Discover Kostrzyn: Old Town and Fortress

For a trip to Kostrzyn, the traces of the fortress town and routes along the Oder and Warta take centre stage. The Muzeum Twierdzy Kostrzyn museum complex includes the remains of a destroyed Old Town and the structures of a bastion fortress. Other ways to explore the area include a promenade along the fortifications, a kayaking route on the Warta and the R1 cycle route, each offering a different perspective on its history and landscape. You can shape your stay around cultural history, walks or a route on the water. So your first decision is what to focus on: would you like to explore the history of the Old Town and fortress, or plan your stay around a walk, cycle route or kayaking route?

Old Town and fortress history

The Old Town of Kostrzyn nad Odrą was destroyed in 1945 and never rebuilt. Its remains, together with the structures of the bastion fortress, are part of the Muzeum Twierdzy Kostrzyn museum complex. The dates refer to different events: 1945 marks the destruction of the Old Town, while the fortress structures date from the 16th century. The casemates of Bastion Filip house a permanent exhibition on the history of the fortress town. It covers the destruction of 1945 and the origins and development of the fortress.

Walks between the Old Town and the Oder valley

The Old Town grounds are open daily, year-round, from sunrise to sunset. This means access is limited to daylight hours; check the current visitor rules before your visit. You can walk among the remains of old tenement houses along cobbled lanes and footpaths. The damaged walls rise no more than 1.5 m above the ground.

For a different walking perspective, the promenade along the crest of the fortifications beside the Oder invites you to take a stroll and offers a sweeping view across the Oder valley. Unlike the route among the remains of houses and lanes, its main attraction is the view over the valley.

Kayaking route, cycle route and boat landing

The kayaking route in Kostrzyn nad Odrą starts at the municipal MOSiR landing stage. It first runs 1.5 km upstream on the Warta, then continues through canals and former river channels along the right bank of the Warta. Check current local conditions before setting off.

The international R1 cycle route runs from Lubniewice via Sulęcin and Czarnów to Kostrzyn nad Odrą, then continues into Germany. Check the current route markings locally. The main difference when choosing between the two routes is the mode of travel: the kayaking route follows the river, canals and former river channels, while the R1 is a cycle route that continues into Germany.

A landing stage was built in Kostrzyn nad Odrą for passenger vessels, to allow excursion boats to make possible stopovers.

Getting your bearings locally

The tourist information point at the Berlin Gate is a place to go for maps, guidebooks and information on sightseeing routes or events. It also offers publications, souvenirs and information about what the Muzeum Twierdzy Kostrzyn has to offer.

Discover more destinations: Landsberg An Der Warthe, Santoczno, Witnica, Zdroisko, Rybakowo, Deszczno, Kłodawa, Wojcieszyce

Go to the main travel overview: Landsberg An Der Warthe.