winterbock beer, which is served in special festive cans and is available between October and March.

Klosterbräu brewery has been on the map since 1533. Their specialties include two strong beers of up to 7% alcohol: the Bockbier Hell and Maibock Hell. Both of these are seasonal beers – the Bockbier Hell is available from the middle of October and the Maibock Hell between February and April. 

Klosterbrau brewery in Bamberg.

Mahrs brewery is top of the class when it comes to the breweries in Bamberg. The beers crafted here have been awarded with several medals in a range of competitions. Among the winners are their light beer, pale ale and wheat/white bock, which comes in at a heavyweight 7.2% alc. The latter has been described by its makers as an ‘elixir’, with a dark brown color and a reddish tint. As a special touch, the brewery creates personalized bottles for special occasions. so you can see your own name on a bottle. 

Mahrs Brewery in Bamberg.

Anyone interested in visiting the city in August will witness the Sandkerwa, a five-day long kirmess (fair) which is celebrated by… drinking beer, of course! So pack your bags and set sail for a city where the beer flows and time stops.

This map shows the locations of the breweries mentioned above:

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1phngX3gya2mJnRzxRMTSBOqqKkc&w=640&h=480]

The post Bamberg: a self-guided brewery tour appeared first on 203Challenges.

Almost nothing else says more about a country and its people than the national cuisine and associated traditions. Food and drink are a means of immersing yourself in the lifestyle of a region and enjoying unforgettable experiences. Food is, quite simply, an integral part of national culture – and Germany has lots to offer in this respect.

The post Enjoy delicious Frankfurt green sauce appeared first on 203Challenges.

Here are the most important attractions in Berlin to create your own itinerary:

Berlin Wall (Berliner Mauer) – Stretches of the wall are still preserved to remind about the past that should never repeat. Part of the wall can be seen at Potsdamer Platz, while close to Spree River, in its eastern part, the wall is painted by modern artists expressing different messages. This section of it is known as the Gallery.

Checkpoint Charlie Museum (Mauermuseum) – The museum documents the events that led to the construction and the fall of the Berlin Wall and the attempts of the citizens of Berlin to cross it. Nowadays you can walk freely through the zone where in the past those who tried to cross the border were executed and reconsider the meaning of the term freedom. The museum is open every day (even during the holidays) from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. The entrance fee is EUR 12.50.

Reichstag building – The parliament, or the Bundestag, holds its sitting here. The dome of the building offers a beautiful view to the city, while inside, behind the glass walls, you will see a photo exhibition dedicated to the history of the Reichstag.

Potsdamer Platz – This is one of the most popular squares in the central part of Berlin. It is named after the city of Potsdam, located close to the capital. Until 1989 the Berlin Wall used to pass through the square but after its fall many new buildings were constructed at this place. Nowadays the square is known for its theatres, cinemas, modern trade buildings and skyscrapers.

Postadamer Platz in Berlin

Kollhoff-Tower – This is one of the skyscrapers at Potsdamer Platz, offering a wonderful view to Berlin from its panoramic balconies – the Panoramapunkt, located on the 24th and 25th floors. You will reach them with the fastest elevator in Europe, which moves at 9 m/s. Once up there you can enjoy the incredible view with a cocktail in your hand.

Brandenburg Gate – Its image is probably the first thing that pops up in your mind when you think of Berlin. The gate was built in 1788 as the official entrance to the city. On its top there is sculpture of a chariot drawn by four horses, ridden by Victoria, the goddess of victory. The monument is really impressive during the night when it is brilliantly lit up.

TV Tower (Fernsehturm) – On a clear day here you can enjoy a magnificent view to Berlin stretching over 40 km. You should better visit it early in the morning or late in the evening as during the rest of the day the queue of visitors waiting for the elevator leading to the top of the tower gets very long.

Unter den Linden Boulevard – Literally the name of the boulevard means Under the Linden Trees due to the fact that the branches form a tunnel over the pedestrian zone, filling the air along the entire boulevard with the sweet scent of the linden trees – a nice natural idyll amidst the urban environment. The boulevard leads to the Brandenburg Gate and crosses Spree River close to the Berlin Cathedral.

Berlin Cathedral – Its dome is 114 m high and it is adorned with stained glasses with flower patterns. You can go up there and feast your eyes on the splendid view to Berlin. The Baroque interior of the cathedral is really impressive. Inside you can also see a huge organ. In front of the cathedral there is a garden with a fountain where you can have a rest.

