Dortmunder Union - Brauerei, former brewery and trademark on Dortmund, Germany
Dortmunder Union-Brauerei is a historic brewery in Dortmund founded in 1812 that grew into one of West Germany's largest breweries. Its most striking feature is the 70-meter-tall U-tower with a large golden U sign that has shaped the cityscape since 1968 and was converted into an art center in 1998.
The brewery began in 1812 at a small inn and was officially founded in 1873, growing rapidly throughout the 1800s as it modernized with new technology. After World War II, when buildings were severely damaged by air raids, it was rebuilt and experienced renewed growth for decades until production moved to the city's edge in the late 1900s.
The brewery was long central to Dortmund's social life and shaped the city's identity as a beer center. Today the remaining structures remind visitors how deeply beer and craftsmanship were rooted in local culture.
The U-tower is visible from across the city and easy to reach, especially when walking through the Unionviertel neighborhood. The site offers multiple levels for visitors, from galleries to cafes, so you can decide how much time to spend there.
The golden U sign was installed in 1968 and designed by architect Ernst Neufert, with each letter standing 11 meters tall. The tower itself was originally a fermentation and storage building that defined brewery operations for decades.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
