67th Defftig Ollnborger Gröönkohl-Äten

The "Defftig Ollnborger Gröönkohl-Äten" is one of the most unusual and continuous events that a German city hosts in political Berlin. Since 1956 — for almost 70 years — the city of Oldenburg has invited guests to a kale feast in the capital every year. In 2026, this marks the 67th edition.

Lower Saxony State Representation Berlin

The venue is the Lower Saxony State Representation in Berlin. Here, politics, business, administration, and guests from Oldenburg come together for a traditional evening with kale, Pinkel, and a festive ceremony.

Kale and Pinkel

The centerpiece is the North German national dish: kale with Pinkel (a smoked groats sausage), often accompanied by Kassler (smoked pork loin), Mettenden (cured sausages), caramel potatoes, and mustard. Oldenburg is considered Germany's "capital of kale tours" and cultivates this tradition accordingly.

Kale Majesty 2026: Olaf Lies

Each year, a prominent personality is crowned "Kale Majesty." The selection follows a long tradition and is an honor and a sign of special connection to Oldenburg and Lower Saxony. In 2026, the honor falls to Olaf Lies, the Minister-President of Lower Saxony (SPD).

€28,000 in Donations

The kale feast is also a charity event. Around €28,000 are expected in 2026 for charitable projects — a significant sum that is awarded each year to various initiatives with a direct connection to Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, or social causes.

Tradition Since 1956

With almost 70 years of tradition, the Gröönkohl-Äten is a piece of living city history. The Low German spelling "Gröönkohl-Äten" explicitly anchors the event in Oldenburg's North German identity.