The Berlin Cathedral

Alexanderplatz – Be a real Berliner and schedule a meeting in front of the fountain or under the clock at this square. The TV Tower is here, too. The clock shows the time in each time zone in the world. It has a specific construction and does not look like an ordinary clock. Under the World Time Clock you can see a model of the Solar System. It was built in 1969. At the Alexanderplatz square, you can also find modern trade centers, stores, cafes and restaurants.

Charlottenburg Palace – This is the biggest palace in Berlin. It was built in the XVII century by Frederick I of Prussia as a summer residence of his wife Sophie Charlotte. Inside, in the huge ballrooms and halls you will see furniture, paintings, and porcelain collections that belonged to the royal family. Don’t miss to take a walk in the big garden.

Museum Island (Museumsinsel) – After you cross the bridge over Spree River you will find yourself on this small island in the central part of Berlin. There are several museums here, as well as the Berlin Cathedral and beautiful parks where you can have a rest after the long museum tour.

Old Museum (Altes Museum) – This is one of the museums on the Island. It houses an art collection of the Prussian royal family. The building is designed in neoclassical style by architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel. His inspiration for the building came from the ancient and classical Greek architecture.

Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde) – Dinosaurs, fossils, glass vessels storing thousands of fish species. Here you can learn about different stuffing and storing methods, see an exhibition dedicated to the universe and the Solar System, and get detailed information about our planet. You will be really impressed yet in the very first hall of the museum, which presents three huge dinosaur skeletons. There are also models of the planets, as well as of the Earth’s crust.

Trabi-Safari – The emblematic Trabant car has not disappeared from the streets of Berlin, just on contrary, it became a fascinating means of transport that you can rent for the day. A trip through Berlin in a classic Trabant car, painted in pink, tiger prints, or any other funny color – a really exotic experience, indeed!

Trabant in Berlin

Musical Instrument Museum (Musikinstrumenten Museum) – Here you can examine more than 3,500 instruments from the XVI century onward. In addition, you can also listen to the music produced by many of them on audio records, which are available as part of the exhibitions.

Tiergarten – This is the biggest park in Berlin. The Berlin Zoo is sheltered here, as well as the President’s residence, the Potsdamer Platz, and the Victory Column. It is a perfect place for a picnic, to go jogging or roller-skating, or simply take a walk amidst the fresh greenery, flower paths and beautiful fountains.

Berlin Zoo (Zoologischer Garten Berlin) – This is one of the biggest zoos in the world with around 15,000 different species! Giraffes, elephants, pandas, hippopotami, giant turtles, lions, and whatnot… You can even touch some, like the penguins, for instance. The zoo opened doors back in 1844, which titled it the oldest zoo in Germany.

Jewish Museum – It traces the history of the Jews in Germany from the mid-centuries onward, in a very interesting way. Interactive screens, games teaching curious facts, small drawers hiding traditional or religious items, such as photos, paintings, pieces of art and of the everyday life, films and audio presentations. The building of the museum is a real masterpiece of the architecture with its unusual zigzag forms.

Gendarmenmarkt Square – Here you can find the German Cathedral (Deutscher Dom), the French Cathedral (Franzosischer Dom), and the Concert Hall (Konzerthaus), which form the architectural face of the square. At the German Cathedral you can learn much about the German democracy, while at the French Cathedral you will get acquainted with the Huguenots, who sought asylum in Berlin. The Concert Hall is the home of Berlin’s symphony orchestra. It was built at the place of the former National Theatre, which was destroyed during the war.

Hackesche Höfe – A complex of eight restored German buildings and their adjacent courtyards that are interconnected. Nowadays they are modernized and have turned into a center of fun and culture, as well as of residential and business premises. Hackesche Höfe shelters many entertainment and catering establishments, stores, restaurants, cinemas, galleries, residential and business institutions.

Victory Column (Siegessäule) – The monument is located at the Tiergarten Park. It is 67 m high and has a golden statue on its top, which is called the “golden angel”. Well, it is not exactly an angel but yet it has big golden winds. The statue weights 35 tons. Up at the top there is an observation deck, which you can reach following tens of stairs and then enjoy the splendid view to Tiergarten.

Red City Hall (Rotes Rathaus) – This building’s name is inspired by the red bricks it is made of. On the top of its clock tower there is pole waving Berlin s flag with the bear, which is a symbol of the city. In front of the entrance to the City Hall you will see the Neptune Fountain.

Sip Gluhwein Chritsmas punch – Want to warm yourself up while walking in the snow? When in Berlin in December you should not miss trying this traditional drink, which is offered everywhere along the festively decorated streets and markets. Red wine, rum, orange juice, clove, cinnamon and black tea – this mixture will leave a sweet Christmas scent in your memory.

