Alte Oder (entire Oderbruch) (fishing lake)

The Alte Oder originates a few kilometers north of Frankfurt (Oder) near Lebus, before it flows into the Oder at Hohensaaten. When the Oderbruch was drained under Frederick II, the Oder was partially relocated to a new riverbed and was separated from its original, extensive network of waterways and diked throughout.

The Old Oder flowed through an unspoiled floodplain landscape, almost untouched by humans, which has been used for agriculture since it was drained. 

Tips for water hikers

Not all of the numerous rivers and ditches in the Oderbruch are suitable for canoeing. The Old Oder is easy to navigate in conjunction with the Silent Oder and Mucker. Many wide bends make a trip on the Old Oder particularly easy and varied.

Along the banks, old stands of trees alternate with larger reed settlements. There are only very few small Oderbruch villages close to the river. The Old Oder between Kietzer Fischteichen north of Altfriedland and the confluence with the Oder-Havel waterway near Oderberg is particularly scenic and also very easy to navigate.

There is sometimes a slight current on the Alte Oder. Longer tours should preferably be paddled in the direction of flow from south to north. For shorter stretches, however, you can usually paddle against the direction of flow without any problems.

There are no locks and only one weir in Neutornow, which may have to be bypassed depending on the water level.

Water sports facilities

The Alte Oder is exclusively a canoeing area without motorboat traffic. The area offers various options for day trips as well as trips lasting several days. The route from the starting point at Kietzer Teiche to the confluence with the Oder-Havel waterway takes around two days, especially if you include the charming detour via Stille Oder and Mucker to Neuranft. Canoe hire is available in Oderberg, Wriezen, Gorgast and on the Oder in Letschin, district of Kienitz.

The infrastructure has been systematically expanded in recent years. There are several rest and bivouac areas, including in Neufeld, two more before Wriezen, a bivouac area in Wriezen itself at the canoe station with camping facilities, a rest area in Neugaul, two more rest areas up to the Stille Oder junction and a rest and bivouac area in Neuranft.

Highlights for the shore leave

• Oderbruch Museum in Altranft Castle
• “Children of Golzow” film museum in Golzow
• Fort Gorgast of the Küstrin fortress
• Fontanehaus Schiffmühle in Bad Freienwalde

Facts about the (fishing) waters

• Depth: up to 2 m
• Fish species: eel, catfish, roach, lead, carp and others
• Tenant/operator: Schneider an der Festung Küstrin/Fischereihof an der Festung Küstrin, Kuhbrücke 23, 15328 Küstriner Vorland.
  
  • Fishing licenses are sold by the tenant.