Frankfurt (Oder) reveals its distinctive character in the interplay between river landscapes and cultural history: the city lies on the Oder’s western bank, along the border river, and was founded in 1253. The water shapes the landscape, while buildings and museums explore different historical themes. As you explore the city, you can experience both sides of its character.

Oder Landscape and City Forest

The Alte Oder and the winter harbour follow an earlier course of the river and form numerous side channels. From Holzmarkt in the city centre, you can look out over Ziegenwerder Island, with its groynes, floodplain, and northern tip. The viewpoint makes the distinct features of the river landscape visible. Frankfurt (Oder)’s city forest offers another dimension and covers more than 700 hectares.

The Kleist Route also connects several facets of the area, without requiring you to explore it in just one way: it is about 20 kilometres long and can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Five stops in Frankfurt (Oder) relate to Heinrich von Kleist (1777–1811) and Ewald Christian von Kleist (1715–1759). The approximate route length and the two modes of travel provide a concrete basis for considering which way of exploring best suits your plans.

Brick Gothic Architecture and Kleist Sites

The historic Town Hall is an example of the city’s North German Brick Gothic architecture. At St. Marien, the focus is on architectural history and design: the church dates from the 13th century, and construction began in the same year Frankfurt (Oder) was founded, 1253. As a brick church, it has a five-aisled nave, a transept, an ambulatory choir, and a west façade with twin towers. These terms describe different parts of the building and offer an architectural perspective on it. The artworks associated with St. Marien are described as important examples of medieval art.

The Kleist Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Heinrich von Kleist, who was born in Frankfurt an der Oder. Its programme ranges from readings and lectures to conferences, discussions, and literary and musical events; individual events vary. Thus, alongside its biographical and literary focus, the museum also offers a range of event formats. If you have a particular date in mind, check the relevant programme in advance.

The Viadrina Museum offers a different historical perspective. Its main location is the Junkerhaus, a listed building of significance beyond the region. The exhibitions cover Frankfurt’s role in the Middle Ages, the history of Alma Mater Viadrina, and aspects of military history, as well as Frankfurt’s musical history and urban development up to the 20th century. The exhibition themes bring together local history, education, music, and military history.

The Brandenburg State Museum of Modern Art has a location in Frankfurt (Oder), at Carl-Philipp-Emanuel-Bach-Straße 11. Together with the Kleist Museum and the Viadrina Museum, it adds modern art to the range of cultural subjects. The institutions therefore have different focuses—from literature and events to urban history and art.

Wildlife Park and Practical Information

Frankfurt (Oder) Wildlife Park is home to more than 300 animals from around 25 species. There is a playground next to the bistro terrace. Animal watching and this specific spot in the park are two different aspects that may factor into planning a visit.

The German-Polish Tourist Information Centre at Große Oderstraße 29 provides information materials about Frankfurt (Oder), Słubice, and the surrounding German-Polish region. Frankfurt (Oder) is accessible by car, train, bicycle, and boat; check current transport details before your trip. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for your stay, you could start by considering which of the city’s features described here matter most to your trip: the Oder landscape, literary and urban history, museums, or the wildlife park.

Discover more destinations: Lichtenberg, Teltow-Fläming, Oberhavel, Oberspreewald-Lausitz, Barnim, Potsdam-Mittelmark, Uckermark, Dahme-Spreewald.

For the main travel overview: Brandenburg.