High flights and wide views in the northern Oderbruch: to the Polish Oder slopes and to the nature- and bird-paradise

Start and finish: train station or market place Bad Freienwalde 
Length: 52 km, duration: approx. 3 - 3,5 h
Arrival and departure: RE4 from Berlin Hbf. to Eberswalde, then RB60 to Bad Freienwalde. 

Your highlights:
High up: enjoy spectacular views from numerous vantage points despite the flat route profile.
Deep in the west: visit Poland's westernmost point on the Oder River
Nature: Birdwatching in the Cedyński Landscape Park

From one slope to the other 

You start your tour in Bad Freienwalde. Charmingly nestled in the wooded hillsides of the Upper Barnim and on the edge of the wide plain of the Oderbruch lies the oldest spa town in Brandenburg. Many old villas bear witness to the fact that the place was a sophisticated spa. Today, a small but fine old town center presents itself. Those who want to learn more about the history of the town and the Oderbruch region can visit the small Oderland Museum.

The next hill already greets you on the horizon, which you will reach after a few minutes on the Tour Brandenburg bike path and after crossing the Old Wriezener Oder. The Neuenhagener Oderinsel is a result of the last ice age and is as highland still today completely washed by river courses. In Schiffmühle, a small museum with a café invites you to linger. Theodor Fontane was a frequent visitor here in the mid-19th century - after all, the famous writer's father lived for many years in the inconspicuous half-timbered house with a beautiful garden.  

Fantastic views from the island

You continue along the steep slopes of Neuenhagen Island that slope to the south. Shortly after Gabow some sandy paths branch off and open up the high dune hills. Put your bike down for a moment and climb the hill! You will be rewarded with an impressive panorama into the wide Oderbruch! The Oder slopes are the location of a heat-loving dry grassland vegetation - almost like in the steppe! A large part belongs to the bird sanctuary "Schorfheide Chorin" or to the biosphere reserve of the same name. Passing the church of Altglietzen, you will once again have a wide view into the Oderbruch and you can already sense the next Oder slopes - this time on the Polish side. 

Crossing the Oder in Hohenwutzen

On weekends there is a lot of hustle and bustle in the small town of Hohenwutzen. Many Germans shop at the market behind the border in Poland. You leave it on your left, cross the big border river and after about 300m look for the entrance to the cycle path Zielona Odra (ZiO), which you follow south on the quiet country road 126. Soon you will see a turnoff pointing to the westernmost point of Poland. Take a break at the prominent landmark with a beautiful view of the Oder River. Fun fact: Berlin is only about 45 km away from here as the crow flies!

Panoramic route and birdwatching in the protected area

Now on the road along the Polish slopes of the Odra River, another spectacular viewpoint awaits you. A narrow path leads from the road up to a panoramic refuge, where a beautiful place with a view of the entire Oder bend and into the Oderbruch presents itself. 

On a good 10km stretch you will have again and again beautiful views of the here called Kostrzyneckie-Oderaue. The most valuable protected area in the Cedyński Landscape Park is inhabited by over 100 species of breeding birds and 50 migratory birds as well as rare amphibians. The areas naturally flooded by the Odra River are especially impressive in spring, when lush greenery surrounds the blue water, making the landscape look like the Amazon. Tip: about 300m before the church in Stara Rudnica, a path leads into the floodplain. Here it is worth listening attentively to the sounds and using binoculars to observe waterfowl and marsh birds - a real refuge of biodiversity! Perhaps you will discover the rare Black Terns (May to August) or see the numerous geese or cranes, especially in autumn.

From the Europabrücke to Wriezen and the Oderbruch Museum 

You ride straight through the wide area to the southwest on the Oderbruchbahn cycle path and the former railroad embankment and reach Wriezen. Fontane called the town the secret capital of the Oderbruch in his time. The reason for this was the enormous wealth of fish in the still unregulated river and marshland landscape and its position as an important trading center. In the town's coat of arms a pike reminds of the strongest guild in the Middle Ages, the pike rippers, who sold their salted pike all the way to Italy. Fun fact 2: the town center, located directly on the Oder River before it was drained, is 11 km as the crow flies from the present course of the Oder. 

The last stage takes you back on the Tour Brandenburg cycle path to Bad Freienwalde. However, it's worth making a stop at the Oderbruch Museum in Altranft. In the historic buildings of the estate farming village, the Oderbruch is presented: the unique water system, its people and rural culture. In the exhibitions, it is above all the inhabitants themselves who have their say. Also try the Talkwalk: a special audio walk through the times of the village of Altranft. An exciting insight rounds off your tour in the northern Oderbruch.

Refreshment tips: 

• 
  Schiffmühle: coffee & cake in the Fontanehaus
• 
  Neuglietzen: Gaststätte Fuchsbau, at the Europabrücke the Healthy Foodtruck of Edyta and Ryszard with homemade Bigos is waiting for you on the Polish side in the summer half-year.
• 
  Wriezen: Ristorante "Juani
• 
  Altranft: Cafeteria in the Oderbruch Museum
• 
  Bad Freienwalde: various restaurants around the market place and in the city center

Extra Tour Tip: 

Get an overview of the tour area from above at the beginning: Bad Freienwalde is known for its special views. Two are located just a few minutes' walk from the market square:

• Ruinenberg via Weinbergstraße and stairs to the lookout pulpit. 
• Galgenberg lookout tower on the tower hiking trail