In the heart of Delmenhorst, expansive Graft Gardens lie alongside traces of a city shaped by a history stretching from its medieval castle to its industrial past. The park in the city centre brings together open meadows, mature trees and broad waterways. The Wiekhorn-Graft Gardens landscape conservation area covers 183 hectares. You can discover Delmenhorst through both its green open spaces and its historic buildings.
Graft Gardens and paths along the Delme
The Graft Gardens are not only a large park in the city centre, but also a habitat. The mature trees provide a home for diverse and abundant breeding bird populations. Partly woodland-like groves, together with adjacent waterways and meadows, create ideal living conditions for numerous bat species.
Those who want to explore the landscape on foot can consider the “Along the Delme through Delmenhorst” Natura Trail. The hiking route is about seven kilometres long and starts on the castle island in the Graft Gardens. It passes protected sections of the Lower Delme and the Ochtum within the city; these stretches of water provide habitats for fish. The park, route and river landscape thus offer different perspectives on Delmenhorst’s nature.
Castle Island and industrial history
On Castle Island, a count’s garden house and the foundations of the former moated castle reveal Delmenhorst’s origins as the residence of Count Otto of Oldenburg. Another glimpse into the past can be found at the Northwest German Museum of Industrial Culture. Housed in several historic buildings, it presents Delmenhorst’s development from a medieval castle to a major industrial city in the 20th century. The city museum is located in the factory’s first engine house, built in 1884.
Haus Coburg also connects a specific place with cultural life today: as the Delmenhorst Municipal Gallery, it focuses on contemporary art and presents special exhibitions on socially relevant topics. The 44-metre-high water tower, a city landmark, serves as a prominent point of reference. In the Protestant church built in 1614, the coffins of Count Anton II of Delmenhorst, his wife and his children are on display in the family crypt.
Hasbergen Watermill, also known as Hasberger Village Mill, stands on the Delme in Delmenhorst-Hasbergen and is now used as a museum mill. Check opening times before your visit. On a guided city tour with Jan Tut, you can explore Delmenhorst city centre and its history. Jan Tut is introduced as a former cigar maker and municipal night watchman.
Art, theatre and more experiences
The cultural offering ranges from exhibitions to live performances. The programme at the Kleines Haus Theatre includes concerts, theatre from classical to contemporary, comedy, operetta and children’s theatre. Haus Coburg offers a different perspective on contemporary art and changing social issues; the two venues therefore provide distinct cultural experiences.
There are also plenty of ways to follow your interests beyond museums and theatre: GraftTherme offers relaxation, leisure and sports activities. The historic Jan Harpstedt narrow-gauge railway runs from Harpstedt to Delmenhorst. Its route passes through rural communities, with an old steam locomotive and historic carriages.
Weekly market and city life
The weekly market at Rathausplatz also offers a glimpse of everyday life in the city centre. It takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The selection of fresh regional produce includes fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and sausages, baked goods and flowers. Individual vendors may vary. Alongside parks, history and culture, the market and regional products offer another facet of Delmenhorst to explore.
Discover more destinations: Delmenhorst, WolfenbĂĽttel, Stade, Leer, Friesland, Uelzen, Holzminden, Wesermarsch.
Back to the main travel overview: Lower Saxony.
