Start and finish: Frankfurt (Oder) train station
Length / Duration72 kilometers / approx. 5 hours
Arrival/Departure: RE1 from Berlin Hbf. to Frankfurt (Oder)
Highlights:
- Everything in Flow: the wide river, great scenery, no cars and always along the Oder - a feeling of freedom spreads!
- Top or bottom: drive on or next to the dike – you have the choice and can enjoy great views of the wide landscape
- Kostrzyn nad Odra: Learn background information about the former fortress and vanished city
- Lebus: admire the unique Adonis flowers
The round trip starts in Frankfurt (Oder), which can be reached quickly and easily with the RE1. Situated in the middle of the beautiful Oder river landscape, Frankfurt and Słubice are connected by a city bridge and shared visions. There is movement here, the region is changing.
First, grab the chance to get a unique overview and climb the tower of one of the largest Gothic brick churches in northern Germany. From a height of 67 m, you can enjoy an impressive panorama of the twin cities. Be amazed at how green and close to nature the former Hanseatic city is. On the other side you can see the city of Słubice, which can be reached after crossing the Oder over the city bridge. From the Słubice Linden Promenade, you can once again enjoy a beautiful view of the Frankfurt skyline from the Oder dike.
Lonely on the Zielona Odra cycle path
Within a short time, you're immersed in nature. The Zielona Odra Cycle Path (ZiO) follows the eastern Oder dike, always close to the river, heading north into idyllic solitude and tranquility. The panoramic views of the Oder are simply breathtaking. Across the river, the Oder slopes, the church, and the Hollywood-style sign of Lebus come into view. The route also passes through Lebus.
After about 20 km you pass a turnoff that leads behind the dyke to the village of Górzyca. This is where you can get the best pizza in the area. The path is now much more rustic: up to Kostrzyn you are on gravel. But you are still accompanied by wild nature and the unique riverside landscape.
The forgotten city
The once mighty fortress of Küstrin now lies on the edge of the Polish national park "Wartamündung". Just behind the roundabout at the entrance to the town, the Kietzer Tor marks the southern entrance to the former town and fortress. The promenade above offers a beautiful view of the river. There are also many benches in the nearby park by the monument where you can take a break.
The museum, which has two locations on the site, provides information on the eventful and sad history of the place: in the Phillip Bastion and in the Berliner Tor at the north entrance. The field of ruins overgrown with greenery of the former old town, which was completely destroyed in 1945, leaves a deep impression. The war left only the ruins of the church, former curbs and cellar windows.
It rolls on the Oder-Neisse cycle path
Crossing the border again over the Oder marks about half of your tour. Once you're back on the German side, turn south onto the Oder-Neisse cycle path in Küstrin Kietz. Kietz was once the fishing suburb of nearby Kostrzyn. How about a break at the fisherman's? The short 2 km detour to the Schneider fishing farm is worth it: smoked fish, freshly filled rolls or coffee and cake await hungry people behind the dike. You can not only charge your own batteries here - you can also charge your e-bike if necessary!
You continue rolling along the Oder on the finest asphalt. It is simply fun to cycle through the flat marshland without any car noise. The dyke is important and protects against flooding. A display board with a memorial stone is an impressive reminder of how the residents of the Oderbruch once fought against the floods. If you want to extend the tour a little, you can take a detour via Reitwein. The high tower of the church greets you from 1 km away. The mountainous foothills of the Reitweiner Sporn can be climbed for the beautiful view of the "Reitweiner Nase".
High up in Lebus
Shortly before Lebus, the Oder pushes up against the Oder slopes, which are up to 50 m high and were formed during the last ice age. The tranquil town of Lebus has settled here and offers an attractive stopover with restaurants, an ice cream shop and a bakery. The landscape around the former bishop's seat is particularly beautiful. The cycle path bends at the church and you have to pedal hard to get to the top. The view over the old town and the Oder towards Poland is a well-deserved reward.
In spring, the yellow but poisonous Adonis flowers bloom on the Oder slopes - unique in Germany, as the plant is originally native to the Black Sea. The slopes are part of the "Lebus with Pontic Slopes" nature reserve. It is worth stretching your legs a little on the theme trail and admiring the steppe-like vegetation and the view of the Oder.
Finale on the Frankfurt Oder Promenade
The last 7 km of the cycle path runs alongside the road back to the starting point. If you feel like you're adventurous, you can continue the last few kilometers behind Lebus directly along the Oder and on field paths. At the sharp bend, turn left and past the rest area on the Adonis slopes, over a small "bridge" into the Oder meadows and on to Frankfurt (Oder). With a sturdy bike and no flooding, this is certainly doable for brave riders.
Finally, you roll back into Frankfurt and are greeted by the beautiful Oder promenade. Past the impressive concert hall, the oversized peace bell heralds the end of the Oder circular tour. Congratulations, you've made it!
Refreshment tips:
- Górzyca: Pizzeria Sabroso
- Kostrzyn upon Odra: Restauracja Oder
- Küstriner Vorland: Fischereihof Schneider
- LebusOderblick Restaurant
- Frankfurt (Oder): Frankfurter Kartoffelhaus
We recommend doing this sporty tour with a trekking, gravel or touring bike or e-bike. The section from Górzyca to Kostrzyn on the ZiO in particular is on gravel, but it is easy to manage with normal tire width.
