Königstour im Oderbruch

Without the "Old Fritz" we would perhaps still be moving through the Oderbruch in rubber boots instead of on wheels. Around 1750 the King of Prussia had this wetland drained. The head of Sanssouci turned swamps into fertile farmland. 

Length / Duration: 98 km / 8 hours

Start / Finish: Gusow

Logo / route sign: "Old Fritz"

Arrival Departure:

• Train: From Berlin Lichtenberg with the RB26 (Kostrzyn) to Gusow (approx. 1 hour).
• Car: From Berlin via the B1 to Gusow (approx. 1,5 hours).

Course: Platkow, Neuhardenberg, Altfriedland, Kunersdorf, Neutrebbin, Altrebbin, Neulewin, Neulietzegöricke, Zollbrücke, Güstebieser Loose, Groß Neuendorf, Neubarmin, Klein Neuendorf, Sitzing, Wuschewier, Letschin, Gusow

Directions: The "King's Tour" leads right through this natural setting, where cyclists can observe water and wading birds below the Oder level. The beautiful cycling route is also a journey back in time - and not just because of the monuments to Frederick II in Letschin, Neutrebbin and Neuhardenberg. Those interested can also find information along the way about the Seven Years' War from 1756 to 1763. Two costly battles took place here on the other side of the Oder. Captain von Prittwitz even saved the king from Russian captivity. If you want to delve deeper into the history of the Prussian ruler, a detour to the old Küstrin fortress is recommended. The young crown prince was banished here by his father for two years in 1730. Here he also had to watch the beheading of his friend Hans Hermann von Katte. The beautiful Neuhardenberg Castle with its extensive park is located directly on the cycling route. A visit to the Schinkel Church is also worthwhile here. If you still have energy left after your bike ride, you can go canoeing on the Alte Oder from Quappendorf. King Frederick had the river arm tamed by redesigning the landscape. Boats and a shuttle service to the Oder are available from a rental company in Wriezen, for example.

Things to see and know:

• Platkow: Museum of Paleontology and Archaeology
• Neuhardenberg: Schinkel's palace ensemble, Lenné and Prince v. Pückler Park with Friedrich monument, Schinkel church, Heimathaus
• Altfriedland: monastery ruins, monastery church, home parlor
• Kunersdorf: Grave Colonnade, Church, Musenhof, Military History Park
• Neutrebbin: historic village complex, monument to Frederick II, Schinkel Church, war memorial
• Neulietzegöricke: first colonist village in the Oderbruch (1753), historic village with many half-timbered buildings, village church, bee house
• Zollbrücke: Theater am Rand, Dammmeisterensemble, Deichscharte, Ziegenhof
• Güstebieser Loose: ferry crossing to Gozdowice (Apr.-Oct.)
• Groß Neuendorf: Jewish cemetery, old port, galleries, pottery, museums
• Letschin: Letschin Heimatstuben Haus Birkenweg, Fontane Park, Friedrich II monument, Schinkel church tower, Railway Museum

Possible combinations

• Oderbruchbahn cycle path
• Oder-Neisse cycle path
• European cycle route R1

Road condition / route development: paved bike paths

Maps / Literature: "Seenland Oder-Spree (districts Oder-Spree and Märkisch Oderland): Cycling and adventure map", scale 1:100.000 / 1:175.000 map-folded map, publisher: Pietruska; edition: 4 (August 2017), ISBN 978-3-945138-01-4, 6,90 euros