Oldenburg in Holstein: Culture and Nature

Oldenburg in Holstein is in the Ostseespitze holiday region, near Weißenhäuser Strand, Heiligenhafen, Großenbrode and Fehmarn. In the town centre, shops, restaurants and cafés, along with a lively market square, sit alongside a concentration of Slavic and medieval sights. The themes range from urban life, church and museum history to nature and outdoor activities, each to be explored in its own place and regional context.

Culture, architecture and early history

St. John’s Church was built as a Romanesque basilica between 1156 and 1160. It is considered the oldest brick church in Northern Europe. Its construction period and architectural style give the church a clear place in the historical landscape: the Romanesque church dates from the 12th century, while its description as the oldest brick church points to another distinctive feature.

The Wall Museum presents early medieval life at Starigard from different perspectives. The groups depicted include merchants, craftspeople, farmers, fishers, warriors, princes and bishops. The museum also uses archaeological finds and reconstructions to tell the story of the Oldenburg Ringwall and the Slavs of Ostholstein. The museum thus combines insights into early medieval society with archaeological finds and reconstructions. The Oldenburg Wall in Oldenburg in Holstein is one of Schleswig-Holstein’s most significant archaeological monuments.

On some days, the Wall Museum offers hands-on activities such as bread baking, wool combing, spoon carving and leatherworking. Boat trips on the Wallsee are also available from the museum on some days. If one of these activities is important to your plans, check the current programme before your visit.

Nature, trails and outdoor activities

The Wesseker See, Weißenhäuser Brök and Oldenburger Bruch nature reserves are located in the Oldenburger-Graben lowlands. They are important for plant and animal life, especially bird migration. The lowlands also have an extensive network of cycling and hiking routes. Nature watching and outdoor activities are therefore separate interests to consider alongside cultural attractions when planning your trip.

Oldenburg in Holstein’s cycling network includes the Baltic Sea Coast Cycle Route and the Mönchsweg. These route names help distinguish the cycling options from the hiking trails in the Oldenburger-Graben lowlands: both are useful for planning active days, but refer to different named networks.

The disc golf course is free to use and intended for families and groups as well as recreational and tournament play. Discs and scorecards are available from the public library at Schauenburger Platz 2; check equipment availability before travelling. As course conditions and access rules can change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.

More cultural attractions in Ostholstein

If you look beyond Oldenburg to explore Ostholstein, Eutin offers further cultural attractions. The Ostholstein Museum presents changing exhibitions as well as a permanent exhibition about Eutin at the height of its prosperity around 1800. Eutin Castle Museum lies right beside the Great Eutin Lake and is surrounded by a landscaped garden. Every summer, the Eutin Festival stages a range of open-air opera and operetta performances. If you are planning to attend a performance, check the dates for the relevant production.

Discover more destinations: Sierksdorf, Kellenhusen, Stockelsdorf, Süsel, Altenkrempe, Neukirchen, Eutin, Ahrensbök

Go to the main travel overview: Ostholstein.