Frankfurt an der Oder: River Landscapes and the City of Kleist
Accommodation in Frankfurt an der Oder
Frankfurt (Oder) combines the landscape along the border river Oder with a complex urban history and places associated with Heinrich von Kleist. The city lies on the Oder’s western bank and was founded in 1253. When choosing a holiday apartment for a stay here, you can first consider whether the river landscape, cultural history or a mix of both should shape your holiday.
Oder Landscapes and Routes Through the City
The Oder shapes the landscape. The Alte Oder and the winter harbour follow an earlier river course and form numerous branches. The Holzmarkt in the city centre offers a special view of the river landscape: from there, you can see Ziegenwerder Island, with its groynes, floodplain and northern tip. As another green backdrop, the city forest covers more than 700 ha. River landscapes, island views and woodland thus represent different sides of Frankfurt, without requiring you to limit your stay to just one kind of experience.
If you would like to explore the city on the move, you can follow the approximately 20 km-long Kleist Route on foot or by bicycle. Its five stops are connected with Heinrich von Kleist (1777–1811) and Ewald Christian von Kleist (1715–1759). The approximate route length is a helpful guide when planning your day; the route can be enjoyed both as a walk and as a cycling experience. When choosing accommodation, this active focus may matter just as much as whether you would prefer to devote your time mainly to museums and buildings.
Brick Gothic Architecture and Urban History
The historic town hall is an example of Frankfurt’s North German Brick Gothic architecture. St. Mary’s Church is also one of the city’s striking historic buildings: the church dates from the 13th century, and its construction began in the same year as the city’s founding, 1253. Its design includes a five-aisled nave, a transept, an ambulatory choir and a western twin-tower façade. The works of art associated with St. Mary’s are described as significant examples of medieval art. Those interested in architecture and art will find several aspects here to consider while exploring the city’s history.
The Kleist Museum is devoted to the life and work of Heinrich von Kleist, who was born in Frankfurt an der Oder. The museum’s programme includes readings, lectures, conferences, discussions and literary and musical events. Another place of cultural and historical interest is the Viadrina Museum, whose main site is in the Junkerhaus, a listed building of regional significance. Its exhibitions cover Frankfurt’s important role in the Middle Ages, the history of the Alma Mater Viadrina, military history, Frankfurt’s musical history and urban developments through the 20th century. The Brandenburg State Museum of Modern Art also has a location in Frankfurt (Oder), at Carl-Philipp-Emanuel-Bach-Straße 11.
Include Nature and Family Interests, Too
Frankfurt (Oder) Wildlife Park is home to more than 300 animals from around 25 species. There is a playground next to the bistro terrace. These specific amenities may give families a reason to include the wildlife park in their choice of activities, without making it the sole focus of their stay. When planning a holiday, you can weigh how much room to make for nature experiences alongside urban history and culture.
Frankfurt (Oder) can be reached by car, train, bicycle and boat. The German-Polish Tourist Information Centre at Große Oderstraße 29 provides information about Frankfurt (Oder), Słubice and the German-Polish surrounding area. When looking for a holiday apartment, it makes sense to first decide what kind of trip you want: the Kleist Route and the museums appeal to different interests than the river landscape or the wildlife park. Lichtenberg is also a subordinate destination included in this area’s offer: Lichtenberg.
For the overview of destinations in the wider area: Brandenburg.
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