Things To Do
in Unna

Unna is a historic town in North Rhine-Westphalia, tucked between Dortmund and Hamm. Its charming city center blends half-timbered houses with a lively market square and easy pedestrian zones. The town sits along the Lippe River and serves as a convenient base for exploring the Ruhr region.

With a relaxed pace, Unna offers welcoming streets, regional cuisine, and cultural highlights from museums to parks.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your morning with a leisurely stroll through Unna's charming historic center, where you can admire the beautiful architecture of the town hall and the St. Barbara Church. Enjoy a coffee and a pastry at a local café, soaking in the atmosphere of this quaint town. Take some time to visit the Museum of Local History, which offers insights into Unna's rich past.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a nearby restaurant, head over to the Unna Synagogue, an important historical site that tells the story of the Jewish community in the area. Next, explore the nearby town park, where you can relax by the pond or enjoy a leisurely walk amidst the greenery. Don't miss the chance to visit the local shops and boutiques, where you can find unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.

evening
:

As the sun sets, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at a traditional German restaurant, where you can savor local dishes such as Sauerbraten or Reibekuchen. After dinner, take a stroll along the banks of the River Ruhr, enjoying the peaceful ambiance and scenic views. End your day with a visit to a local brewery for a taste of Unna's craft beers.

day 2
Nature and Art at the Haus Opherdicke
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to Haus Opherdicke, an impressive historic manor surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodlands. Take a guided tour of the manor to learn about its history and the art exhibitions it hosts. Spend some time wandering through the picturesque grounds, enjoying the tranquility of nature.

afternoon
:

After exploring the manor, enjoy a picnic lunch in the gardens or at a nearby café. In the afternoon, participate in an art workshop or a guided nature walk organized by the estate, where you can immerse yourself in both creativity and the environment. The combination of art and nature will inspire you and refresh your spirit.

evening
:

As evening approaches, head back to Unna and dine at a local bistro known for its seasonal cuisine. Savor the flavors of the region while enjoying the cozy atmosphere. After dinner, consider attending a local theater performance or concert to experience the vibrant cultural scene of the town.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-15
Coffee at a cafe$3-5
🚇One way public transport ticket$2.5-3.5
🏨1 night mid range hotel$90-150
🧺Groceries for a day$25-50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact walkable city center
  • Good base for Ruhr region trips
  • Strong local bread and dishes
  • Friendly locals and easy transport
  • Limited nightlife compared to big cities
  • Weather can be rainy and unpredictable
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Guten Tag" - Good day
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me

Places to Visit in Unna

Visit one of these nice places.

Alter Markt

Historic town square with half timbered buildings and the town hall making a timeless backdrop for street photography.

Historic Town Hall Facade

Ornate facade and archways ideal for architectural shots at different times of day.

Stadtwald Unna

City forest with winding paths, bridges and lakes perfect for nature photography and portrait backdrops.

Railway Station Area

Industrial heritage feel with platforms and signals offering moody urban photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Unna

Unnas cuisine reflects Westphalian heartiness with seasonal produce, good bread and regional meats and cheeses.

Unna Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Pfefferpotthast

Slow braised beef pot roast flavored with pepper and onions best enjoyed with rye bread.

Must-Try!

Westfälischer Pumpernickel

Dense rye bread commonly served as a side with cheese or cold cuts.

Himmel un Erde

A classic mix of apples and potatoes often topped with bacon or sausage.

Reibekuchen

Crispy potato pancakes usually served with applesauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Alter Markt Wochenmarkt

Weekly farmers market offering fresh regional produce, bread and local specialties.

Market stalls around the city center

Seasonal bites and street snacks from friendly vendors during market days.

Climate Guide

Weather

Unna experiences a temperate oceanic climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are mild to warm, winters are cool with occasional snowfall, and spring and autumn bring changing foliage and variable rainfall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with Hallo or Guten Tag and use Sie with strangers and elders; handshake is common.

Punctuality and queuing

Be punctual for appointments; queue patiently and avoid loud conversations in public transport.

Dining etiquette

Keep hands visible on the table; wait for others to be served before starting.

Safety Guide

Safety

Unna is generally safe for visitors with typical urban awareness. Take care of valuables in crowded places, especially on market days; use well lit streets at night and know local emergency numbers 112 for emergencies.

Tipping in Unna

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Germany a 5-10 percent tip is appreciated if the service is good; you can round up the bill.

Payment Methods

Cash and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and cards are common in stores and restaurants.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with fresh greenery; expect showers; good time for park walks and outdoor cafes.

Summer

Warm temperatures with long daylight hours; possible rain showers; great for outdoor markets and river walks.

Autumn

Colorful foliage and crisp air; ideal for photography in parks and market squares.

Winter

Cold with occasional frost and snow; festive markets and warm interiors are highlights.

Nightlife Guide

Unna at Night

Unnas nightlife is relaxed with a variety of pubs, wine bars and casual eateries around the market area. Live music events and small performances can appear at local venues, and Dortmunds bigger scene is easily reachable by train for big night outs.

Hiking in Unna

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hiking on Haarstrang

Forest trails along the Haarstrang ridge with scenic overlooks and easy grades.

Möhnesee Lakeside Trail

Waterfront paths around the Möhnesee for relaxed day hikes and views.

Arnsberger Wald

Extensive woodland with marked trails suitable for longer day hikes.

Airports

How to reach Unna by plane.

Dortmund Airport (DTM)

Approximately 25-35 km away; reliable option for European flights and connections.

Düsseldorf International Airport (DUS)

Major hub about 70-90 km away; good international and domestic connections.

Paderborn Lippstadt Airport (PAD)

Smaller regional airport within about 60-80 km; convenient for some routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

The historic core is compact and walkable with well signposted streets and short distances between sights and cafes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Strong presence of family oriented neighborhoods and schools; safe and friendly.

Students

Close to universities and technical colleges in the region, with affordable housing options.

Seniors

Good healthcare services and quiet neighborhoods appealing to retirees.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Local communities and clubs play football at various levels and stadiums in the Ruhr region.

Cycling

Flat to rolling routes through parks and nearby towns ideal for day rides.

Running and hiking

Local parks and forests offer running and easy hiking routes.

Transportation

Traffic

Unna has good rail links to Dortmund and other Ruhr cities. Buses and regional trains are reliable; car traffic is generally moderate with parking in the city center being available but sometimes limited during busy market days.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Unna.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most restaurants offer vegetarian options; look for veggie plates or ask for dishes without meat and broth. In markets you can pair bread with cheese, pickles and salads.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Unna has general practitioners and clinics with regional hospitals nearby; pharmacies are abundant and German health insurance provides good coverage for travelers with proper documentation.

Discover Germany

Read more in our Germany 2025 Travel Guide.

Germany Travel Guide