Surrounded by an impressive river landscape, the neighboring cities are connected by a modern bridge and a friendly relationship. On this exploration tour directly on the Oder, you will discover two countries in just one day.
start/finish Frankfurt (Oder) train station
Length 12 km
Duration 3h
Arrival/departure RE1 from Berlin to Frankfurt (Oder)
Green Urban Oasis
The tour starts directly at the train station in Frankfurt (Oder). After just a few minutes' walk downhill, there are several options for a breather, for example in the park on the Anger or in Gertraudenpark. A detour to the real natural island of Ziegenwerder is recommended. The bird sanctuary between the old and new Oder is one of the most popular leisure areas in the twin city. After the detour into the idyll, it's back to the university city. The Alma Mater of the Viadrina was the first Brandenburg state university in 1506 and existed until 1811. Along the Oder promenade is the world's only Kleist Museum, which is dedicated to the life and work of the city's most famous son. After a stroll through the museum, it's worth taking a short break in the garden to enjoy the view of the border river. From here, head towards the city bridge, past the Peace Bell. The boat landing stage immediately catches your eye. In summer, you can board the boat here to explore the twin cities from the water.
Experience Europe
There is something magical about walking across the 250-meter-long border bridge. Just a few minutes later, you find yourself in another country, with a different language and currency. From the roof of the Collegium Polonicum, which is part of the European University, you have a breathtaking view of Słubice and Frankfurt (Oder). In the immediate vicinity is the Wikipedia monument, which is well worth seeing, with which the citizens of Słubice express their appreciation for anonymous authors around the world. The largest cultural center in the Polish city is abbreviated to SMOK and is both an exhibition and event venue. Two impressive places of worship can be admired: the Catholic parish church of the Most Holy Virgin Mary and the Orthodox church. Beautiful squares with fountains are ideal for taking a breather.
cultural treasures of Frankfurt
Once you have arrived in the former Hanseatic city, the path leads past the memorial for victims of political tyranny and the concert hall. The home of the Brandenburg State Orchestra is named after Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, who studied law at Frankfurt University in the 18th century. An exhibition in the concert hall provides interesting insights into the life and work of Johann Sebastian Bach's second-born. After a lot of art and culture, it is time for a trip out into the countryside. The path then runs along Lennépark, the second oldest public park in Germany, which is still maintained by committed residents and invites you to linger. Back in the hustle and bustle of the city, you should head towards the Oder again and visit one of the largest religious buildings of North German brick Gothic. St. Mary's Church has three 600-year-old, colorful choir windows. The historic brick building of the town hall on the other side of the street also houses the Brandenburg State Museum of Modern Art. If you want to learn more about the eventful history of the city, which was founded in 1253 and was considered an important trading center at the time, you should plan a visit to the Viadrina Museum. The museum is just a stone's throw away.
Following historical traces back to the starting point
On the way back, stop by the German-Polish Tourist Information, which is hidden behind the walls of the Bolfras House. The former Renaissance building, first mentioned in 1540, owes its name to the university's syndic Michael Bolfras and was built in 2014 according to historical plans and the most modern standards. Just before the destination, the path passes another church worth seeing. The St. Gertraud Church has an impressive Sauer organ. Some of the treasures from the St. Mary's Church are also kept there. The Heinrich von Kleist monument can be found in the park of the same name.
Tour tip: Feel free to do the tour by bike, as the stadium, the park behind the bazaar and the Kleist Tower are also worth a visit.
Sights:
- German-Polish Tourist Information
- Kleist Forum
- Kleist Museum Frankfurt (Oder)
- St. Mary's Church Frankfurt (Oder)
- concert hall
- Museum Viadrina / BLMK
- Catholic Church Slubice
- Orthodox Church of Slubice
- Café Kleistpark
- GränzKaffee
- KroCo
- Villa Casino
