Flasshofstrasse

Flasshofstrasse in Oberhausen has been designated as a regulated red-light street since 1963, making it one of the oldest official tolerance zones in the Ruhr area. Along the street are approximately 230 rooms where sex workers operate within a legal and officially supervised framework. The long history of the street reflects the pragmatic approach that many Ruhr area cities take toward the subject of sex work.

The setup follows the classic structure of a regulated street: visitors can walk along and choose a house. Prices are in the budget range, which sets Flasshofstrasse apart from more upscale establishments in the region. The condition and furnishing of individual rooms varies, and visitors should come with appropriately modest expectations, as the focus is on function rather than luxury.

As a historic fixture in the Oberhausen cityscape, Flasshofstrasse has endured across generations and survived various societal debates. Official regulation provides a framework that offers a degree of safety for both sex workers and visitors. For an overview of the traditional red-light milieu of the Ruhr area, Flasshofstrasse remains a relevant reference point.