This is a Berlin & Around guest post by Matthias and Kent of Destination The World. From their base in Berlin, these travel bloggers go on adventures near and far. Matthias and Kent travel independently and often off the beaten path.
Spend the Weekend in Oderbruch, Hidden Gem on the German Border
The Oderbruch region in the federal state of Brandenburg is perfect if you are looking to spend an active weekend in the German countryside, away from the stress and noise of the big city.
This relatively unknown region has so much to offer. Bike along scenic routes between cute German villages or along the Oder River. Visit historic castles and windmills. Sample local cuisine. These are just some of the things you can experience at the heart of Brandenburg’s countryside.
Read on to discover our best tips for a great weekend in Oderbruch.
Where exactly is the Oderbruch?
As the name would suggest, the Oderbruch can be found on the banks of the Oder River, bordering Poland, in the county of Märkisch-Oderland. The region is around 60 km long and its width varies from around 12 to 20 km. The landscape is mostly flat, with fields, moors and small rivers.
The Oderbruch was heavily damaged towards the end of WWII, in connection with the largest battle on German territory. This is where the Red Army crossed the Oder River and proceeded to march into Germany. After the war, the Oderbruch became a part of Eastern Germany, or the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
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A Weekend in Oderbruch is Synonymous with Biking
If you’re looking for an active weekend in the German countryside, we can really recommend a bike excursion through the Oderbruch.
With its flat landscapes, the region is perfect for cycling. And due to the wide-open fields and moors, you will get great views from pretty much everywhere.
As this is rural Germany, you may not always find a separate bike path. However, traffic is not very heavy, so biking along the road is not a problem.
During your weekend in Oderbruch, you can choose to have one place as your base and do day trips by bike from there, or if you prefer, you can find accommodation in different locations and spend your days biking in between the places you have chosen.
Our Recommendation: The Oder-Neisse Cycle Route
The Oder-Neisse Cycle Route runs for over 600 km, starting in the Czech Republic. This trail first follows the Neisse (Neiße) River, then the Oder, all the way up to Albeck on the Baltic island of Usedom. On the way, the trail passes through larger cities like Görlitz and Frankfurt (Oder).
The Oder-Neisse Bike Route also meanders through Oderbruch. Even if you don’t plan to bike the whole way, you can still get a taste of it during your weekend in the region. This might actually be one of the highlights of your getaway!
I have never heard of the Oderbruch region, but it sounds like a great place to visit. I love the idea of cycling around to the charming little towns. It would be fun to see all the castles too.
This sounds like a lovely weekend! I lived in Germany for 4 months about 20 years ago and I have such fond memories of visiting villages by bike with my aunt. I didn’t get the chance to visit this region but I’d love to visit Oderbruch, to go for bike rides and stay in the castle!
I hadn’t heard of this part of Germany before! It looks like an incredible place to visit, especially to check out all of the unique architecture!
Absolutely gorgeous photos. This definitely seems like a place to spend at least a week or two- there’s so much to see and do! I will add it to my list for my next Germany trip. Thanks!
Thank you for adding another village to my Germany wish list. Letschin’s old church tower and the wind mill are just beautiful.
This is a new-to-me town, thanks for sharing!! Added it to the ol’ bucket list 🙂