Along the Oder to Frankfurt

Kietz was once the fishermen's suburb of nearby Kostrzyn in Poland. Since the Soviet occupation zone in 1945, Küstrin-Kietz has been an independent community. From the station, we take Karl Marx Street, which we turn right before the canal towards the Oder. On a peninsula to our right are the buildings of the former artillery barracks (1). Since the Russian forces withdrew in 1991, this has been unused. We now cycle for kilometers on the dam heading south. Soon we pass the village of Reitwein. Here we can refresh ourselves for the onward journey at the inn "Heiratsmarkt" (2). From the village, we can also take the path through the forest towards Wuhden and rejoin our route in Lebus. The landscape around Lebus, with its Oder slopes and natural forests, is particularly beautiful. In spring, the Adonis flower blooms here, unique in Germany as the plant is originally native to the Black Sea area. We reach the old town of Lebus, which has a turbulent history. Bishop's Square (3) reminds us that Lebus once had a bishop's seat and was also a political and economic hub. The castle above the old town unfortunately decayed completely since the 17th century. From Lebus, our path runs directly along the Oder towards Frankfurt. In the city with its interesting history, there are many cultural sights to discover. These include the St. Mary's Church destroyed in the war, the Kleist Museum, and the Peace Bell, which is a symbol of the German-Polish friendship. We reach the station via Franz Mehring Street and Bahnhofsstraße, where our bike tour ends. Now we can either return by train or cycle back on the Polish side of the Oder. The cycle path is only recommended in dry weather as it is otherwise prone to flooding. We should also take provisions with us for the return trip, as there are hardly any opportunities to stop for refreshments.