Stollen – This traditional German fruit bread is seen everywhere in Berlin at Christmas time! It reminds about Easter cake but it is much richer in fruits, buts and fragrant spices.

Leberknödel soup (Leberködelsuppe) – This is one of the most popular soups in Germany – clear calf bouillon with calf s liver noodles. Hurry up and don t let it cool!

Nightlife in Berlin – Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg quarters offer the best night fun places. Bergmannstrasse Street in Kreuzberg is full of clubs, bars and discotheques. Here you will find the popular Yorckschlösschen jazz and blues club. More beach bars, restaurants and clubs are found along the Spree River, offering not only entertainment and fun but also nice views to the river scenery.

The design, the 3D visualization – are very important in many ways. The designers are creators.

The post Berlin – first-time visitor attractions appeared first on 203Challenges.

2. You are surprised when water (and soft drinks) get free refills.

3. You think that restaurant servers in the US “hover” too much. It makes you a little uncomfortable. 

4. Sundays are sacred whether you are religious or not.

5. You always wait for the green light to cross at a crosswalk, even if there is no car in sight. Otherwise an old German lady will magically appear to yell at you.

6. The first word that comes to your mind when you get angry or disappointed is “Scheisse!”

7. You never, ever walk in the bike lane.

8. You have become more direct, maybe even aggressively so. (This is because your German neighbors will happily point out any wrongdoing of yours with the assumption that they are doing you a favor. Read more about huge lifestyle changes here at 43 Things to Know Before You Come to Germany.)

9. You never go out with your ID. What’s the point?

10. Instead of dreading the holidays because of gift buying and screaming children, you look forward to the Christmas seasons with all the Weihnachstmarkt magic and Gluhwein you can handle.

11. You always order beer with your meal – why not?! It’s cheaper than water.

12. You regularly bike or walk to your destinations. It’s healthier, and there’s no parking anyway.

13. When you visit home (mainly the US), you get stressed out while driving. No passing in the right lane! The left lane is for passing only! Why is everyone driving so terribly and so slow?!

14. You are accustomed to slow internet.

15. Busses and trains are always late, so you are sure to take an earlier one.

16. You shop at the grocery store almost daily.

17. You always buy enough food to last through Sunday, or else you accept the fact that you will just have to starve that day.

18. You fully expect to be able to bring your dog out to eat with you pretty much everywhere you go.

19. When you order ketchup, you are ready to pay an extra fee.

20. Where you used to happily yell at your neighbor for a normal conversation while eating out, now you think that American restaurants are crazy noise halls where both adults and children constantly scream at one another. You start to long for the peaceful meals out back “home” in Germany.

21. You read this list and don’t understand how any of these things could be considered weird. 

*

Savannah is an American expat in Germany blogging at SavviScouts.

>>> Read more expat stories or read more about Germany.

The post 21 signs you’ve been in Bavaria far too long appeared first on 203Challenges.

Here are our favorite picks of local wisdom:

Pura vida in Costa Rica

Pura vida simply translated in English is “pure life”, but the phrase actually has a far deeper meaning. Costa Ricans use it to say hello, to say bye or as an answer to the question “How are you?”. Pura vida is in fact a way of life, where you accept that no matter how difficult, your life is not that bad at all.

>>> Read more about Pura vida.

Dolce far niente in Italy

Dolce far niente literally means “sweet doing nothing” and the Italians, especially in the southern part of the country, know how to turn idleness into a happy occupation. This philosophy of life contains a number of important prohibitions, such as no haste, no taking problems to heart and no paying attention to the surrounding nuisance.

>>> Read more about Dolce far niente.

Hakuna matata in Africa

Thanks to the animated film “The Lion King” everybody knows a bit of Swahili. Hakuna matata means “no problem”, “no worries”. The phrase is used mainly in Kenya and Zanzibar and is mentioned in the famous “Jambo Bwana” song.

Tri Hita Karana in Bali

If harmony means happiness, then this philosophy of life from Bali will help you achieve it. In English, Tri Hita Karana means “three reasons for well-being” – being in harmony with people, in harmony with God and in harmony with nature.

Aylyak in Bulgaria

Aylyak is an untranslatable Bulgarian word which can be roughly translated as “the art of doing everything at a relaxed pace without worrying about anything”. The Aylyak lifestyle is mainly typical for the residents of the city of Plovdiv famous for taking long, leisurely walks back and forth along their main pedestrian street.

>>> Read more about aylyak.

Fernweh in Germany

English doesn’t have an antonym of “nostalgia” but in German it’s Fernweh. It means a strong desire for traveling, dreaming of far and unknown lands and new experiences. So give in to your Fernweh and hit the road.

