Oldenburg Audio Tour: Discover Oldenburg's Historic Highlights

As you're strolling along, look to your left and spot a charming half-timbered building with an eye-catching façade. This is the Degodehaus, and you can't miss it with its ornate geometric patterns and warm yellow and brown tones. Now, let me take you on a little journey back in time! The Degodehaus, a true survivor, stood its ground during the great fire of 1676 and is the last medieval patrician residence in Oldenburg. Originally built in 1502 by Christopher Stindt, this house has seen a makeover or two, achieving its current look in 1617. Count Anton Günther, a generous old chap, gifted the house to Mylius Gnadenfeld, who fancied it up with an allegorical ceiling painting in 1645. This hidden gem, depicting continents like Europe and Asia, played hide-and-seek under a new ceiling until it was uncovered in 1992. Fast forward to the 19th century, when it became the dream house for merchants, including Wilhelm Degode, after whom it's named today. His son, Georg Wilhelm Degode, was born here in 1862 and took to painting instead of tallying numbers. Today, this privately owned piece of history literally holds the ceiling and secrets of centuries past. Enjoy your peek at Oldenburg's medieval charm!

As you stroll along, keep an eye out to your right for a striking red-brick structure with a distinctive black Renaissance dome. That's the Lappan. You'll spot its tall spire poking proudly into the sky, reaching a height of 35 meters. The Lappan is not just any old tower; it’s the oldest scheduled landmark in Oldenburg and quite the survivor, having withstood the great fire of 1676. Originally part of the Holy Spirit Hospital, it’s got a storied past. In 1709, the original shingle roof was upgraded to the current copper dome, giving it that extra touch of elegance. It's like the superhero of towers-always standing tall, no matter what history throws at it. So, give it a nod of respect as you take in its timeless presence!

As you're walking, look to your left for a charming red-brick building with large, white-paned windows. The facade stands out with its decorative bricks and a grand archway entrance. If you spot a colorful facade featuring a man on horseback, you're in the right place! Welcome to the Haus "Graf Anton Günther," where history trots alongside you! Built in 1682, this building has stories as rich as its architecture. Count Anton Günther can be seen galloping heroically on the mural, masterfully painted by Professor August Oetken in 1894 during the neo-Renaissance redesign. Imagine the house bustling with merchants and tobacco manufacturers once upon a time. After a great fire in Oldenburg, it was reconstructed as a merchant's house and remained in the Grovermann family for 135 years. It had quite the career change, later housing a bustling tobacco factory before becoming the splendid Hoyer brewery’s restaurant and hotel. So, whether you're a history buff or just a curious wanderer, this spot has plenty to stir your imagination!

As you approach the corner, look to your right and you'll see a grand, Renaissance-style building with a large dome on the top. It’s adorned with elegant columns and intricate stonework-a truly majestic sight that stands out beautifully against the skyline. Welcome to the Oldenburgisches Staatstheater, a place with as much drama in its history as on its stage! First opening as a humble wooden structure in 1833, crafted by local carpenter Herman Wilhelm Muck, it quickly became a cultural hub in Oldenburg. Thanks to the support of Grand Duchess Cecilia, the theatre evolved into its current grandeur. The original building, however, met a fiery demise in 1891, only to rise again like a phoenix in 1893. The new construction included a dome with a water tank-an early version of fire insurance! Inside, you’ll find lavish baroque mouldings and frescoes complemented by what was then cutting-edge electrical lighting. Think of it as Oldenburg’s own celebrity-surviving fires and redesigns while continuing to put on a spectacular show for over a century!

As you approach the Pulverturm, look for a striking, circular brick structure with a domed roof. It's nestled among the lush greenery towards the northern corner of the Schlossgarten Oldenburg. This red brick beauty stands out with its charming rustic architecture, making it quite easy to spot! Now, about the Pulverturm: it’s the sturdy relic of Oldenburg's old fortifications, holding tales of gunpowder and Danish rule from 1730 to 1765. Imagine it like Oldenburg’s ancient firecracker stash-hopefully without any surprises left over! Attached to it, you'll see a small part of the city wall, hinting at its historic past. Keep an eye out for the surrounding landmarks: Elisabeth-Anna-Palais to the southeast, Schloss Oldenburg to the east, and the lovely St Lamberti-Kirche to the north. Enjoy this little blast from the past!

