Gartz (Oder): City History, Culture and Cycling Route

City History on a Town Walk

The town walk on offer tells the story of Gartz, from its Slavic beginnings through its medieval heyday and the Brandenburg-Prussian period to the present-day border town. It thus spans several historical periods rather than limiting the town’s story to a single era. A folding town map is available to help you find your way on a town walk. QR codes on the information boards at the sights also make it easier to navigate. The walk and these wayfinding aids are different aspects of exploring the town: the walk presents its historical development, while the map and QR codes help you find your way as you go.

Gate, Museum and Church

The Ackerbürger Museum is located in the former gatekeeper’s house and the adjoining half-timbered house at the Stettin Gate. It depicts life in a town of peasant-burghers in the 18th and 19th centuries. If you are interested in everyday life in past centuries, this offers a different focus from the older buildings: the museum is about life in the town, not just the history of a single building.

The Stettin Gate was built from fieldstones in the 13th century and is the only one of Gartz (Oder)’s four gates to have survived. It therefore represents the town’s medieval architectural history. Construction of St. Stephen’s Church also dates back to the 13th century. Together with the museum, these sites offer different historical perspectives: medieval buildings on the one hand, and urban life in the 18th and 19th centuries on the other.

Culture and Seasonal Events

The Holy Spirit Hospital, also known as the Spittel, is now used by the local history association for exhibitions and concerts. Another cultural venue is the Kanonenschuppen: following extensive restoration work, it was handed over in 1995 as a public cultural venue for the town and its visitors. During the summer months, concerts and outdoor events are held at St. Stephen’s Church. These places and events offer different experiences—from exhibitions and concerts at the hospital, to the history of the Kanonenschuppen, to summer events outdoors.

The Crane Days are a recurring seasonal event. They are held every year in Gartz (Oder) and Mescherin in late September and/or early October, with a programme centred on cranes. If you are planning when to travel, you can consider this period as a possible focal point for events. The crane-themed programme differs in content from the town’s history and cultural venues.

Gartz as a Cycling Destination

The Oder-Neiße Cycle Route passes through Gartz (Oder) and Mescherin on its way towards the Baltic Sea. This also makes Gartz a point of interest for travellers following the cycle route.

Discover More Places

For more ideas on places to visit, you can also visit the pages for Boitzenburger Land, Randowtal, Mescherin, Gerswalde, Oberuckersee, Schöneberg, Grünow and Angermünde.

For the main travel overview: Uckermark.