Friluftsliv in Norway

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. True to this principle, the Norwegians are fans of Friluftsliv or life in “free” air (“open-air living”). The northern country’s inhabitants appreciate the benefits of spending time in the open for health and well-being, regardless of weather conditions. Whether it is running, cycling or just going out to the park nearby to take some photos – the important thing is to breathe fresh air.

Wabi-Sabi in Japan

Salvador Dali once said “Have no fear of perfection – you’ll never reach it”. This is exactly what the Japanese idea Wabi-Sabi tries to convey. In English it means “accept imperfection” and applies to the individual body and character, friends and life in general.

The post 8 philosophies of a happy life from around the world appeared first on 203Challenges.

Skip breakfast on the day you decide to squeeze through some of the narrowest streets across Europe because most of them look like a crevice rather than something that is supposed to have an official name on the city’s map. Well, some are in fact deprived of a name but this doesn’t make the effort to visit them worthless. Here they are, the narrowest streets in Europe.

#1 Spreuerhofstraße

Spreuerhofstraße, the narrowest street in the world

Where: the Old Town of Reutlingen, Germany

At its narrowest point, it is only 31 cm (12.2 in) wide. This is, in fact, the world’s narrowest street according to the Guinness World Records. Spreuerhofstraße was built in 1727.

#2 The narrowest street in Italy

The narrowest street in Italy, in Ripatransone | marino cortolezzis/Flickr

Where: Ripatransone, Italy

This alley in the province of Ascoli Piceno, Le Marche, doesn’t even have a name. When you arrive in the medieval town of Ripatransone, ask the locals or follow the signs to the alley, which is only 43 cm (17 in) at its narrowest part. You can get a certificate from the tourist office as proof that you have walked along the street.

#3 The narrowest street in Prague

The narrowest street in Prague

Where: Prague, Czech Republic

Its width of a mere 50 cm (1.6 ft) is the reason why even a traffic light has been installed to regulate the flow of people. To find it, you should head to the Charles Bridge and Kafka Museum and make sure to look carefully to your sides, because you may miss it if you don’t know what to look for. The ‘street’ status of this alley has been widely disputed as it is in fact one of the last fire brigade passes left in Prague.

#4 Calletta Varisco

Calletta Varisco: the narrowest #calli #callettavarisco #tour #gita #promenade #ontheway #foundit #reunion #amies #cannaregio #venice

A post shared by Anna Sartor (@an.sartor) on Mar 11, 2017 at 10:46am PST

Where: Venice, Italy

The whole city of Venice is full of tiny alleys surrounded by mighty buildings but Calle Varisco is said to be the narrowest of them all. With its 53 cm (21 in). When you walk a little bit inside the street, stop to look up to the sky

#5 Parliament Street

Where: Exeter, England

It is 64 cm (25 in) wide in its narrowest part. Some time ago the residents in the area asked the local authorities to widen it, but, apparently, the idea wasn’t approved.

#6 Strada Sforii

Strada Sforii in Brasov, Romania | © Maria Angelova/203challenges.com

Where: Brasov, Romania

It is 109 cm (42.9 in) at its narrowest point. Translated into English, the name means “String Street”. It was built in the 15th century as a corridor that firemen could use and is the narrowest street in Romania.

Here are all the streets pinned on a map so you can find them easier:

Pin it for your next narrow-street trip:

The post The narrowest streets in Europe to squeeze through appeared first on 203Challenges.

Here are some of the major attractions in Dortmund that you may visit even if you are in the city just for a while.

Old Market Square (Der Alte Markt) – This is the historical center of Dortmund. There is a fountain at the square, while right next to it – a curious sculpture of a colorful winged rhinoceros. There are also churches and buildings reminding about the history of the city. At the numerous bars and restaurants in the area you can taste the different types of beer offered in Dortmund.

St. Reinold’s Church (Reinoldikirche) – This is the oldest church in Dortmund and it is a symbol of the city. It is found at the Old Market Square. Its tower offers a splendid view to the city, for which you have to climb up 200 stairs, but it’s worth it.

Eagle Tower (Adlerturm) – This is a tower that used to be part of the medieval city wall. It is situated at the Old Market Square. Nowadays it houses a museum, where you can learn much about the history of the city and the construction techniques during the Middle Ages.

Dortmund U-Tower – center for the arts and creativity (Dortmunder U Zentrum für Kunst und kreativität) – The building is situated in the center of the city and you will recognize it by the big “U” letter on its top. For 67 years, since 1926, it housed a brewery. After the brewing company was closed down, the building was left abandoned until 2010 when an art center opened doors there. Today you will find all kind of modern art works from the XX and XXI centuries. More information is available here.

