Bus from Dortmund to Augsburg

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.

Augsburg

Since its foundation by the Roman Emperor Augustus between 15 BC and 8 BC, Augsburg is the crossroads for the most important traffic connections on the continent. Augsburg also owed its great importance to this privileged position in the Middle Ages. The wealthy Fugger family and sea-trading Welser family gave Augsburg reputation of the world city, of the city of the emperors, which was famous for its painters, sculptors and musicians.

Augsburg is the third largest city in Bavaria, mainly a university town, the seat of the government of Swabia, and a major economic center with internationally renowned companies offering state-of-the-art computer technology and electronics.

If you are in Augsburg, you can visit the following:

The Augsburg Town Hall - the landmark of the city's richest citizens: the Augsburg Town Hall is one of the most important Renaissance buildings north of the Alps and is one of the most impressive city halls in Germany. Together with the Perlachturm it is the landmark of the city of Augsburg. Because of its historical importance, it is under consideration of the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in Armed Conflicts.

Augsburg  Oldtown - Shopping and exploring in a Mediterranean atmosphere: It is almost like visiting Italy. The Augsburg Oldtown radiates Mediterranean flair. Narrow streets and squares invite you to take a stroll, while on the other hand there are many captivating small restaurants or cafes. There are no large department stores, but only small shops, tanneries, jewelry stores or galleries. If you’re looking for a place to rest, the old town of Augsburg is the right place for you. This is not a coincidence - it is free of transit traffic. Constant companions on the stroll through the Old Town are the Lech canals, which speaks volumes about the importance of water for Augsburg.

The Golden Hall : The Golden Hall is one of the highlights of the interior design of the Renaissance in Germany. He takes its name from the rich gold jewelery that decorates its interior. Originally, the splendid ceiling of the hall was hung with 27 chains on the wooden truss. Today it is attached to a steel stone ceiling. The cover is covered with gold leaf (231/2 carats). The Golden Hall is located on the second floor of the Augsburg Town Hall and is 14 meters high. In 1944 it was completely destroyed, but after a 17-year restoration,  he was finally completed in 1996.

Fuggerei - the oldest social settlement in the world is in Augsburg: This oldest existing social settlement in the world was founded in 1521 by Jakob Fugger for the innocently impoverished Augsburg citizens and it was built between 1514 and 1523. It consists of 67 houses with 140 apartments, a church and administrative buildings. The annual rent is still only 0,88€ (formerly a Rheinischer Gulden). Three prayers daily for the souls of the founder family are an integral part of the tenancy agreement.

The Pearl Tower: With its 70 meters, the Pearl Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Augsburg. In 989 it was built as a watchtower. At that time it was not even half as high as today. In the course of the centuries it experienced numerous transformations. In 1526 it was increased to 63 meters. Shortly thereafter, the tower received a clockwork with a bell. When Elias Holl, the city master builder, rebuilt the city hall, he also placed his hand on the pearl tower. Thus, from 1612 to 1618, it got its present appearance withits columns, roof, and the figure of the city goddess Cisa.

Today is rather controversial where the name "Pearl" comes from. There are three theories, but since none of the three theories are historically documented, the origin of the name will remain a secret forever.

Augsburg has so much to offer and you will not be sorry because you can find pleasure in this center of the historical treasury.