Things To Do
in Oberhausen
Oberhausen is a city located in the western part of Germany, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is known for its industrial history and was once a thriving coal and steel production center. Today, Oberhausen is a vibrant city with a variety of cultural attractions, including the Gasometer exhibition space and the Centro shopping mall.
The city also hosts the popular annual International Short Film Festival and is home to the famous Oberhausen Sea Life aquarium.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please/You're welcome
- "Guten Morgen" - Good morning
- "Auf Wiedersehen" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $80
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Einkaufszentrum Centro Oberhausen, one of the largest shopping malls in Europe. Enjoy breakfast at one of the local cafés while admiring the architecture.
Head to the Gasometer, a former gas holder turned exhibition space, for fascinating art installations. Don’t miss the panoramic view of the city from the top of the Gasometer.
Enjoy dinner at a traditional German restaurant nearby. Afterward, take a stroll along the canal to unwind and enjoy the illuminated scenery.
Visit the Ludwig Galerie, known for its contemporary art exhibits. Start with a guided tour for deeper insights into the artworks.
Explore the Oberhausen Castle and its beautiful gardens. It's a perfect spot for a picnic or simply relaxing in nature.
Dine at a local pizzeria that offers a cozy atmosphere. After dinner, check out a local theater production for a taste of German performing arts.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich industrial heritage and history.
- Various cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger German cities.
- Access to green spaces and parks for outdoor activities.
- Good public transportation system for easy connectivity.
- Limited job opportunities in some sectors.
- Perception of being less attractive compared to major cities.
- Weather can be overcast and rainy, affecting outdoor plans.
- Some areas may face urban challenges like poverty and crime.
- Fewer entertainment and nightlife options than larger cities.
Best Activities in Oberhausen
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Visit the Gasometer for stunning panoramic views of Oberhausen and its surroundings.
Enjoy a relaxing stroll or picnic in the beautiful CentrO Park, featuring lakes, greenery, and walking paths.
Explore the Kaisergarten park, which includes a zoo, playgrounds, and ample space for outdoor activities.
Tours
Uncover the best of Oberhausen with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Oberhausen
Visit one of these nice places.
The Gasometer offers stunning views of Oberhausen and the surrounding area from its observation deck, providing great photo opportunities.
The CentrO-Promenade, with its modern architecture and waterfront location, offers picturesque views and numerous photo opportunities.
Schloss Borbeck and its surrounding gardens provide a beautiful backdrop for photos and offer panoramic views of the area.
Food in Oberhausen
Oberhausen Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A popular German fast food consisting of steamed, then fried pork sausage, topped with a blend of curry ketchup and curry powder.
Must-Try!
Crispy potato pancakes often served with applesauce or smoked salmon, a classic dish ready to be found at various local restaurants and street food stalls.
Tender pot roast, typically of beef, marinated before slow-cooking and often served with red cabbage and potatoes, a must-try in traditional eateries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Oberhausen better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
An extensive market featuring a wide array of foods, from fresh produce to local delicacies. Be sure to sample delicious street foods like bratwurst and crepes while exploring the market.
A vibrant market offering a variety of local street food vendors, serving everything from grilled sausages to fresh pastries and sweets.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Oberhausen, it is customary to greet people with a handshake and address them using their titles and last names until invited to use their first names.
Germans place a high value on punctuality, so it is important to arrive on time for social and business engagements in Oberhausen.
Germans generally value their personal space, so it's important to give people enough physical distance during interactions and avoid intrusive gestures or touch.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Oberhausen with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Oberhausen
Ensure a smooth experience
In Oberhausen, Germany, tipping at restaurants, bars, and cafes is common and appreciated. A typical tip is 5-10% of the total bill, although rounding up to the nearest Euro is also acceptable. Tipping for good service is customary, but it is not mandatory.
In Oberhausen, Germany, cash is widely accepted for transactions, especially at smaller businesses. However, credit and debit cards are also commonly used, and most establishments will accept card payments. Contactless payment methods are increasingly popular, and many businesses also accept mobile payments. It is always advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller, family-run establishments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Oberhausen.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Oberhausen as the weather warms up, and the city comes to life with blooming flowers and outdoor events. It's the perfect time to explore parks and gardens.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Oberhausen with warm temperatures and plenty of outdoor activities and events. Visitors can enjoy open-air concerts, festivals, and outdoor dining.
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage to Oberhausen. It's a great time for scenic walks, visiting museums, and enjoying local harvest festivals.
Winter in Oberhausen can be cold, but the city comes alive with Christmas markets, ice skating, and festive decorations. It's a magical time to experience the holiday spirit in the city.
Oberhausen at Night
Hiking in Oberhausen
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A former industrial site transformed into a public park with trails, gardens, and stunning views of the old steelworks.
A scenic local park featuring walking paths, green spaces, and several small ponds, perfect for a relaxing hike.
A large nature park offering numerous hiking trails through diverse landscapes, including forests, meadows, and rivers.
A beautiful park with a variety of gardens and nature trails, suitable for family hikes and enjoying nature.
A lovely riverside hiking spot along the Ruhr River, featuring paths perfect for walking and biking.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Oberhausen through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Oberhausen by plane.
Located approximately 30 kilometers from Oberhausen, Düsseldorf International Airport is one of the major international airports in Germany, serving numerous international routes.
Situated around 50 kilometers from Oberhausen, Cologne Bonn Airport is a significant international airport offering a wide range of destinations across Europe and beyond.
Located about 20 kilometers from Oberhausen, this airport serves regional flights and is closer than larger international airports.
Approximately 60 kilometers from Oberhausen, Weeze Airport offers low-cost flights to several European destinations and is a smaller alternative to larger airports.
Although further away, located about 350 kilometers, Hamburg Airport is one of the major airports in northern Germany, connecting to various international destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary ethnic group, comprising the majority of the population in Oberhausen.
A significant minority group, largely due to labor migration in the 1960s and 1970s.
Another notable demographic, particularly among older generations, stemming from mid-20th century migration.
A growing community in recent years, partly due to economic migration.
A recent demographic group that has increased due to the refugee crisis.
Part of the increasing Eastern European population in Oberhausen.
Includes various groups from Asian countries, reflecting both recent and historical migration.
Includes mixed heritage and various minority groups from Africa and Latin America.
The Soul of Oberhausen
Discover the essence of Oberhausen through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Oberhausen, with a strong local following and the presence of teams like Rot-Weiß Oberhausen.
Handball enjoys popularity in Oberhausen, with local clubs participating in regional leagues and competitions.
Ice hockey has a dedicated fan base in Oberhausen, particularly with the presence of local teams in regional leagues.
Basketball is gaining popularity, with community leagues and clubs fostering interest among the youth.
Athletics is widely practiced, with various events organized by local clubs and schools promoting sports education.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Oberhausen.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available in Oberhausen, with many restaurants offering meat-free dishes such as vegetable stir-fry, salads, and pasta.
While less common, vegan options can be found in select eateries, with dishes like vegan burgers, falafel, and plant-based bowls gaining popularity.
Several restaurants in Oberhausen cater to gluten-free diets, offering dishes such as grilled fish, rice bowls, and gluten-free pizza.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Oberhausen with these cultural adventures.