Frankfurt on the Oder: River Landscapes, Literature and Architecture

Frankfurt (Oder), founded in 1253, lies on the western bank of the Oder, a border river. River landscapes, literature and architectural history give the city its distinctive character. You can take in the Oder and its side channels, explore a literary route or discover the museums and historic buildings.

River Landscapes and Routes Through the City

The Oder shapes the landscape of Frankfurt (Oder). The Alte Oder and Winter Harbour follow an earlier course of the river and form numerous side channels. From Holzmarkt in the city centre, you can see Ziegenwerder Island, including its groynes, floodplain and northern tip. The river offers views of both its various waterways and the island’s distinctive shapes.

If you prefer to explore the city by theme, you can follow the approximately 20-kilometre Kleist Route 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). The route combines a set distance with a literary theme, and you can choose between the two stated ways of getting around.

Literature and Architectural History

The Kleist Museum is devoted to the life and work of Heinrich von Kleist, who was born in Frankfurt an der Oder. Its programme includes readings, lectures, conferences, discussions, and literary and musical events. The events vary, so when planning your visit, it is helpful to distinguish between the museum’s permanent focus and the dates of individual programme events.

The buildings, too, offer contrasting points of interest. The historic town hall is an example of the city’s North German Brick Gothic architecture. St. Marien dates from the 13th century; construction began in the same year Frankfurt (Oder) was founded, 1253. The brick church has a five-aisled nave, transept, ambulatory choir and twin-tower west façade. Works of art associated with St. Marien are described as important examples of medieval art. The town hall and church thus offer two distinct starting points for exploring architecture and history.

Museums and Their Themes

The Viadrina Museum is based at the Junkerhaus, a heritage-listed building of significance beyond the region. Its exhibitions cover Frankfurt’s important role in the Middle Ages, the history of the Alma Mater Viadrina, military history and the city’s musical heritage. They also explore urban developments through the 20th century. The museum’s scope thus ranges from specific historical subjects to the city’s changes over longer periods.

The Brandenburg State Museum of Modern Art offers a different cultural focus at its location at Carl-Philipp-Emanuel-Bach-Straße 11. Together with the Kleist Museum and the Viadrina Museum, it gives you a choice of subjects: modern art, literature, and city and regional history. When planning your stay, you can decide which of these you want to focus on.

Green Spaces and Practical Information

Frankfurt (Oder)’s city forest covers more than 700 hectares. Frankfurt (Oder) Wildlife Park is home to more than 300 animals representing around 25 species. There is also a playground next to the bistro terrace. These offer a range of nature and leisure options to consider when planning your trip.

Frankfurt (Oder) can be reached by car, train, bicycle and boat. Check current travel information before setting off. The German-Polish Tourist Information Centre at Große Oderstraße 29 provides information material about Frankfurt (Oder), Słubice and the surrounding German-Polish region. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you can use your personal interests—such as literature, architectural history or river landscapes—to guide your travel planning.

Discover more destinations: Lichtenberg, Uckermark, Teltow-Fläming, Prignitz, Havelland, Märkisch-Oderland.

Back to the main travel overview: Brandenburg.