Frankfurt (Oder): City History, Views of the Oder and Nature

Frankfurt (Oder) lies on the western bank of the Oder, the river that forms the border, and was founded in 1253. The river shapes the city’s landscape: the Alte Oder and the Winterhafen are remnants of a former river course and form numerous side channels. This is where waterside scenery meets a long city history—a charming setting for a trip that brings nature and culture together.

Views of the Oder, green spaces and paths

From Holzmarkt in the city center, you can enjoy a view of Ziegenwerder Island, its groynes, the floodplain and the northern tip. The city forest is also part of Frankfurt (Oder)’s green side, covering an area of more than 700 ha. Those interested in wildlife can see more than 300 animals from around 25 species at the wildlife park. There is a playground beside the bistro terrace—a practical point of reference for families who want to include animal watching and a place to play in their plans.

Another way to explore the city while on the move is the Kleist Route. It is about 20 km long and can be explored on foot or by bicycle. Five stops in Frankfurt (Oder) are associated with Heinrich von Kleist (1777–1811) and Ewald Christian von Kleist (1715–1759).

City history and architecture

The historic town hall is an example of the city’s North German Brick Gothic architecture. St. Mary’s Church is also built of brick and dates from the 13th century. Construction of the church began in the same year Frankfurt (Oder) was founded, in 1253. Its architectural features include a five-aisled nave, a transept, an ambulatory choir and a western double-tower façade. The works of art associated with St. Mary’s are regarded as important examples of medieval art. The town hall and church thus offer different starting points for exploring the city’s architectural history.

Museums and literary life

The Kleist Museum is dedicated to the life and work of Heinrich von Kleist, who was born in Frankfurt an der Oder. Its program includes readings, lectures, conferences, discussions and literary-musical events; the individual events vary. For culture enthusiasts, the museum offers both an introduction to literary history and a range of event formats.

The Viadrina Museum is based at the Junkerhaus, a building of significance beyond the region. Its exhibitions cover Frankfurt’s important role in the Middle Ages, the history of the Alma Mater Viadrina, aspects of military history and Frankfurt’s musical history. They also explore urban developments through the 20th century. One location of the Brandenburg State Museum of Modern Art is in Frankfurt (Oder), at Carl-Philipp-Emanuel-Bach-Straße 11. Together, these museums open up a range of subjects—from city and education history to modern art.

Plan your journey and accommodation

Frankfurt (Oder) can be reached by car, train, bicycle and boat. Check the latest transport details before your trip. The German-Polish Tourist Information Office at Große Oderstraße 29 provides information materials about Frankfurt (Oder), Słubice and the German-Polish surrounding area.

Read the specific location details for an accommodation in light of this plan, and arrange your journey using the latest travel information. This way, you can tailor your search to the experiences that matter to you during your time in Frankfurt (Oder).

Brandenburg as a broader travel destination

If you are planning within a broader regional context, Brandenburg is also worth exploring. The state has about 3,000 lakes and more than 30,000 kilometers of waterways. You can canoe on rivers and sail on lakes. Brandenburg’s cycle route network is more than 7,000 kilometers long. The 15 National Natural Landscapes cover one-third of the state and together represent Brandenburg’s habitats and landscapes.

Discover more destinations

Lichtenberg, Dahme-Spreewald, Potsdam-Mittelmark, Teltow-Fläming, Märkisch-Oderland, Oder-Spree, Ostprignitz-Ruppin, Spree-Neiße

Go to the broader travel overview: Brandenburg.