UEFA EURO 2024 is already proving to be an unforgettable experience for football enthusiasts, but it’s also highlighting the fantastic opportunities for educational trips to Germany. Taking place across ten world-class stadiums in Germany, the tournament has placed a spotlight on city destinations which are all rich with history, culture, and learning opportunities. Here’s a guide to the host cities and their educational value, perfect for teachers planning an inspiring trip for their students.
Berlin
Olympiastadion Berlin
Capacity: 71,000
Top Attractions: Brandenburg Gate, TV Tower, Berlin Wall Memorial.
Educational Value: Berlin’s history as a divided city and its role in World War II and the Cold War provides a deep well of educational material, from the Holocaust Memorial to the Checkpoint Charlie Museum.
Did you know? The Olympiastadion in Berlin, originally built for the 1936 Summer Olympics, famously hosted the controversial games where Jesse Owens won four gold medals, challenging Nazi propaganda.
Cologne
Cologne Stadium AKA RheinEnergieStadion
Capacity: 43,000
Top Attractions: Cathedral Church of Saint Peter (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Roman-Germanic Museum.
Educational Value: Cologne’s Roman history and its stunning cathedral offer insights into ancient civilizations and Gothic architecture. The museum’s artifacts provide a tangible connection to history.
Did you know? The Cologne Stadium (RheinEnergieStadion) has the unique distinction of being the first stadium in Germany to host a rock concert, featuring The Rolling Stones in 1995.
Dortmund
BVB Stadion Dortmund AKA Westfalenstadion
Capacity: 62,000
Top Attractions: German Football Museum, Westfalenpark.
Educational Value: Dortmund’s transition from industrial hub to tech city illustrates economic and industrial change. The Football Museum offers lessons in sports history and culture.
Did you know? The BVB Stadion Dortmund, also known as Signal Iduna Park, is renowned for having the largest terrace for standing spectators in European football, famously dubbed the “Yellow Wall,” which can hold up to 25,000 passionate Borussia Dortmund fans.
Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf Arena AKA Merkur Spiel-Arena
Capacity: 47,000
Notable History: Hosted 1988 UEFA European Championship group games.
Top Attractions: Old Town (Altstadt), Rhine Tower.
Educational Value: Düsseldorf’s old town and modern architecture offer a mix of historical and contemporary studies. The Rhine Tower provides geographical and engineering insights.
Did you know? The Düsseldorf Arena (Merkur Spiel-Arena) was used as a makeshift cinema during the 1950s to entertain Allied troops stationed in the city.
Frankfurt
Frankfurt Arena AKA Waldstadion
Capacity: 47,000
Top Attractions: Römer (historic city hall), Palmengarten.
Educational Value: As a financial hub, Frankfurt offers lessons in economics and business. The city’s historical sites provide a look at Germany’s past and its role in European history.
Did you know? The Frankfurt Arena, officially known as Deutsche Bank Park, boasts a retractable roof and a cutting-edge LED exterior facade that can display various light patterns and colours, creating a striking visual spectacle.
Gelsenkirchen
Arena AufSchalke AKA Veltins-Arena
Capacity: 50,000
Top Attractions: Zoom Erlebniswelt (zoo), Nordsternpark.
Educational Value: Gelsenkirchen’s transformation from industrial roots to a city with green spaces offers a case study in urban renewal and environmental science.
Did you know? The Arena AufSchalke, now Veltins-Arena, hosted matches during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, including a quarter-final match between Portugal and England that went to penalties, memorable for Wayne Rooney’s sending off.
Hamburg
Volksparkstadion Hamburg
Capacity: 49,000
Top Attractions: Miniatur Wunderland, Elbphilharmonie.
Educational Value: Hamburg’s maritime history and innovative urban development, such as the Elbphilharmonie, provide insights into urban planning and architecture.
Did you know? The Volksparkstadion in Hamburg was the first stadium in Germany to install a “singing” grandstand roof, designed to amplify crowd noise during matches.
Leipzig
Leipzig Stadium AKA Red Bull Arena
Capacity: 40,000
Top Attractions: Leipzig Zoo, St. Thomas Church (associated with Johann Sebastian Bach).
Educational Value: Leipzig‘s role in the peaceful protests of 1989 is key to understanding modern German history. Its musical heritage, especially related to Bach, enriches cultural studies.
Did you know? The Leipzig Stadium (Red Bull Arena) hosted the world’s largest pillow fight in 2014, with over 7,000 participants enjoying the quirky event on its grounds.
Munich
Allianz Arena
Capacity: 66,000
Top Attractions: Nymphenburg Palace, Deutsches Museum.
Educational Value: Munich‘s mix of historical sites and museums provides a broad educational experience, from science and technology at the Deutsches Museum to art and history at its numerous galleries and historical sites.
Did you know? The Allianz Arena in Munich is the first stadium in the world to have a full-colour changing exterior, capable of illuminating in various hues, depending on the teams playing or the event being hosted.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart Arena AKA MHPArena
Capacity: 51,000
Top Attractions: Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart State Gallery.
Educational Value: Stuttgart‘s automotive museums offer insights into engineering and industrial design, while its culinary scene provides lessons in cultural traditions and regional specialties.
Did you know? The Stuttgart Arena (Mercedes-Benz Arena) once featured the world’s largest cuckoo clock, a whimsical addition that entertained spectators during events.
Each of these cities not only hosts thrilling football matches but also offers a wealth of educational experiences. From historical landmarks and museums to cultural hotspots and industrial heritage, there’s plenty to inspire and educate students on an unforgettable school trip following EURO 2024.
To learn more about the range of excursions available for your next school trip to Germany or to discover how we can make your next educational tour a reality, contact our team today.
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