Oldenburg, a frequently overlooked destination when vacationing in Germany, is an underrated tourist gem located in Lower Saxony. The quaint, charming town is a burst of fresh air compared to the big, ever-bustling German cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt. At first glance, Oldenburg seems to be the go-to place for architecture and history enthusiasts as it boasts various churches and castles but the town is much more than that. It is located in the northwestern part of the country and close to the Hunte river, giving tourists a chance to experience water sports as well as serene lakeside attractions. Continue to experience the magical city with these best things to do in Oldenburg, Germany.
1. Enjoy nature's best at Palace Gardens Oldenburg
Touted as one of the major historical parks in Northern Germany, the Palace Gardens or Schlossgarten is a dream for every nature lover. It stretches across 16 hectares (39.5 acres) of land, offering a vast diversity of flora with a plethora of species and colors. Styled as an English landscape garden, visitors will be mesmerized with its impeccable landscape planning and calm and tranquil surroundings. The garden is connected to a lake, further adding to its beauty. It also houses the Court Gardener’s Lodge, the Tea Lodge, and the Winter House, and is adjacent to Schloss Oldenburg and Elisabeth-Anna-Palais.
Palace Gardens Oldenburg
Address: Palace Gardens (Schlossgarten) Oldenburg, Gartenstraße 37, D-26122 Oldenburg (Old.)
Website: Palace Gardens Oldenburg
Opening hours: April - September: 8am – 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Explore the life and works of Horst-Jenssen
Horst-Janssen Museum is a must-visit to every art lover who vacations in Oldenburg. It predominantly features the works and life of Horst-Janssen, the world-famous draftsman, etcher, woodcutter, illustrator, author, and graphic artist who was an honorary citizen of Oldenburg. Showcasing more than 1,800 creations of Horst-Janssen and other artists whose works have been inspired by Horst-Janssen, the museum also acts as a holistic center for classic and contemporary art as it houses a library that also contains Horst-Janssen’s publications as well. You can also head to Stadtmuseum Oldenburg, which showcases the history of the town. Stadtmuseum shares its entrance with Horst-Janssen Museum.
Horst-Jenssen Museum
Address: Horst-Janssen-Museum, Am Stadtmuseum 4 - 8, 26121 Oldenburg
Website: Horst-Jenssen Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 4 USD
3. Stroll mindlessly along Rathausmarkt
Rathausmarkt brings to life the laid-back, idyllic charm of the European countryside life. It is a market that brings together various farmers and sellers of various fresh produce to a square in the heart of the city. Here you can find various goods like fresh food, delectable cheese, fragrant and gorgeous flowers, aromatic bread and pastries, as well as the needful cup of coffee you need to kickstart your day every morning. It is also very accessible from other famous places in Oldenburg such as Oldenburg Castle and Lappan. In December, the market transforms into something more, as it caters to a wonderful Christmas Market that brings memorable scents and colors to the city. bringing visitors from as far as the Netherlands.
Rathausmarkt
Address: D-26122 Rathhausmarkt, Oldenburg
Website: Rathausmarkt
Opening hours: Tue, Thu: 7am - 2pm; Sat: 7am - 3pm (closed on Mon, Wed, Fri, & Sat)
Price: Free
4. Be mesmerized by the architecture of Schloss Oldenburg
Schloss, or palace in German, was formerly a resident for the aristocrats of Oldenburg. It is however now a plaza of various establishments, including the State Museum for Art and Cultural History and Schlossplatz. Apart from that, Schloss Oldenburg also houses the Prinzepalais and Augusteum. The building is also adjacent to the Schlosshöfe shopping mall. To its southwest, you will find the Elisabeth-Anna-Palais, which neighbors Schlossgarten Oldenburg. The connectivity of Schloss Oldenburg is such that just by visiting it, you can cover a wide area of tourist landmarks in the city.
Schloss Oldenburg
Address: State Museum of Art and Cultural History Oldenburg, Damm 1, 26135 Oldenburg
Website: Schloss Oldenburg
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 6 USD
5. Unwind at OLantis Huntebad – ErlebnisWelt
UPDATE!!! Die Fliesenarbeiten müssen aufgrund eines Krankheitsfalls bei unserem Dienstleister auf Freitag verschoben...
Posted by OLantis Huntebad on Sunday, 16 June 2019
OLantis Huntebad – ErlebnisWelt unleashes a new world of relaxation and destressing after your walks and strolls in the streets of Oldenburg. It is a one-stop-center for pools and saunas, situated in a modern and closed indoor setting. The center has a wide variety of pools, including the adventure pool which comes with massage jets, bubble baths, surge shower and, many more, the teaching pool that is complete with diving boards and competition pools, the turbo slide for a theme-park feel, the river bath, which connects to the river, as well as the paddling pool for kids.
