Discover Oldenburg in Holstein

Oldenburg in Holstein combines a lively town center with a distinctive range of cultural history. In the center, shops, restaurants and cafés sit alongside a lively market square and a concentration of Slavic, medieval and religious sights. You can plan your trip around different themes: architectural history, early history or activities in the surrounding landscape.

Church and early history

St. John’s Church was built between 1156 and 1160 as a Romanesque basilica. It is considered the oldest brick church in Northern Europe. Its construction period and design provide a specific point of reference for architectural history. The Wall Museum offers another way to explore historical themes: archaeological finds and reconstructions present the history of the Oldenburg ring rampart and the Slavs of eastern Holstein.

The Wall Museum also presents early medieval life in Starigard from different perspectives: merchants, craftspeople, farmers, fishers, warriors, princes and bishops are among the groups depicted. Alongside the history of the ring rampart, the focus is on different aspects of life and society. On some days, hands-on activities such as bread baking, wool combing, spoon carving and leatherworking supplement the program. Also on some days, you can take boat trips on the Wallsee from the Wall Museum. Check the current program before your visit if you would like to plan for these activities.

Town life and activities

The town center brings together practical amenities and historical attractions: shops, restaurants and cafés are alongside the lively market square and the sights. This offers a different way to plan your day than focusing on outdoor activities. The disc golf course provides another activity: it is free to use and intended for families and groups, as well as casual and tournament play.

Discs and scorecards for the disc golf course are available at the public library at Schauenburger Platz 2. Check that equipment is available before you arrive; the course’s terms and access rules may also change. Important for motorhome travelers: the parking area next to the Wall Museum has eight spaces. Overnight stays of several days are not permitted there. Before arriving, check the official website for current information about the parking area.

Cycling routes and nature in the region

Oldenburg in Holstein’s cycling network includes the Baltic Sea Cycle Route and the Mönchsweg. The Oldenburger Graben lowlands also have an extensive network of cycling and hiking trails. This gives you different options for planning your day: routes that form part of Oldenburg’s cycling network and trails in the lowlands.

The Oldenburger Graben lowlands include the Wesseker See, Weißenhäuser Brök and Oldenburger Bruch nature reserves. These areas are important for plant and animal life, especially during bird migration. Oldenburg in Holstein is part of the Ostseespitze vacation region; Weißenhäuser Strand, Heiligenhafen, Großenbrode and Fehmarn are nearby. Together, these details provide a regional context for travel plans that take in not only the town center but also nature or coastal attractions.

Choose the right focus for your trip

The places and activities mentioned differ in their geographic location. So base your choice on the experiences that matter to you on your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kellenhusen, Gremersdorf, Timmendorfer Strand, Kasseedorf, Ahrensbök, Schönwalde Am Bungsberg, Eutin, Wangels.

Back to the main travel overview: Ostholstein.