In a nutshell
- Oldenburg may be a relatively small city, but it has a surprisingly large number of beautiful and, above all, historic attractions that you can explore at a leisurely pace on foot.
- The most well-known attractions include the State Theater, Oldenburg Castle with its castle gardens, and the Lappan.
- Our personal favorites are the Oldenburg City Museum and the Degodehaus — two truly special spots full of character.
Oldenburgisches Staatstheater
What do you need to know? The Oldenburgisches Staatstheater is one of the most renowned theaters in all of northern Germany — much larger than you’d expect from a city the size of Oldenburg. It sits right in the heart of the city center and is a defining feature of the cityscape. The program covers opera, theater, musicals, and concerts — quite a broad range. You can buy tickets online or in person at the theater box office.
Why is it worth it? The people of Oldenburg are pretty proud of their theater. The building alone is stunning — almost a little majestic — and really stands out from its surroundings. Even if you don’t go inside, you should at least swing by. But if you enjoy theater or opera, seeing a performance here is absolutely worth it.
Our tip: In the evening, the theater is lit up year-round and looks noticeably more impressive than during the day. Definitely check it out at night.
Schloss Oldenburg & Schlossgarten
What do you need to know? Oldenburg Palace is one of the city’s most important landmarks and sits right on the edge of the old town. The entire grounds are now part of the Landesmuseum museum complex and are divided into several areas:
- Palace (main building): Cultural history and historic rooms
- Augusteum Oldenburg: Art from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance
- Prinzenpalais Oldenburg: Modern Masters and art from the 19th and 20th centuries
- Schlossgarten: Park grounds with old trees and lovely walking paths
There’s a combined ticket for all three museum buildings, available directly at the box office in the palace.
Why is it worth it? This is where history, art, and nature come together in a wonderful way. You can walk through historic rooms, explore centuries of art, and be in the middle of the palace gardens just a few steps later. The combination is what makes the place so varied, yet everything feels calm and not overwhelming. Oldenburg is at its best here: cultured, green, and pleasantly unhurried.
Lappan Oldenburg
What do you need to know? The Lappan is another well-known landmark in Oldenburg, standing right in the middle of the pedestrian zone. The bell tower dates back to the 15th century and is one of the few historic structures to have survived the city fires. Today it serves as a fixed point of reference in the city center. Unfortunately, you can’t go inside.
Why is it worth it? You’ll pass by here anyway when walking through the city center. The area around the Lappan captures the essence of everyday Oldenburg — small shops, cafés, and a relaxed city life without any hustle. So make a pit stop here and take in the tower.
Stadtmuseum Oldenburg
The city museum is closed for renovations until June 6, 2026.
What do you need to know? The city museum focuses on the history of Oldenburg and shows how the city has evolved over the centuries. It’s located a little off the beaten path of the main sights, but easy to reach. Admission typically costs just a few euros, and you can buy tickets directly on site.
Why is it worth it? If you want more than just wandering around the city, this is where you’ll get the perfect context for your sightseeing in Oldenburg. The museum is fairly quiet and manageable in size — just right if you want to dig a little deeper into Oldenburg’s story without feeling rushed.
Degodehaus Oldenburg
What do you need to know? The Degodehaus stands right in the pedestrian zone and is one of the oldest buildings in Oldenburg. The half-timbered house dates from the 16th century and is especially eye-catching thanks to its elaborately decorated facade. A shoe store occupies the ground floor today, so you can technically go inside — but the interior is completely modern, so you won’t see anything of the historic building. The upper floors are not open to the public.
Why is it worth it? The Degodehaus is most impressive from the outside. Among the modern buildings of the city center, it immediately stands out and shows just how old parts of Oldenburg really are. That contrast is exactly what makes it so compelling.
Landesmuseum Natur und Mensch Oldenburg
What do you need to know? The Landesmuseum Natur und Mensch is just a few minutes’ walk from the city center and is one of the most important museums in Oldenburg. It covers the natural and cultural history of the region — from how the landscape was formed to the local wildlife. Tickets are available directly at the on-site box office.
Why is it worth it? The museum is far more varied than you might expect. You’ll get a real sense of how the region around Oldenburg was shaped and how it developed over time. It’s especially worth a visit if you want to understand the city better or if you’re looking for a great rainy-day alternative.
Horst-Janssen-Museum Oldenburg
What do you need to know? The Horst-Janssen-Museum is centrally located in the city center and is dedicated to the artist Horst Janssen, who was born in Oldenburg. The collection focuses primarily on drawings and prints, with regularly changing special exhibitions. Admission costs a few euros, and tickets are available directly on site.
Why is it worth it? This museum stands out a little from the other museums in Oldenburg because it focuses very closely on one person and their work. That gives everything a more personal, direct feel. You get a great window into the art without it ever feeling dry or heavy.
Botanischer Garten Oldenburg
What do you need to know? The Botanical Garden belongs to the University of Oldenburg and is located a little outside the city center. It’s home to a wide variety of beautiful plants, spread across different areas and themed sections. You can enter the garden freely and explore at your own pace. Admission is free.
Why is it worth it? The Botanical Garden is one of the quietest spots in Oldenburg. While the city center can get pretty lively on weekends, it’s noticeably calmer here. You wander through different plant worlds, barely hear any city noise, and quickly feel completely removed from the hustle and bustle.
Guided Tours in Oldenburg
If you’d like to explore Oldenburg more in depth, you can join a guided tour — and there are quite a few different options to choose from. Here are the ones we find most interesting:
- Oldenburg Night Watchman Tour: An evening discovery tour through Oldenburg’s old town, featuring captivating stories from the past and hidden spots.
- Oldenburg Mystery Tour “Gallows, Graves & Rogues”: Explore the dark side of the city and learn all about executioners, witches, and gravediggers in Oldenburg.
- Oldenburg Culinary Old Town Tour: A culinary discovery tour through Oldenburg featuring delicious food spots and plenty of background stories about the city and its cuisine.