As you walk towards the Elisabeth-Anna-Palais, look to your right for a majestic red-brick building peeking through the greenery. Notice its charming Baroque-inspired design and the grand windows that hint at its noble past. The distinctive onion-dome-topped tower marks its southeastern corner. The Elisabeth-Anna-Palais was constructed between 1894 and 1896 by Ludwig Freese for Frederick Augustus, Oldenburg's last ruling grand duke. It was named in memory of his first wife, Princess Elisabeth Anna. Ironically, despite such grandeur, revolutionaries made Frederick Augustus wave the red flag of surrender from here in 1918. Today, this fantastic piece of history houses the Sozialgericht Oldenburg-a court presumably filled with less drama than its past!

As you stroll closer, look out for a grand, yellow building with a striking green spire towering over it. The facade is adorned with intricate decorative elements, and the top features a charming clock. It's quite the eye-catcher! Welcome to the State Museum for Art and Cultural History of Oldenburg! This fascinating museum, which opened its doors in 1919, is divided into three splendid sections. Nearby, you’ll find Schloss Oldenburg, Augusteum, and Prinzenpalais-all treasures of art and history. The museum’s journey began with the collection of Frederick Augustus II, the last Grand Duke of Oldenburg. Through its halls, you can travel through time, exploring everything from old master paintings to modern art pieces. Think of it as a cultural buffet-satisfying for any art enthusiast! Nestled by the northeast corner of Oldenburg's regal Schlossgarten, it’s not just a museum visit; it’s a historical adventure!

As you approach stop number 10, look for the grand, pale-yellow building with ornate white trimmings. This is Schloss Oldenburg, a key feature of the Schlossplatz. It’s like a fairytale castle with a lovely tower topped by a green spire. This bustling square is often filled with locals and visitors enjoying outdoor markets and various events. Schlossplatz is the heart of Oldenburg, where traditions meet everyday life. To your southeast is Schloss Oldenburg itself, the star of the show. If you glance southwest, you can see the peaceful Schlossgarten, perfect for a leisurely stroll. To the northwest, you'll spot St. Lamberti-Kirche, a majestic church. And to your north, the modern Schlosshöfe shopping center awaits, just in case you're in the mood for a bit of retail therapy! This square is not just a place; it’s a living tapestry of Oldenburg’s history and culture. So, while you're here, enjoy the sights, sounds, and maybe grab a local treat from a nearby stall. It's not just a destination-it's an experience!

As you approach Schloss Oldenburg, look to your right for a grand, impressive yellow building with a distinctive green-roofed tower. The structure features decorative facades typical of Renaissance architecture and several rows of neatly aligned windows. Now, let's delve into some fun facts about Schloss Oldenburg! This palace has been home to counts, dukes, and grand dukes over the centuries and now houses a part of the State Museum for Art and Cultural History. Imagine the place filled with 350 people bustling about in the year 1600-that's more residents than a busy beehive! Originally built around 1100 by the Counts of Oldenburg, this site started as a medieval castle and evolved through the ages. The place even had a moat and an outer wall-it feels like walking through a fairytale fortress! Over time, the keep did a little dance and started leaning, so it was replaced. And although ambitious renovation plans were interrupted by the Thirty Years' War, the palace still stands tall, whispering its rich history to those who visit. Enjoy your royal journey exploring the art and history within!

You're almost at the Schlosshöfe! Ahead of you, you’ll see a modern-looking building with "Schloss Höfe" in bold red letters, making it easy to spot. It's a large structure with a sleek facade, big windows, and multiple signs for stores, signaling the bustle inside. If you see bicycles parked nearby and a grassy area with flowers in front, you're in the right spot. Now, let’s dive into what makes Schlosshöfe special! Opened in 2011, this shopping paradise spans a whopping 12,500 square meters - that’s a lot of shopping bags. Tucked in the heart of Oldenburg, it’s conveniently located north of Schlossplatz, with the stunning Schloss Oldenburg to the south and St. Lamberti Church to the west. Owned by ECE Projektmanagement GmbH, this mall was quite the investment, a cool 115 million euros! With 80 stores and around 450 employees, it’s basically a small, bustling city within the city. And here’s a fun fact: it serves a demanding crowd, boasting a catchment area of over 800,000! So, whether you’re hunting for a new outfit or just window shopping, Schlosshöfe is the spot. Enjoy your spree!