Oder-Neisse Cycle Route in the Oder-Spree Lake District

Inspired by the river, let yourself drift along on your bike, occasionally stopping to explore culture, panoramic views, and other hidden gems: the Oder-Neisse Cycle Path is an experience for anyone looking to get into the flow. Nowhere else does this long-distance cycle route come so close to Berlin, offering such a sublime, front-row view directly from the dike overlooking the floodplain landscape, its rich birdlife, and the water itself. The three tours we present here are easily accessible by train for day trips, but can also be combined into a multi-day journey along the river.

start / finishCoschen train station / Bad Freienwalde train station
length / duration155 kilometers / approx. 4 hours each way
Logo / route sign: green triangle "Oder-Neisse"
Character: A challenging tour overall, but easily divided into three stages as day trips with train connections. Mostly asphalt, dike paths with views, sometimes a bit windy, plenty of peace and nature, excellent for cycling, flat, with occasional short climbs for beautiful panoramas.
Extra tip: Flexible accommodation: The tour is perfect for a bikepacking trip with bivouac or tent sites in natural settings, for example in two or three stages. More comfort can be found in suitable guesthouses or hotels that cater to cyclists in the towns along the route.
Course: Coschen, Ratzdorf, Neuzelle, Eisenhüttenstadt, Aurith, Brieskow-Finkenherd, Frankfurt (Oder), Lebus, Reitwein, Küstrin-Kietz, Kostrzyn, Kienitz, Groß Neuendorf, Zollbrücke, Hohenwutzen, Bad Freienwalde (Oder)

Arrival / Departure:
Public transport: RB26 to Küstrin-Kietz / RB60 to Eberswalde then RB24 or RE3
Cars: e.g. public parking lots in the start, finish or stage towns

Directions
Exit 1: Exciting contrasts between the Neisse and Oder rivers
Between Coschen and Frankfurt (Oder), the route follows the pristine Neisse River through a tranquil floodplain. In Ratzdorf, the gauge house at the confluence of the Neisse and Oder rivers marks the transition to the mighty Oder. The floodplain widens, and the path continues along the dike.
After a brief stop in the historic old town of Fürstenberg, the route returns to nature. The ruins of a never-operational power plant form an impressive lost place. The Ziltendorf lowlands offer ideal conditions for birdwatching. Ferries in Aurith or Brieskow-Finkenheerd provide a welcome break before a final climb to Frankfurt (Oder).
Tip: Neuzelle impresses with its monastery complex, the "Baroque wonder of Brandenburg". Eisenhüttenstadt, with its socialist planned city architecture, offers a contrast.

Exit 2: Fantastic panoramic views
This stage begins in the European twin city of Frankfurt (Oder). City views can be enjoyed from the tower of St. Mary's Church or by crossing the bridge to Słubice for a different perspective. A detour on the Kleist Route leads to the Kleist Tower with its panoramic view.
Behind the town, the Oder slopes near Lebus descend steeply to the Oder River. In spring, the Pontic slopes are ablaze with adonis flowers, a feature that shapes the landscape year-round. Narrow paths between the church and the castle hill offer sweeping views into the neighboring country.
The destination is the Oder-Warta estuary with the ruins of the destroyed Küstrin fortress. From the reconstructed fortress wall, there is a view stretching far across the Oder River. Before continuing on to Küstrin-Kietz, a stop at the Schneider fish farm is recommended.
Tip: The Reitweiner Sporn, with a height of up to 80 meters, offers a wide view into the Oder valley and of the Stüler Church.

Exit 3: Prime spots by the river, polders and pioneers
This section of the trail, from Küstrin-Kietz to Bad Freienwalde, runs along the dike. The view opens up to the polder landscape of the Oderbruch and the wild Oder floodplain, a bird sanctuary.
In Kienitz and Groß Neuendorf, places invite you to take a break. The Groß Neuendorf cultural harbor tells the story of the transshipment of goods between ship and rail, while at the Güstebieser Loose ferry landing, the sculpture of the river god Viadrus welcomes visitors.
A highlight is the Europa Bridge between Neurüdnitz and Siekierki. The former railway bridge now serves as a panoramic walkway high above the river. In Hohenwutzen, the route leaves the Oder-Neisse Cycle Path and leads to Bad Freienwalde, where the ride ends in the historic old town.

Sights:

• Ratzdorf: Oder-Neisse confluence Ratzdorf with gauge house
• Neuzelle: Baroque monastery complex and museum
• Eisenhüttenstadt: Ensemble of the socialist planned city of Eisenhüttenstadt with the Museum of Utopia and Everyday Life, Fürstenberg Old Town
• Aurith: Aurith ferry to the Urad observation tower
• Frankfurt (Oder): Oder Promenade, St. Mary's Church, Kleist Museum
• Slubice: Kleist Tower Slubice
• Lebus: Oder slopes with Adonis flowers and view from the castle hill
• Reitwein: View Reitwein Spur
• Kostrzyn: Kostrzyn fortress
• Groß Neuendorf: Groß Neuendorf Cultural Harbor
• Between Neurüdnitz and Siekierki: Europa Bridge
• Bad Freienwalde: Historic town center 

Refreshment options:

• Neuzelle: Wild monastery cuisine
• Eisenhüttenstadt: Restaurant Aktivist
• Aurith: Radlerhof
• Brieskow-Finkenheerd: Fischer Schneider
• Frankfurt (Oder): S-Culture
• Lebus: Restaurant Oderblick
• Küstrin-Kietz: Schneider Fishery
• Kienitz: Gasthof zum Hafen, Café Himmel und Erde
• Groß Neuendorf: Tower café in the loading tower
• Between Groß Neuendorf and Zollbrücke: Radlerhof
• Zollbrücke: Dammaster's Office, Goat Farm, Zollbrücke Inn
• Europabrücke: Oderglück Café (seasonal)
• Hohenwutzen: Fuchsbau Inn, Country Inn Bahnhof No. 1
• Bad Freienwalde (Oder): Restaurant Stadtmitte

Combination options (the tour can be divided into 4 episodes and can also be cycled as a day trip):

• Exit 1: Exciting contrasts on the Oder-Neisse Cycle Path between Coschen and Frankfurt (Oder) (65 km)
• Exit 2: Fantastic panoramic views on the Oder-Neisse Cycle Path: Frankfurt (Oder) - Küstrin (50 km)
• Exit 3: Prime viewing spots on the Oder-Neisse Cycle Path between Küstrin and Bad Freienwalde (63 km)

Maps/Literature:

• Cycling brochure "Your bike. Your time out. Your flow.", Online shop Seenland Oder-Spree