Travelling without borders walking through Frankfurt Oder - Discovery Tour

Length: 12 km, 3 hours walking time
Start / finish: Franz-Mehring-Straße, Frankfurt (Oder) or Frankfurt (Oder) train station
Arrival / departure: RE1 to / from Frankfurt (Oder)

Green city oasis

The tour starts directly at the railway station in Frankfurt (Oder). After just a few minutes' walk downhill, there are several opportunities for a breather, for example in the park on the Anger or in the Gertraudenpark. A detour to the real nature island of Ziegenwerder is recommended. The bird sanctuary between the old and new Oder rivers is one of the most popular leisure spots in the twin city. After the detour into the idyll, it's back to the university city. The Viadrina alma mater was the first Brandenburg state university in 1506 and existed until 1811. Along the Oder promenade is the world's only Kleist Museum, dedicated to the life and work of the city's most famous son. After a stroll through the museum, it is worth stopping in the garden to enjoy the view of the border river. From here, head towards the city bridge, past the Peace Bell. The landing stage catches the eye. In summer, you can board a boat here to get to know the twin city from the water.

Experience Europe

Walking across the 250-metre-long border bridge has something magical about it. Only a few minutes later you find yourself in another country, with another language and currency. From the roof of the Collegium Polonicum, part of the European University, you have a breathtaking view over Słubice and Frankfurt (Oder). In the immediate vicinity is the Wikipedia monument, which is worth seeing and with which the citizens of Słubice express their appreciation of the anonymous authors worldwide. The largest cultural centre in the Polish city is called SMOK and is both an exhibition and event venue. With the Catholic parish church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Orthodox church, two imposing houses of worship can be admired. Beautiful squares with fountains are ideal for taking a breath.

Cultural treasures of Frankfurt

Arriving in the former Hanseatic city, the route leads past the memorial for victims of political tyranny and the concert hall. The home of the Brandenburg State Orchestra is named after Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, who studied law at Frankfurt University in the 18th century. An exhibition in the concert hall provides interesting insights into the life and work of Johann Sebastian Bach's second-born. After a lot of art and culture, it is time for a detour into the countryside. The route then runs along Lennépark, Germany's second-oldest civic park, which is still maintained by dedicated residents and invites visitors to linger. Back in the hustle and bustle of the city, you should once again direct your march towards the Oder and visit one of the largest sacred buildings of North German brick Gothic. In the St. Marien Church there are three 600-year-old colourful choir windows. The historic brick building of the town hall across the street also houses the Brandenburg State Museum of Modern Art. If you want to learn more about the eventful history of the city, which was founded in 1253 and was considered an important trading centre at the time, you should plan a visit to the Viadrina Museum. The museum is just a stone's throw away.

Back to the starting point on historical trails

On your way back, stop by the German-Polish Tourist Information Centre, which is hidden behind the walls of the Bolfras House. First mentioned in 1540, the former Renaissance building owes its name to Michael Bolfras, syndic of the university, and was built in 2014 according to historical plans and modern standards. Shortly before the destination, the path passes another church worth seeing. The St. Gertraud Church houses an impressive Sauer organ. It also houses some of the treasures of the St. Marien Church. In the park of the same name there is also a monument to Heinrich von Kleist.

Tour tip: Take the tour by bike, because the stadium, the park behind the bazaar and the Kleist Tower are also worth a visit.

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