Dortmund is the economic center of the Ruhr region, where more than 587,000 people live and is located in the center of the state of North Rhine Westphalia. Dortmund is incredibly colorful and characterized above all by its contrasts. While coal and steel once formed the image of Dortmund, a flourishing cultural region has emerged over the past decades. This includes industrial monuments, green parks, re-cultivated heaps and great museums.

The Florian Tower (der Florianturm) - The 209m high tower is the tallest building in the city. Therefore, the Florian tower is an important and defining element of the Dortmund skyline. Dortmund’s inhabitants affectionatly call the tower "Florian". One of the landmarks of the city is a viewing platform and a rotating restaurant.

Signal Iduna Park - the largest soccer stadium in Germany and the home stadium of the BVB. A total of 81,359 spectators can be found during the Bundesliga games in the impressive Stadionplatz. The South grandstand itself can  fit almost 25,000 fans of the German football giant, which makes it the largest grandstand in Europe.

Westfalenpark Dortmund - The approximately 70 hectare park is a mecca for nature enjoyment, active recreation and a paradise for families. These include, for example, wide lawns and meadows, as well as theme gardens, pond systems and playgrounds. A highlight among the attractions in the Westfalenpark is the Rosarium. With more than 3,800 different types of roses from all over the world, this is the third largest rosarium in the world.

If you want to enjoy your holiday in Dortmund, the Dortmund U is the right place. The Dortmund U is the center for art and creativity. It is located in the former fermenter and warehouse building of the Union Brewery (once the largest brewery in West Germany). On the roof of the high-rise is a golden "U", which welcomes visitors from afar.

The Fredenbaumpark is a popular tourist destination for residents of Dortmund and for tourists alike. The park in the northern part of the city is ideal for active recreation in nature, for sport activities and for numerous leisure activities.

The Old Market (Alter Markt) - More than 800 years ago, merchants, craftsmen and citizens met here to do business. This activity is still reminiscent of the Bläserbrunnen, which is located in the Old Market. The Old Market in Dortmund has always been a popular and favourite meeting place.

Dortmund is a city of contrasts - and that is precisely why it is exciting. With various historical nad cultural sights of the city, you will get to know the charm of Dortmund - with its corners and edges, its past and future and its sense of humor.

Banja Luka is the largest city of the Republika Srpska entity and second largest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the capital Sarajevo. The city lies on the River Vrbas and is well known in the countries of the former Yugoslavia for being full of tree-lined avenues, boulevards, gardens, and parks. According to the 2013 census the City of Banja Luka, has 185,042 inhabitants.

Banja Luka has a moderate humid subtropical climate which borders a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The warmest month of the year is July, with an average temperature of 21.3 °C. The coldest month of the year is January, when temperatures average near freezing at 0.8 °C.

Due to its long history, Banja Luka is rich in culture. There are several museums including the Museum of Bosanska Krajina, the Ethnographic Museum established in 1930, and the Museum of Modern Art of Republika Srpska which is also called MSURS the Museum of Contemporary Art. Banja Luka is also the home of the national theatre and library, both dating from the first half of the 20th century, and of numerous other theatres. The headquarters of the Archives of Republika Srpska is situated in the building known as Carska kuća or Imperial House, build around 1880. It has been in continuous public use longer than any other structure in Banja Luka.

The natural beauties of the surrounding area guarantee the city of Banja Luka a good position in tourism. he city and surrounding area boast a number of popular tourist attractions. Among the most famous are the pools, thermal springs, and spas in the region. Due to its parks and over 10 000 trees Banja Luka was once nicknamed the "Green City".