A stay in Küstriner Vorland can focus on two very different things: the fortress architecture in Gorgast and the Oder landscape near Küstrin-Kietz. The Oderinsel Küstrin-Kietz nature reserve, covering around 213 hectares, is located in the municipality of Küstriner Vorland, includes parts of the Küstrin-Kietz district and lies immediately east of the built-up area of Küstrin-Kietz.

Oder Island, the dike and the border river

In Küstrin-Kietz, the Oder-Neiße Cycle Route runs directly along the top of the dike. Here, the Oder forms the border with the Republic of Poland; the border crossing to Kostrzyn is also an important feature of Küstrin-Kietz. The landscape, cycle route and cross-border setting are among the different themes that define the place.

Fort Gorgast: construction history and visiting

Fort Gorgast was built from 26 April 1883 to July 1889 as one of the four outer forts of the city of Küstrin. It was intended to control the western bank of the Oder and serve as a fallback position for possible troop movements. Massive walls, tunnels and vaulted ceilings define the structure; visitors’ footsteps echo dully through the long corridors. Anyone interested in fortress and military history can explore both its historical purpose and architectural features here. Fort Gorgast hosts an annual military and civilian history gathering. If this event is a deciding factor for your trip, check the event dates in advance.

Fort Gorgast is listed as open year-round Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and additionally on Saturdays and Sundays from May to October, also from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours are available by arrangement. Check the opening hours before your visit.

Canoe trips are also associated with Gorgast. Other events associated with the place include the Oderbruch Cup in ship modelling, the OBOA Festival and the Christmas market. There is a church at Genschmarer Straße 1.

Further discoveries in the wider Märkisch-Oderland destination

In the wider Märkisch-Oderland destination, Buckow offers an additional cultural highlight: the Brecht-Weigel House has been a museum there since 1977. As a literary museum, it hosts readings, concerts, talks, discussions, films, exhibitions and special guided tours throughout the year. This offers a literary and cultural counterpart within the wider destination to the history of the fort at Gorgast.

There is also a specific comparison of route lengths for nature trails: the Märkische Schweiz can be explored on the 17 km Natura Trail and the nearly 21 km certified Märkische Schweiz Nature Park Route. The difference in length can help you choose; check the trail conditions locally.

Another cycling option in the wider Märkisch-Oderland destination is the Oderbruchbahn Cycle Route. Its main route runs from Fürstenwalde/Spree or, alternatively, from Müncheberg to Wriezen. The route passes through the quiet landscape of the Oderbruch and also takes you back to the early 20th century and the history of rail transport. While the Oder-Neiße Cycle Route runs along the top of the dike in Küstrin-Kietz, this regional cycle route links the landscape with railway history. Check the current route before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Waldsieversdorf, Buckow, Reichenberg, Märkische Höhe, Rehfelde, Letschin, Bliesdorf, Hönow.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Märkisch-Oderland.