Review · DUISBURG TOURS
Schimmi tour pure (without catering)
Schimmi’s story begins in Duisburg-Ruhrort, and this two-hour tour takes you to the places tied to his earliest cult moments: his first currywurst, his first corpse, and even the spot linked to his first toilet mishap. The no-food format keeps the focus on the show and the streets, rather than turning the outing into a meal with a few filming references attached.
I like the close attention to small details, especially the use of photos at matching locations. I also like that the tour keeps the group to 10 people, giving guides such as Dagmar Dahmen and Frank room to tell stories instead of shouting to a crowd.
The main drawback is clear: this is a German-language tour without catering. You can order currywurst separately at Zum Hübi near Schimmi-Gasse, but that cost is not included, and visitors who do not know German may miss much of the humor and local wordplay.
Key points to know before you book

- Start in Duisburg-Ruhrort: Meet at Neumarkt 19, the area where the Schimmi story began.
- Follow the early cult moments: The route includes Schimmi’s first currywurst, first body, and first toilet-related scene.
- Look for Thanner and Hänschen: The tour includes two figures that are central to Schimmi’s world.
- Expect photos and filming-place detail: The guide connects present-day streets with scenes from the series.
- Plan for a separate snack: Catering is not included, but currywurst can be ordered independently at Zum Hübi.
- Small and weatherproof: The group is limited to 10 people, and the tour runs in all weather.
Why Duisburg-Ruhrort is the right place to begin

The strongest idea behind the Schimmi tour is its starting point. You do not begin with a general overview of Duisburg or a distant introduction to the television character. You start at Neumarkt 19 in Duisburg-Ruhrort, where Schimmi’s story first took shape.
That gives the outing a useful sense of place. The tour is not simply a collection of famous shots scattered around a large city. It begins with the district that gave the character his setting and follows the local links from there.
For a fan, this matters. You can connect the character’s rough-edged world with actual streets and meeting points rather than watching scenes in isolation. For someone who knows Duisburg already, the tour can also add a new layer to familiar surroundings. One of the strongest comments about the experience came from a Duisburg resident who found it funny, interesting, and informative even as a local.
The name Schimmi refers to Horst Schimanski, the much-loved investigator from the German crime series Tatort. The tour centers on the character’s cult status, but it does so through specific places and stories. That local focus is more appealing than a broad fan event with little connection to the city itself.
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The first stops: currywurst, crime, and a very blunt sense of humor

The tour’s most unusual promise is its list of firsts. You hear about Schimmi’s first currywurst, his first body, and the place where he defecated for the first time. The wording is deliberately crude, and that is part of the Schimmi persona.
You should know this before booking. The tour does not present the character as polished or refined. Its humor leans into the rough, direct style that made Schimmi memorable. If you enjoy the character’s earthy jokes and Ruhr-area attitude, these details will likely be part of the fun. If you prefer a more formal film-history walk, the tone may feel too broad.
The first currywurst has a practical side, too. Food is associated with Schimmi throughout the tour, but the PUR version does not include a meal. You can order a currywurst at Zum Hübi, near Schimmi-Gasse, on your own bill. That gives you a choice: keep the tour focused and inexpensive, or add your own snack afterward.
At $25 per person, the no-catering format is reasonable if you mainly want the guided stories and filming locations. You are not paying for a fixed meal that may not suit you. On the other hand, anyone expecting a food tour should understand that the currywurst is optional and separate.
Schimmi-Gasse and the value of matching photos

