Bad Oldesloe does not have the health spa reputation that many “Bad” designated German towns share. You will find a nice outdoor bathing facility just three kilometers away at Lake Poggen, and the newly refurbished indoor Schwimmhalle has four pools open year round.
But hot springs cures and wellness resorts do not play such a major part in the local tourism scene today as they did long ago. Instead, you will find sites of historical significance, such as excavations that have revealed flint tools dating back to the Mesolithic Period (6,000 – 4,500 BC).
The local Heimatmuseum offers 600 square meters of archeological displays showing pre-historic life, accurate scale models of the medieval town and its development, salt production techniques, and an extensive exhibit and collection of items related to craft guilds.
Bad Oldesloe also played a seminal role in the history of the pacifist group known as the Mennonites. You can still visit the original home of Menno Simons, Anabaptist founder of the movement. The house, called Mennokate by local residents, was built in the early 16th century and reflects the architecture and sensibilities of that era.
As the capital of the Stormarn District, Bad Oldesloe has lately focused much of its attention on providing leadership to the region in the form of development. Officials have stressed the creation of a family-friendly environment, with emphasis on education, recreation and cultural identity.
Toward this end, an expansive program was launched in 2007, to provide green areas where children of all ages can romp, swing, slide, climb and skate to their hearts’ content. Now there are 36 municipal playgrounds in the town, including a skate park and a dirt park, for fun in the sun and soil.
Among other recreational activities for you here are hiking, biking and mini-golf, and an eight-position mobile home park opened recently. There is a modern multiplex movie center downtown, too, and jazz concerts, stage performances and lively nightclubs round out the evening entertainment.
Enjoy your stay!
