Things to Do in Oldenburg, Germany: Best Insider Tips

Tips and Info for Your Trip to Oldenburg

Before we get to our interview, here’s the most important info you’ll need before visiting Oldenburg.

Our Hotel Recommendations

Here are our top hotel picks in Oldenburg for every budget:

Interview with a Local: The Best Insider Tips for Oldenburg

Our Expert

My name is Ralf, and I’ve been living in Oldenburg for over 55 years. That said, I’ve gotten around quite a bit in Germany and Europe.

I’ve also worked in Bremen for many years. Nothing against our neighboring city — but honestly, it’s made me appreciate Oldenburg all the more.

Oldenburg in Three Words

Oldenburg is friendly.

Why Visit?

For one thing, Oldenburg is simply off the beaten tourist track. Life here moves at a relaxed pace. Where do you find that anymore these days?

What Makes Oldenburg Unique

The first thing that comes to mind is the Theater Laboratorium — a truly wonderful theater housed in an old fire station. What makes it special is that human actors share the stage with puppets. After a few minutes, you barely even notice. The puppets almost become real, human performers in their own right. It’s something you really have to experience at least once.

Oldenburg also has a seriously lively, large pedestrian zone with many owner-operated shops still going strong.

It’s the third-largest city in Lower Saxony — home to 170,000 residents and a big university. And yet, on a bike (the number one way to get around here), you feel like you’re in the middle of the countryside in about ten minutes. It’s a fascinating mix of urban energy and rural charm.

Things to Do in Oldenburg, Germany

Must-Sees

There’s no “biggest X” or “most beautiful Y” here. Oldenburg is modest — and that’s precisely what makes it so pleasant.

The State Theater is wonderful, and the Schlossgarten is an absolute must — a large park just three minutes from the pedestrian zone. There are even giant sequoias here.

And definitely visit the Palace and St. Lamberti’s Church. You really should see it from the inside — from the outside, you’d never guess it’s round.

On a Rainy Day

Olantis has a fantastic sauna and thermal bath complex — perfect when the weather turns.

The City Museum, with its permanent collection plus rotating exhibitions, is genuinely interesting.

There are also several great small theaters and some really nice pubs to duck into.

If you’re lucky, there might be a basketball game on. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg are a top team in the first division, and the atmosphere is always fantastic — and very family-friendly at the same time.

With Kids

Definitely head to the Natural History Museum on the Damm. You can see real bog bodies there — spooky!

In nice weather, you can take a paddleboat ride right in the middle of the city, along the Schlossgarten. It’s wonderful for kids and adults alike.

Best Day Trip

Ralf loves biking out to Lake Woltsee — it’s already in the beautiful Ammerland region. Getting around by bike is simply the best way to explore Oldenburg and its surroundings. There are some fantastic routes, and the best part? Everything here is completely flat. No hills to slow you down.

If you’re up for a longer outing, the North Sea isn’t far. You can easily make a trip out to the islands — Norderney, for example, is super easy to reach.

To Relax

As mentioned, the Schlossgarten is absolutely beautiful.

The Dobben area is also worth a wander — that’s where the former government quarter is located, with the state parliament building. Romantic and neoclassical in style, it feels somehow out of time. Oldenburg was, after all, a royal residence city for a long time.

Best Photo Spot

For photography enthusiasts, head to the inner harbor, known as the Stau. A lot of new development has happened there in recent years, and there’s a small waterfront promenade with a few great cafés.

One standout is an ancient railroad bridge that regularly has to be raised to let ships pass through — a great shot.

Best Event of the Year

The Oldenburg Film Festival is well known among film fans. It’s remarkable how some Hollywood stars have actually made their way here for it.

The Kramermarkt, the annual fair, is also hugely popular. But most Oldenburgers living away from home make sure to come back for the City Festival, which always features plenty of live music. And Ralf’s personal highlight? The Christmas market.

Best Museum

The Horst Janssen Museum. Janssen was a draftsman and etcher who created some truly great posters. Really worth a visit.

Most Beautiful Neighborhood

The Dobbenviertel — old villas, a park, and a large soccer field. It’s a lovely area to stroll through.

Food and Drink in Oldenburg

Local Specialty

Definitely Grünkohl with Pinkel (don’t worry — “Pinkel” is a type of sausage).

A real local tradition is the Kohlfahrt. Groups of friends or family head out on a little hiking tour — the colder the weather, the better. Provisions along the way (especially liquid ones) are essential. The destination is a restaurant, usually just outside the city limits.

Once everyone arrives, the whole group digs into the local dish together. Afterwards there’s music and dancing, and of course, the Kohl King is crowned.

Favorite Restaurants

Zum Drögen Hasen is near the university, and the journey there alone is worth it — a great bike ride through lots of greenery. They have a wonderful garden and seriously good food, from filet steak to Currywurst.

Safran looks more like a snack stand than a restaurant from the outside, but the food is outstanding. Persian specialties, everything freshly prepared with love — you can taste the difference. And it’s right in the middle of the pedestrian zone.

Moto Kitchen also serves delicious sushi.

Best Burger

Hands down, it’s Biggie B, right in the heart of the city.

Best Ice Cream

In the pedestrian zone at Krauss, right by St. Lamberti’s Church. Or a little farther out at Stuckenberg. But San Marco is great too. Did I mention? Ralf really loves ice cream!

Best Breakfast

Hands down at Café Klinge — it has real atmosphere. The café has been around for over 125 years, making it a true Oldenburg institution.

The Grand Ducal Breakfast is wonderful, and it’s served table-side — no buffet for once. They also do delicious cakes, by the way.

Café Merlin is another great option for a fantastic morning spread.

Going Out in the Evening

Charly’s Musikkneipe is a local favorite — great music, no chart hits, just quality for your ears. The crowd is nicely mixed in terms of age, too.

At the Stau inner harbor, there are several nice bars. A short walk outside the pedestrian zone, you’ll find the Lindenkroog — basically a real dive bar, but with a huge selection of single malts and cigars. You’d never guess it from the outside.

If you’d rather hit the dance floor, Between the Sheets is the place to go.

As you can tell, there’s a lot going on here. Oldenburg isn’t that small, and it’s very much a university city.

Where to Stay in Oldenburg

Favorite Hotel

The B&B Hotel is a solid pick with an excellent location. On Saturdays, for example, you can start your day with a visit to the weekly market right nearby.

That’s where the city’s rural roots really shine through — the range of local products on offer is impressive. It’s also a great spot for photos.

And then there’s the Hotel Wieting — also very centrally located.