The North Rhine-Westphalian city in the western part of the Ruhr Valley on the right side of the river carries the nickname “Cradle of the Ruhr Industry” after the ironworks were founded here in 1758. A city trip to Oberhausen will take you to a cultural centre with a number of museums and theatres. The 100-metre high Knappenhalde in the centre of Oberhausen is a former spoil heap and the highest point within the city. Visitors can enjoy tremendous views of Oberhausen’s impressive buildings, among them the formidable Castle Vondern in the district Osterfeld. The Baroque main manor of the count and duke castle first mentioned in records in the 13th century is home to regular exhibitions and concerts. While on your short trip or mini-break to Oberhausen, be sure to also visit the Renaissance Fair which takes place on the castle grounds in August of each year.
The famous landmark of the city is Castle Oberhausen which is located in the central district Alt-Oberhausen. The former moated castle was first mentioned in records in the year 1443. Towards the end of the 18th century, the stronghold was expanded with a classicist manor house.City travellers can visit the famous Ludwig Gallery inside the castle which presents masterpieces of fine art as well as noteworthy illustrations, posters, caricatures and photographs. The castle courtyards draw many visitors for concerts and theatre performances during the summer months. Towards the south-west of the castle, you will find the imperial gardens, completed in 1898, with groves, shrubs and flower beds as well as an animal park over 6 hectares in size which is home to rare domestic animals, lynxes and eagle owls.
The LVR-Industriemuseum, the museum of the Rhineland Regional Association, was called the Rhenish Industrial Museum until 2008. It presents exhibitions of the working conditions in the Industrial Age in six different cities. In Oberhausen, visitors can experience interesting sightseeing tours at the Museum Eisenheim and the St. Antony Hut Ironworks. The Museum Eisenheim is home to the largest workers’ settlement in the Ruhr Valley. One of the worker dwellings now houses a museum residence with original furniture, quotidian objects and pictures. The former ironwork St. Antony is located in the district Klosterhardt and was the first ironwork in the Ruhr Valley in 1758. Impressive objects in the former residence of the works foreman illustrate the hardship of work at that time. A furnace, a cupola furnace and a foundry were reconstructed in extraordinary 3-D animation in the industrial archaeological park.
One of the most popular family attractions during a city trip to Oberhausen is the Sea Life Adventure Park. More than 20,000 animals of more than 100 species will make the visit a unique experience. Marvel at sharks elegantly floating by and inquisitive sea turtles from the exhibition tunnel. Outside, kids and adults will enjoy exciting rides, such as the adventurous white-water ride. On this ride, you will traverse a terrain with Gentoo Penguins.
