Eisenhüttenstadt occupies a special position among all cities in East Germany, because Eisenhüttenstadt was designed on the drawing board as the “first socialist city on German soil” and built on the “green field” between the over 750-year-old city of Fürstenberg/Oder and the villages of Schönfließ and Diehlo.
The reason for the construction of the socialist model city was the construction of the first ironworks in the former GDR in 1951. The name of the city itself shows the close connection between the city and the factory, which still determines the pulse of the region today. The factory, known as the Eisenhüttenkombinat Ost (EKO), is now one of the most modern flat steel producers in Europe and a successful member of the global corporation ArcelorMittal. But Eisenhüttenstadt does not only have the mighty silhouette of cooling towers, blast furnaces and steelworks that the city name implies, but also a green island, lots of water and art.
The urban development area is a listed building and is unique in Germany. It outlines the development and end of the GDR through architecture - from magnificent residential buildings in the national building tradition to simple workers' quarters, most of which have been extensively renovated. The approximately 100 outdoor sculptures by well-known artists, the numerous mosaics and the variety of designs on the facades also make a walk through the city a special and unforgettable experience.
The Municipal Museum and its gallery, which has an art collection of cultural and historical significance, provide information about the history of the city, which was called Stalinstadt until 1961. The aim of the Museum of Utopia and Everyday Life, which is located in a former day-care center - a building with a classicist appearance - is to research everyday life in the GDR and present it in changing exhibitions.
The collection of historic fire engines and small technology in the Fire Department and Technology Museum is unique in Brandenburg.
The largest recreational area in the city is the "island", which is located near the city center, nestled between two arms of the Oder-Spree canal. Here, far away from the hustle and bustle of civilization, there is a well-kept park with sports and playgrounds, animal enclosures, a skateboard track and a swimming pool that has been converted into an adventure pool.
In recent years, numerous cycle paths have been created and expanded in Brandenburg's forest- and water-rich landscapes, some of which have been created exclusively for cyclists without any car traffic and are perfectly navigable. Nature and culture without borders along the Neisse and Oder with a view of neighboring Poland can be experienced on the certified Oder-Neisse cycle path. Eisenhüttenstadt is a recommended stop on the 282 km long tour. The route leads through the historic district of Fürstenberg (Oder), where the old fishing district on the Oder-Spree canal entices visitors to linger with its idyllic corners. The Gothic parish church (14th century), the ensemble around the old town hall and the narrow streets with the lovingly restored houses are also worth seeing.
In the district of Fürstenberg (Oder), the Oder-Spree Canal branches off to the waters of Berlin. This is an important waterway junction, especially for leisure boaters. From here, water sports enthusiasts have the best conditions to explore the natural river landscape of the Oder from Berlin to the Baltic Sea. A special experience is the passage through the Eisenhüttenstadt twin shaft lock. This unique technical monument overcomes a height difference of 14 m and can be visited by prior appointment.
There is so much more to discover in the city of contrasts - between modernity and tradition. The US actor Tom Hanks also felt this and never tires of talking enthusiastically about our special city. He gave Eisenhüttenstadt the name "Iron Hut City" and we insisted on telling everyone about it...
