This is the best place to be in Dortmund, undoubtedly! And why is that so? The lake really is a marvel to look at and absorb the beauty of the best Dortmund offers at the place! Located in Hörde, the place is easy to reach via the U-Bahn or your car, though for the latter, the parking may be an issue. Past that however, it's not just the lake that made me fall in love with the place, but the modern architecture surrounding it: a design language so different from the rest of the city and very, very aesthetic. There are two small marinas in the lake to park your boat, or just to enjoy the pier experience while being in the Ruhr valley. The space surrounding it is one of the ideal places to go for a walk by yourself, your significant other or with your pet, as well as cycling and basically keeping yourself in shape without going to the gym for more routine-based intensive exercises. The Kulturinsel at the lake houses some pre-WW2 industrial artifacts, owing to the nature of the industrial nature of the city before the war. As with the aesthetic architecture, there are various cafes surrounding it for a great time with your friends, as well as a hill in the north-eastern corner of the lake to climb and enjoy the Dortmund horizons, including Hörde itself, as well as Westfalenpark with Florianturm and...
Read moreThis is one of those rare places where time seems to slow down. Surrounded by nature and dotted with benches along its winding path, it offers the perfect setting for quiet reflection, a leisurely walk, or simply watching the world go by. The calm water reflects the sky so clearly that it often feels like you're looking into another world.
What makes this place truly special is its atmosphere - peaceful, still, and refreshingly untouched by the usual buzz of tourist spots. No matter the season, there's always something beautiful to experience.
People visit year-round, drawn not by flashy attractions but by the deep sense of calm it offers. Whether you're enjoying a warm coffee on a bench, walking a dog along the path, or just taking a quiet moment to yourself, the lake seems to meet you exactly where you are.
Perfect for those seeking stillness, a breath of fresh air, or just a scenic pause in the day. It's not just a place to visit - it’s a place...
Read morePhoenix Lake is one of Dortmund’s most beautiful leisure spots, combining nature, recreation, and waterfront views. However, the wooden platform on the southeast side has a major problem: event companies and private parties frequently take it over without authorization.
There’s no official booking system for this public space, yet organizers regularly ask visitors to leave, falsely claiming they have a booking. This happened to me twice this week - event staff with no legal authority told me to vacate public property “for their special one in a lifetime occasion.
The municipality needs to either establish a proper reservation system or actively prevent unauthorized commercial use. It’s unacceptable that public space is being illegally privatized while regular visitors are asked into leaving. Great location overall, but be prepared that event organizers may try to kick you out of public space (especially at wooden platform)they have no right...
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