Remember the Mesolithic Period. Flint tools found here date back to 6000–4500 BC. These tools are known as the Oldesloer Stufe. We’re standing in Bad Oldesloe-Land.
Bad Oldesloe-Land is rich with history. It’s also the capital of the Stormarn district. Let’s explore its past.
Bad Oldesloe had a Moravian Church congregation. This was during the 18th century. It was called “Pilgerruh” or “Pilgrims’ Rest.” Difficulties with Danish Church authorities led to its end. The kings of Denmark ruled the Duchy of Holstein then. They were within the Holy Roman Empire.
Allied forces heavily bombed Bad Oldesloe on April 24, 1945. This was in the final days of World War II. Three hundred buildings were destroyed. Sadly, 706 people died.
The 16th-century Mennokate stands as a memorial. It honors Menno Simons. He founded the Mennonites. He printed some of his works in this building. The Mennokate reflects the era’s architecture.
Bad Oldesloe station connects Lübeck and Hamburg. It also connects Neumünster and Bad Oldesloe.
Many notable people have called Bad Oldesloe home. Hermann Olshausen was a theologian. Otto Wilhelm Sonder was a botanist and pharmacist. Theodor Mommsen grew up here. He was a classical scholar and historian. August Mommsen was also a historian. Klaus Bargsten survived the sinking of U-521. Henning Schwarz was a CDU politician. Isa Genzken is a sculptor. Rüdiger Schmidt-Grépály is a cultural manager. Katharina Fegebank is a politician. Wincent Weiss is a singer and model.
Axel Hager grew up in Bad Oldesloe. He won a bronze medal in beach volleyball. Rouwen Hennings has played over 500 pro football games. Julia Görges is a tennis player. Maximilian Ahlschwede has played 300 pro football games. Alexander Meyer has played 230 games. Dan-Patrick Poggenberg has played 250 games. Dren Feka has played 80 pro games.
Bad Oldesloe is twinned with several cities. These include Be’er Ya’akov in Israel. Also Jifna in Palestine, Kołobrzeg in Poland, and Olivet in France.
Bad Oldesloe doesn’t have traditional health spas. But Lake Poggen is nearby with outdoor bathing. The Schwimmhalle offers indoor pools year-round.
The Heimatmuseum displays archeological finds. See prehistoric life and medieval town models. Salt production techniques are shown. There’s also a craft guild exhibit.
Bad Oldesloe played a key role in Mennonite history. Visit Menno Simons’ original home. It’s known as Mennokate.
Bad Oldesloe focuses on family-friendly development. There are 36 municipal playgrounds now. These include a skate park.
Enjoy hiking and biking here. There’s also mini-golf. A multiplex movie center and nightclubs offer entertainment. Bad Oldesloe combines history with modern life. It offers something for everyone. Its rich past and present-day focus make it special. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of time. They have shaped this unique place in Schleswig-Holstein.