OLantis Huntebad – ErlebnisWelt
Address: Am Schloßgarten 15, 26122 Oldenburg, Germany
Website: OLantis Huntebad – ErlebnisWelt
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6:30am - 10:30pm; Sat: 6:30am - 7:30pm; Sun: 8am - 7:30pm
Price: Varies
6. Visit Lappan, the oldest scheduled landmark in the country
Any visit to Oldenburg is not complete without a visit to Lappan. Built in the 17th century, Lappan is the oldest scheduled landmark in Germany, as well as the city’s first church tower. Lappan is a perfect visit if you are looking for a historical retreat that is great for some Instagram-worthy shots. The tower is a very famous destination for tourists; therefore, you can always find it bustling with people at all times. Many other tourist destinations are also just a short walking distance from Lappan. Apart from that, the adjacent building has been the Tourist Information Centre for the past few years, so you can get all the details you need as a visitor by visiting Lappan.
Lappan
Address: Long Street 26122 Oldenburg
Website: Lappan
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9:30am - 6pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
Price: Free
7. Admire German architecture at Degodehaus
Considered to be the last medieval patrician residence in the city, Degodehaus dates back to the 16th century. Its architecture is eye-catching even from the outside and is even more beautiful inside. The building, now privately owned, is famous for its ceiling painting of various continents including then-Asia, Europe, and Africa. The painting, recently discovered and restored, follows the Dutch style engraving that is of interest to many tourists especially from neighboring countries. Another famous aspect of Degodehaus that you cannot miss while visiting the place is the shoe shop located on the ground floor of the five-floor building.
Degodehaus
Address: Market 24, 26122 Oldenburg
Website: Degodehaus
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 6pm; Sat: 7pm - 4pm (closed on Sun)
8. Go on a nature trail at Eversten Holz
Eversten Holz provides a great location for every nature enthusiast in you. It is easily the largest local recreation area in the town, offering a whopping 18 hectares (44.4 acres) of recreational area suitable for your entire family. The park, located in a residential area, will give you ample opportunities to start your day actively. There are jogging trails, cycling paths, as well as various walkways to just go for a lazy stroll with your loved one while enjoying the beauty of nature. Apart from that, you also can sunbathe in the lawn here in summer and if you are an athlete, Everston Holz is your ideal place to get your daily dose of exercise with a breath of fresh and unpolluted air. If your group includes kids, there is also a playground here for the kids to enjoy.
Eversten Holz
Address: Hauptstrasse, 26122 Oldenburg
Website: Eversten Holz
Price: Free
9. Learn about Oldenburg's biodiversity at Landesmuseum für Natur und Mensch
Landesmuseum für Natur und Mensch is Oldenburg’s natural history, ethnology, and archaeology museum. It is also the city’s first natural history museum. Visitors are in for a treat as the museum offers a plethora of archaeology, ethnology, and natural history collections and exhibitions. What’s more, Landesmuseum für Natur und Mensch also houses an aquarium that offers visitors a great view of Oldenburg’s underwater world along the Hunte river. Apart from that, the museum offers consistent vibrant activities for all age groups, be it for adults, children or families. With so much to do, you will definitely lose track of time having so much fun in the museum.
Landesmuseum für Natur und Mensch
Address: Damm 38-44, 26135 Oldenburg, Germany
Website: Landesmuseum für Natur und Mensch
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 6 USD
10. Relish fine dining at Kleine Burg
So schade, nur noch wenige Tage die man draußen sitzen kann. Darum nutzt nochmal die letzten schönen Tage und kommt in...
Posted by Kleine Burg on Friday, 16 August 2019
Planning for a romantic date night with your loved one during your trip to Oldenburg? Kleine Burg restaurant is your perfect choice. Located in the heart of Oldenburg town, this restaurant is a must-visit. The establishment serves a wide range of delectable meals including soups, salads, main courses like pasta, seafood, and burgers, as well as desserts. The menu varies during lunch and dinner; giving you many selections to choose from. What’s more, they also take into account your diet preferences and provide a vegetarian menu as well!
Kleine Burg
Address: Burgstrasse, 226122 Oldenburg
Website: Kleine Burg
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 5:30pm - 12am; Sat: 12pm - 4pm, 5:30pm - 1am (closed on Sun)
There’s never a dull day in Oldenburg
Despite its image as a quaint and cozy little town in Lower Saxony, Oldenburg stands apart from many of its neighboring areas as the perfect mix of fun and relaxation. With so much to do here, Oldenburg is never to be missed when you’re on a trip to Germany!
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