In 1544 Adolf, his brother Johann, and their half-brother King Christian III of Denmark, divided the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein. The areas were divided according to approximately equal tax proceeds. Adolf, as the youngest, was entitled the first choice. Since he selected the part with the castle Gottorp, the line of the house Oldenburg created by him, was called Schleswig Holstein Gottorp.
He travelled, entrusting Johan Rantzau to manage his country. Adolf participated in the Diet of Augsburg, where he witnessed Emperor Charles V at the high point of his power. In 1553 Adolf turned to his homeland.
