Lohne (Oldenburg): Culture, Forest and Trails

Lohne (Oldenburg) brings together a range of attractions: industrial history, art and theater sit alongside woodland trails, views and distinctive urban spaces. When choosing a hotel for your stay in Lohne, you can plan around whether you mainly want to attend cultural events or spend time outdoors. The following destinations show the different ways you can spend your days in the city.

Culture and Local History

The Industrial Museum Lohne focuses on the city’s industrial history. The museum regularly organizes guided tours, special exhibitions and hands-on activities for parents and children. Its program therefore includes a range of formats centered on industrial history. Check directly with the museum before your visit to find out which exhibitions are currently on display. The Luzie Uptmoor Gallery offers a different cultural focus: it features works by various artists with close ties to Lohne.

The Lohne Open-Air Theater also has a program that returns each year. The local amateur theater group presents two plays every year, one for children and one for adults. Open-air theater has been a tradition in Lohne since the 1930s. If you are planning to attend a performance, check the dates for the current season. This helps distinguish the recurring theater tradition from the specific performance dates.

The history of St. Gertrud dates back to the Middle Ages; the present-day church was built in the late 19th century. These time spans provide two distinct points of reference: the church’s long history and the period when the current building was constructed. Another cultural destination is the historic watermill in Lohne’s city park. Exhibitions are held there four times a year.

Views and Trails in Lohne

At the Lohne Observation Tower, 82 steps lead to a platform with views across forests, moors and fields. Opening hours may vary, so it is worth checking the latest information before your visit. For a trail with a specified length, consider the Hopen Forest Trail: It is around 1.4 kilometers long, is a play and educational trail for children, and is located beyond the railway line. The tower and forest trail offer different outdoor experiences: views from the platform on the one hand, and a themed trail for children on the other.

Numerous walking and hiking trails run through Hopen Forest. Trails in Lohne pass through Hopen Forest with its moated castle, the city park and city forest, and along the city center, as well as past churches, Gründerzeit villas and other sights. A total of 60 kilometers of trails are available to explore on foot or by bike within the city limits. As trail routes may change, it is advisable to check the current route when planning a specific outing.

Hiking in the wider Vechta destination

The wider Vechta destination also offers hiking opportunities at a regional level: 31 hiking routes in Vechta district pass through floodplains and moorlands, forests and uplands, and lead to historic sights and natural monuments. The routes are marked according to the German Hiking Association’s quality criteria and have uniform signage. This regional selection is distinct from the trail network within the city limits of Lohne.

Go to the main travel overview: Vechta.