One of the best details is the use of photographs at the relevant places. A present-day street can look ordinary until the guide shows you the older image or scene that gives it meaning.
This is where a good guide can make a major difference. The photos help you see the connection between the television production and the real setting. They also give the tour a clear rhythm: arrive at a location, identify what happened there, compare the scene with the present view, and add the local story.
Schimmi-Gasse is especially useful as a reference point because it connects the character, the neighborhood, and the optional currywurst stop. You are not just collecting street names. You are following a trail built around recognizable moments from the series.
I would pay close attention when the guide brings out the photographs. The tour’s value is not only in reaching each address. It is in learning why that exact place matters and how it appeared on screen.
Thanner and Hänschen belong in the story
The organizers make a point of saying that there is no Schimmi cult without Thanner and Hänschen. That tells you the tour is not limited to Schimanski alone.
For devoted fans, these names will be part of the pleasure. Their presence gives the walk a wider view of the television world and helps place Schimmi among the characters around him. Instead of treating the lead as a lone figure, the tour recognizes the relationships and familiar personalities that helped define the series.
If you are new to Schimmi, this can work as a useful introduction, but you will get more from it if you know the basic characters. The tour is made for people who enjoy references, recurring names, and small connections between scenes.
A smart preparation tip is to watch the first Schimmi film, Duisburg-Ruhrort, before you arrive. That title is directly tied to the district and gives you a clearer sense of what the guide is pointing out. You do not need to memorize every scene, but seeing the film first should make the locations easier to recognize.
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Dagmar Dahmen, Frank, and the tone of the guiding
The guide can shape this experience as much as the route. Two guides singled out in the supplied material are Dagmar Dahmen and Frank.
Dagmar is associated with a lively presentation, local humor, photographs, and clear enthusiasm for the subject. One account describes her as leading with heart and excitement, while another highlights her wit and local flavor. Frank is described as relaxed, amusing, and informative.
That mix is important. A filming-location walk can become a dry list of addresses. Here, the aim is to keep the stories entertaining while still explaining what happened at each spot. You should expect jokes, anecdotes, and local color alongside the factual details.
The tour is offered in German, so language ability matters. If you understand German well, you can appreciate the humor and the way the guides connect Schimmi’s personality with Duisburg’s local character. If your German is limited, the places and photographs may still interest you, but much of the experience depends on spoken explanation.
The small group limit of 10 is another advantage. It should make it easier to hear the guide, see the photographs, and ask a question when a particular scene catches your interest. It also suits the personal tone of a local fan tour better than a large group would.
Two hours from Neumarkt 19 to Dammstraße 27
The tour lasts two hours. It begins at Neumarkt 19 and finishes at Dammstraße 27, 47119 Duisburg.
That start and finish matter when you plan your day. This is not described as a loop that returns you to the starting point. You should be ready to arrange your onward plans from the Dammstraße address rather than assuming you will end back at Neumarkt.
The route takes you through Duisburg-Ruhrort and the places tied to Schimmi’s early story. Each stop adds another piece: food, crime, character relationships, filming details, or the more outrageous part of the show’s humor.
Two hours is a useful length for this type of outing. It is long enough to cover several locations without taking over the whole day. It also keeps the tour from becoming tiring for people who are mainly interested in the television connection rather than a full-day city walk.
Wear comfortable shoes. The tour runs in any weather, so a February visit may feel very different from a summer outing. There is no promise of shelter or a weather break in the supplied details, so dress for the forecast and do not treat this as a fair-weather-only activity.
What the $25 price really covers
At $25 per person, the price buys a two-hour guided experience with a professional German-speaking guide. The group size is limited to 10, and the focus is on specific filming places, stories, photographs, and Schimmi references.
The price does not cover catering. That keeps the basic cost down, and it means you are free to decide if you want a currywurst at Zum Hübi. If you add one, treat it as a separate purchase rather than part of the tour package.
I see the value here in the guide’s interpretation. Many city streets are free to enter, but knowing which corner matters, what happened there, and how it connects to the show is the part you are paying for. The experience works best for someone who would otherwise walk through Ruhrort without recognizing the locations.
The price is less attractive if you have never watched Schimmi and mainly want a general introduction to Duisburg. This is a focused fan tour, not a broad city sightseeing tour. You are paying for a particular subject and a particular neighborhood.
Who will get the most from this tour
This experience suits:
- Longtime Schimmi and Tatort fans who want to see the real locations.
- German-speaking visitors who enjoy television history with local humor.
- Duisburg residents looking for a fresh view of familiar streets.
- Visitors who like short, focused tours rather than a full-day program.
- Anyone who values a guide’s stories and photographs more than included food.
It is less suitable for anyone who wants an English-language tour, a meal included in the price, or a general introduction to Duisburg. The German-only format is the most important limitation.
Families and mixed-age groups should also consider the subject matter and humor. The references to corpses and Schimmi’s toilet-related first are part of the experience. The tone is comic and blunt, not gentle or polished.
Practical planning for weather and cancellation

Bring comfortable shoes and prepare for rain, cold, or heat because the tour operates in any weather. The two-hour timing gives you room to pair it with another Duisburg activity, but keep the finish at Dammstraße 27 in mind when arranging the rest of your day.
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if your schedule is still changing. Check the available start times when booking, since the exact departure time is not fixed in the information provided.
The tour is led in German and is limited to 10 participants. Those two points are more important than they may look. The small group should help with hearing and interaction, while the language determines how much of the humor and detail you can follow.
Should you book the Schimmi Tour Pure?
Book it if you know Schimmi, enjoy German crime television, or want a local Duisburg experience built around real filming places. The combination of Ruhrort locations, matching photographs, Thanner and Hänschen references, and guides such as Dagmar Dahmen or Frank gives the outing a clear identity.
I would watch Duisburg-Ruhrort first, wear comfortable shoes, and decide in advance if you want to buy currywurst separately at Zum Hübi. Skip it if you need English guiding, included catering, or a general city tour. For the right fan, $25 is a fair price for two hours of detailed stories in a group small enough to keep the experience personal.
FAQ
Where does the Schimmi tour start?
The tour starts at Neumarkt 19 in Duisburg-Ruhrort.
Where does the tour finish?
The tour finishes at Dammstraße 27, 47119 Duisburg, Germany.
How long does the tour last?
The guided tour lasts two hours.
Is food included?
No. The PUR version does not include catering. You can order a currywurst separately at Zum Hübi near Schimmi-Gasse, at your own cost.
What language is the tour in?
The live tour is conducted in German.
How many people are in the group?
The group is limited to 10 participants.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Does the tour run in bad weather?
Yes. The tour takes place in any weather.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.
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