In the flow between Frankfurt (Oder) and Kostrzyn: big 2-country round trip along the river Oder

Start and finish: Frankfurt (Oder) train station 
Length: 72 km, duration: approx. 4,5 - 5,5 h
Arrival and departure: RE1 from Berlin main station to Frankfurt (Oder). 

Your highlights:

• 
  Everything in flow: the wide river, great scenery, no cars and always along the Oder - a feeling of freedom spreads! 
• 
  Up or down: on or next to the dike - you have the choice and can enjoy great views of the wide landscape.
• 
  Kostrzyn nad Odra: get background information about the former fortress and disappeared town 
• 
  Lubusz: admire the unique Adonis florets

Start in the European twin city on the Oder

Your round trip starts in Frankfurt (Oder), which you can reach comfortably and quickly by RE1. Located 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, get a unique overview by climbing the tower of one of the largest Gothic brick churches in northern Germany. From a height of 67 meters, you can enjoy an impressive panorama of the twin city. You will be amazed at how green and close to nature the former Hanseatic city appears. On the other side you will see Słubice, which you will reach after crossing the Odra river over the city bridge. From the Słubice linden promenade you have a beautiful view of the Frankfurt silhouette from the Oder dike.

Lonely on the Zilona Odra cycle path 

After a short time you are in the middle of nature. The Zilona Odra cycle path (ZiO) leads you always close to the Oder on the eastern Oder dike towards the north and into dreamlike loneliness and peace. Your eyes will soak up the Oder panoramas. From across the Oder slopes, the church and the Hollywood-like lettering of Lebus greet you. You'll be able to stop by there later, too. 

After about 20 km you pass a turnoff that leads behind the dike to the village of Górzyca. Here you can get the best pizza in the area. The road is now much more rustic: up to Kostrzyn you are now on gravel. But you will continue to be enchanted by wild nature and unique shoreline scenery.

The forgotten city 

On the edge of the Polish national park "Warta estuary" the once mighty fortress Küstrin is now in front of you. Just past the traffic circle at the entrance to the town, the Kietzer Tor marks the southern entrance to the former town and fortress. On the promenade above you have a beautiful view of the river. Also in the nearby park near the monument, many benches invite you to linger. 

The museum with two locations on the area informs about the eventful and sad history of the place: in the bastion Phillip as well as in the Berlin Gate at the northern entrance. The ruins of the former old town, completely destroyed in 1945, overgrown by greenery, leave a deep impression. The war has left only the ruins of the church, former curbs and cellar windows. 

It's rolling on the Oder-Neisse Cycle Path 

Crossing the border again over the Oder River marks about half of your tour. Once back on the German side, you'll turn south onto the Oder-Neisse Cycle Path in Küstrin Kietz. Kietz was once the fishing suburb of nearby Kostrzyn. How about a stop at the fisherman's? The short detour of about 2 km to Fischereihof Schneider is worth it: smoked fish, freshly prepared rolls or coffee and cake are waiting for you behind the dike. Not only can you recharge your batteries here - if necessary, also those of your e-bike! 

On finest asphalt you roll further along the Oder. It's simply fun to cycle through the flat landscape without the noise of cars. The dike is important and protects against flooding. A display board with a memorial stone is an impressive reminder of how the inhabitants of the Oderbruch once fought against the floods. If you would like to extend the tour a little further, you can take a detour via Reitwein. The high tower of the church greets you from a distance of 1 km. You can climb the mountainous foothills of the Reitwein spur for the beautiful view "Reitweiner Nase". 

High up in Lebus

Shortly before Lebus, the Oder River pushes right up against the up to 50m high Oder slopes, which were formed during the last ice age. This is where the tranquil town of Lebus has settled, offering you an attractive stopover with its gastronomy, ice cream store and bakery. The landscape around the former bishop's seat is particularly beautiful. The bike path makes a bend at the church and you have to pedal hard to get to the top. The view over the old town and the Oder River towards Poland is the well-deserved reward. 

In spring, the yellow but poisonous Adonis roses bloom on the Oder slopes - unique in Germany, as the plant is originally native to the Black Sea. The slopes are part of the nature reserve "Lebus with Pontic Slopes". It is worthwhile to stretch your feet a bit on the themed trail and admire the steppe-like vegetation and the view of the Oder River.

Finale at the Frankfurt Oder Promenade

For the last 7 km, the cycle path runs alongside the road back to the starting point. If you are adventurous, you can continue the last kilometers behind Lebus directly on the Oder and on field paths. At the sharp bend you turn left and pass the rest area at the Adonis hills over a small "bridge" into the Oder meadows to Frankfurt (Oder). With a robust bike and no high water, this is certainly doable for you. 

Finally you roll back into Frankfurt. You are greeted by the beautiful Oder promenade. Passing the imposing concert hall, the oversized peace bell heralds the end of your Oder round trip. Congratulations, you've made it!

Where to stop for a bite to eat: 

• 
  Górzyca: Pizzeria Sabroso
• 
  Kostrzyn nad Odrą: Restaurant Oder
• 
  Küstriner Vorland: Fishery farm Schneider
• 
  Lebus: Angler's home, Restaurant Oderblick
• 
  Frankfurt (Oder): KroCo, Kaffeehaus Rösterei Gränz Kaffee im Packhof.

Extra Tour Tip: 

We recommend cycling this sporty tour with a trekking, gravel or touring bike or e-bike. Especially the section Górzyca to Kostrzyn on the ZiO is on gravel, but with normal tire width is easily manageable.