Florian Tower (Florianturm) – This is the telecommunications tower of the city, named after St. Florian – the patron saint of gardeners. Its name is inspired by the fact that the tower is situated at Westfalenpark, which shelters a huge rosarium. It is 208 m high. You can take an elevator to its top and enjoy the stunning view to the park.

Westfalenpark – Flower paths, greenery, fountains, big duck lake, children’s playgrounds and a rosarium housing roses of all colors. All this is found at this huge city park where you can have a picnic, go jogging, scent the sweet aroma of the flowers, or simply take a walk in this incredible atmosphere.

Dortmund Theater –The theater and opera house was built in the beginning of the XX century but it was destroyed during the WWII and then raised again in the 1950s at the place of an old synagogue. Its hall seats 1,170 people. One of the most frequently staged operas here is Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman.

Museum of Art and Cultural History (Museum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte) – This is the oldest museum in the Ruhr district. The building is designed in Art Deco style. Inside you will find collections presenting the folklore, the local history and archaeology with valuable findings and items of different fields of art and craft.

Museum of Cookery Books (Deutsches Kochbuchmuseum) – This is the place where you will learn much about the cooking technologies of the XIX and XX centuries. You will see different cookers and cooking equipment. There is a library where you will find all kind of recipes in the thousands of books sheltered there.

Natural History Museum (Museum für Naturkunde) – The museum was established in 1910 to document the last 55 million years! Here you will find a rich collection of insects, herbaria, minerals, rocks and fossils. The museum also features a huge aquarium with fish from different parts of the world.

Brewery Museum (DAB, Dortmunder Actien Brauerei) – Here you will learn much about the history of beer in Dortmund. You will find out what types of beers were produced over the years and even see the TV commercials made for some them.

German Exhibition of Occupational Safety and Health (DASA) – This is Germany’s second-biggest exhibition of technological achievements. You will see machines used in the industry and different professions of the past, present and even hints for the future. The focus is put on the human health and the impact on it. All the information and exhibits are presented in an attractive way and guarantee you a real fun.

German Football Museum (Deutsches Fußballmuseum) – This is the national German museum dedicated to football. Opened at the end of 2015, financed by the profits of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. You can find more information about tickets and opening time here.

Westphalian Industrial Museum (Zeche Zollern) – From the outside, it looks like an old castle. There was a coal mine at this place in the past. Nowadays, there is a museum offering information about the development of the different industries in the region and the life of the miners. More information is available here.

The Zoo – Tigers, lions, penguins, monkeys, parrots and all kind of exotic animals, as well as typical for Europe, are waiting for you here. Here you can also enjoy shows featuring some of the animals or simply take a walk amidst the vast greenery.

Christmas markets –Since the end of November the city of Dortmund is seized with Christmas atmosphere. The traditional Christmas Market features more than 300 stands in the form of small wooden houses scattered along the main streets and squares. They offer different sausages, cookies, honey sugar cookies with cinnamon and anise, cotton candy, chocolate figurines, roasted almonds and chestnuts, Christmas punch, Christmas decorations, and whatnot. There is also a huge 45 m Christmas tree, which is in fact comprised of around 1,700 separate trees arranged in the form of a pyramid.

Stollen – When in Dortmund at Christmas time, this traditional German fruit bread is found everywhere. It reminds about Easter cake but it is much richer in fruits, buts and fragrant spices.

Lebkuchen – Baked Christmas treats, richly spiced with ginger. Often they are covered with chocolate.

Glühwein – If you wish to warm up while walking around the city in the snow, you should try this traditional drink – hot red wine with orange juice, clove, cinnamon and black tea. It will definitely bring a Christmas scent to your memories.

Shopping in Dortmund – The Westenhellweg and Ostenhellweg central streets offer numerous stores for clothes, perfumes and cosmetics, shoes, leather items, electric appliances, and food products. Here you will also find the Karstadt trade centre. If you are looking for fashion boutiques with expensive clothes, Kleppingstraße is the place to go, as well as the Propstei Arcaden mall, which is close to the Opera.

Nightline in Dortmund – Most of the entertainment and catering establishments are in the central part if the city. Discotheques, restaurants, clubs – Dortmund has much to offer for the night. You should not miss tasting the different types of beer at the bars. In summer, you may enjoy music shows at the Westfalenpark.

Feature photo: GNTB

The post Dortmund – attractions to visit in a weekend appeared first on 203Challenges.