This calm university city in Lower Saxony has a 13th-century castle, traditional brick architecture, and a car-free downtown lined with independent shops and cafes.
Oldenburg, a city in northwestern Germany, has grown from a medieval settlement into a modern university city of 170,000 people. You'll find students cycling past the yellow-facade Schloss Oldenburg palace, locals shopping at the weekly market near the 86-meter St. Lamberti Church, and families walking through the tree-lined paths of Schlossgarten park. The two universities contribute to an active cultural calendar, especially during summer when outdoor concerts and festivals fill the streets.
Getting Around Oldenburg
You can easily walk or cycle through Oldenburg's compact city center. The city has more bicycles than residents, with dedicated cycling paths connecting neighborhoods, parks, and shopping areas. If you're driving, the ring of highways (A28, A29, and A293) circles the center, putting Bremen 40 kilometers away.
St. Lamberti Church and City Center
The 86-meter-tall St. Lamberti Church stands in Germany's oldest pedestrian zone. Dating from 1155-1234, architects added a neoclassical rotunda inside the brick exterior during the late 18th century. Walk the surrounding streets to find independent boutiques and cafes, or visit the weekly market at Rathausmarkt square where local farmers sell fresh produce.
Schloss Oldenburg and Gardens
This Renaissance palace from the early 17th century sits on the site of a former medieval castle. The State Museum of Art and Cultural History inside holds regional artifacts and artwork spanning several centuries. Walk through the adjacent Schlossgarten's themed garden sections, or stop at one of the viewing platforms overlooking the lake.
Cultural Life and Festivals
The city comes alive during two main events: Kultursommer brings free concerts and performances to streets and squares throughout July, while Stadtfest creates three days of music and food in late summer. Watch theater productions at the State Theater, or explore the Landesmuseum Nature and Humankind to see its collection of natural history specimens.
Maritime Connections
From the city harbor, you can watch cargo ships navigate the Küstenkanal, which makes Oldenburg the busiest inland port in Lower Saxony with 1.6 million tons of annual cargo. Several restaurants and cafes along the waterfront give you views of the maritime traffic.
