The Top Things to See and Do in Oberhausen, Germany

Oberhausen Gasometer, a former gas holder standing 117.5 meters (385 feet) tall, is a magnificent exhibition space and the most iconic landmark of Oberhausen. Since 1944, the Gasometer has hosted regular high-tech and immensely popular exhibitions, spanning the genres of art, science, outer space, nature, culture and more. The roof of the Gasometer offers an uninterrupted view across the entire Ruhr region.

Legoland Discovery Centre is another awesome attraction in Oberhausen that children can’t get enough of. After all, what LEGO-lover’s heart wouldn’t beat faster at the sight of four million LEGO bricks? Hours will pass in the blink of an eye, as you watch a 4D movie, channel your inner builder at the various themed areas, explore LEGO models of the Ruhr area, and get on two fun rides with your family.

For retail therapy, there is no better place in Oberhausen than CentrO. CentrO is not another shopping mall, but the second-largest in Germany, and boasts the second-largest food court in all of Europe. Almost all German and international brands you can think of vie for your attention at this mall. Right outside, the promenade, lined with restaurants, coffee shops and bars, is a great spot to unwind and people-watch. In November and December, this space decks up for a magical Christmas market. Legoland Discovery Centre is housed inside CentrO.

Sea Life Aquarium is a favorite haunt for families. Here, you get to see a wide range of beautiful sea creatures up close, including exotic ones, like black-tip reef sharks, green sea turtles, and swarm rings. Learn all about the unique characteristics of aquatic creatures and their food preferences, and say hello to everyone’s favorite clownfish, Nemo! You’ll also have the chance to watch the sea creatures get fed.

Ludwig Galerie Schloss is a globally known art exhibition space housed in a Classicist palace. Across three themed areas (The Ludwig Collection, The Popular Gallery, and The Landmark Gallery), it showcases regularly changing exhibitions of art, photography, graphic arts, comics, illustrations and more. The exhibition space is also known for portraying several famous and rare works of art.

Kaisergarten, the green lungs of Oberhausen, is a 28-hectare (69-acre) park designed at the end of the 19th century. Large sections of the Kaisergarten are made up of woodlands and dense forests, while the rest are perfect for jogging, strolling and picnics. There is a small farm that is of special appeal to the little ones. Ludwig Galerie Schloss is located inside the Kaisergarten.

Der Zauberlehrling, translating to The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, is a unique sculpture by the Berlin-based art collective Inges Idee, which is known for many other striking artworks across the world. This massive electric pylon, looming above onlookers at 35 meters (115 feet), is designed to resemble an agile dancing pose. To fully enjoy the sculpture, walk around it slowly, and you’ll be surprised to find that it looks different from various angles, further enhancing the supposed movement. The sculpture stands in the lush gardens of Gehölzgarten Ripshorst.

AQUApark is yet another reason why Oberhausen is a favorite destination for families. This industrial-themed water park has pools suitable for all age groups. While there are slides after the hearts of daredevils, there is enough scope for the younger guests to splash around and have fun too. The star of the show is the 120-meter (394-foot) long, twisting slide that is the longest tube slide in Europe.