The Oder-Neisse Cycle Tour

Take a leisurely stroll through the charming town of Zittau. Here in the far southeast of Saxony you can admire the beautiful marketplace and the Town Hall, designed by the famous architect Schinkel. Don't miss the opportunity to see the renowned Great Zittau Lenten Cloth, a historical treasure. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this once Bohemian town, now situated on the German-Czech border, where narrow-gauge railways await to take you to the surrounding spa towns. Your pre-booked rental bikes will be available at the hotel for your convenience.

The first leg of your journey along the Oder-Neiße cycle path takes you through Hirschfelde. Here, a former power station has been transformed into a rather unusual museum. After your visit continue your journey to Marienthal. Here, you’ll find an impressive Baroque convent of Cistercian nuns. It is not only the oldest German convent of its kind but also one that has been in continuous use. Your final destination for the day is Görlitz, a town that was largely spared during the war and boasts a wealth of significant buildings from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau periods.

Continuing along the river, you will pass the cultural island of Einsiedel near Zentendorf, home to a remarkable tree house hotel. As you continue your bike tour you will reach Upper Lusatia, the historic region of former Silesia, which once extended westward across the Neisse River. Your route will take you through Muskau. Here the famous Prince Pückler resided and created the stunning Muskauer Park, a masterpiece of landscape design. The prince's name is known to this day as he lent his name to the renowned ice cream flavor.

After breakfast, you will continue cycling along the river, passing through the Sorbian villages of Zelz and Bademeusel, before reaching Forst, known as the town of roses. In addition to its impressive cloth factories, Forst is home to a textile museum and several notable churches. The town's landmark is the distinctive reddish water tower. From there, the route leads you past tranquil lakes, through expansive forests, and across typical heathland, ultimately bringing you to the twin towns of Guben and Gubin.

If you have a strong stomach, after breakfast, you can explore the fascinating world of anatomy at the Plastinarium, home to the renowned traveling exhibition Körperwelten. Continuing your bike ride, you will follow the Oder River, which you encounter shortly after Guben. The river will lead you to the Baroque monastery of Neuzelle, where you can indulge in a locally brewed black beer made in the Cistercian tradition. From there, you will reach Frankfurt (Oder) via Eisenhüttenstadt, completing a scenic and enriching day of exploration.

The birthplace of the renowned playwright Heinrich von Kleist was once a thriving trading hub and a key member of the Hanseatic League. Impressive structures, including the town hall and St. Mary's Church, still stand as lasting reminders of the city's former prosperity. Today's stage of your journey takes you through the Oderbruch, a cultural landscape shaped in the 18th century through river straightening, diking, and drainage. This area, with its unique history, offers a fascinating glimpse into the ingenuity that transformed the region.

Where yesterday it was rural, today it is almost lonely in the Lower Oder Valley Nature Park, home to many rare plants and animals. The river meadow landscape is a resting place for large flocks of migratory birds. You pass Stolpe Castle, which has one of the most massive fortified towers in Germany, the Grützpott. You then reach Schwedt. Here you will find one of the largest remaining Jewish cemeteries in Brandenburg.

After breakfast, you will cycle to Gartz, a town that still boasts many medieval buildings. Shortly thereafter, you will leave the Oder River behind and head inland, riding through picturesque forests and fields. The numerous place names ending in "-ow" are reminders of the region's Slavic heritage. Today's destination, Löcknitz, lies in Western Pomerania and, despite the somewhat unflattering meaning of its name (slough), is a charming and scenic spot to explore.

Today's route along the Oder-Neise rivers takes you past several small lakes and heathlands  as you journey through Western Pomerania towards the coast of the Szczecin Lagoon. Once a glacial lake, the lagoon is now approximately 4 metres deep and abundant in fish. At the mouth of the Uecker River lies the former fishing village of Ueckermünde. Remarkably untouched by the war, the village has been carefully restored, preserving its charming atmosphere and historical character.

First, you will cycle to Kamp, where you’ll take the ferry to Karnin on the Island of Usedom. From here, enjoy a stunning view over the lagoon and the Baltic Sea from Golm, the island’s highest point at 69 metres above sea level. Afterward, relax in one of the island's imperial spas and admire the elegant spa architecture in this sunny seaside haven. The day continues with a leisurely cycle through sparse forests and along the wide Baltic Sea beach, leading you to your overnight accommodation on the Island.

After breakfast, your Oder-Neisse cycle tour comes to a close. Should you wish, we would be happy to extend your stay on the beautiful Island of Usedom.