Dortmund lies at an average elevation of 94 meters above sea level on the Hellweg Plateau, a fertile loess plain at the southern edge of the Westphalian Lowland. As the easternmost core of the Ruhr region, Dortmund sits between the flat Emscher zone to the north and hills rising to 254 m toward the Märkisches Sauerland in the south.
That works out to roughly 308 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 61 m, putting Dortmund about 33 m higher.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 94 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51.5149° N, 7.4660° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Essen | 90 | Germany |
| Duisburg | 36 | Germany |
| Hanover | 58 | Germany |
| Cologne | 59 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Dortmund (94 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Bochum | 99 | Germany |
| Warsaw | 100 | Poland |
| Frankfurt | 103 | Germany |
| Halle | 104 | Germany |
| Mannheim | 104 | Germany |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Dortmund above sea level?
Dortmund averages 94 m above sea level. The city center sits at 83–100 m; the Hörde area in the south at 110–130 m; the city's highest point reaches 254 m in the south.
What is the Hellweg Plateau?
The Hellweg Plateau is a loess plain in southern Westphalia with exceptionally fertile soils from Ice Age deposits. The historic Hellweg road – one of Germany's oldest long-distance routes – runs through this zone.
Is Dortmund in the Ruhr region?
Yes – Dortmund is the largest city in the Ruhr region and its eastern core. Unlike Essen or Gelsenkirchen, Dortmund is not on the Ruhr River itself but on the Emscher and the Dortmund-Ems Canal.