Feeling like an escape from the beaten path in Berlin? Head to Frankfurt an der Oder, the “other” Frankfurt, a small German town situated on the border with Poland. Once a Hanseatic crossroads, a relic of the ex-GDR and a gateway to neighboring Slubice, it enchants with its Marienkirche and its unique medieval stained glass, peaceful parks, monuments to Copernicus and Heinrich von Kleist, and an authentic atmosphere where you can really practice your German. Bonus: a footbridge takes you to Poland in just a few minutes, and even further to Osno Lubuskie, with its walls and intact Gothic church.
When we say “Frankfurt,” we spontaneously think of the financial capital of the Main. A delightful mistake: there is another Frankfurt, Frankfurt an der Oder, discreet and perfect for a day trip from Berlin. Here, the Oder river draws a silver ribbon between Germany and Poland; a simple bridge connects two worlds that resonate with each other.
Where is it located?
Located about 80 km east of Berlin, you can reach Frankfurt (Oder) in one hour by train or 1 hour 30 by car. The city stretches along the west bank of the Oder, facing its Polish twin, Slubice. This border setting gives it a particular charm: one foot in Germany, the other already in Central Europe.
A troubled past
Born as a Slavic settlement in the Middle Ages, the city has belonged in turn to Poland, Brandenburg, Bohemia, Prussia, and then Germany. Ravaged during the Second World War, later integrated into the GDR, its population fell from about 80,000 inhabitants to nearly 58,000 after reunification, with the closure of many factories. This past explains its simultaneously simple and fascinating face.
Architecture, atmosphere, and language
The bombings gave way to a reconstruction in brick and typical socialist architecture from the East. Some see sobriety here, others a history book open to the sky. You stroll amidst straight buildings, wide squares, and quiet parks—Lennépark and Lienaupark—that invite you to pause.
Another peculiarity: English is less common than in the western part of the country. Perfect for dusting off your German and engaging in conversation at the market or the local café!
Must-see highlights
The Marienkirche and its incredible stained glass
If you could only see one monument, it would be the Marienkirche. This immense brick Gothic church, begun in the 13th century and expanded in the 16th, impresses with its proportions (about 77 m long and 25 m wide) and especially its three stained glass panels from the 14th century. It depicts scenes from the Old Testament, the life of Christ, and—uniquely—the life of the Antichrist, an iconographic cycle found nowhere else.
The fate of these stained glass windows is romantic: removed in 1941 for protection, seized in 1946 by the Red Army, kept in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, they only returned in 2002. Admiring them today is to touch seven centuries of European history with your eyes.
Monuments and parks, between science and poetry
While strolling, you will come across tributes to Nicolas Copernicus, to the poet Heinrich von Kleist—a native—and memorials to the Red Army. Around the town hall, terraces and restaurants liven up the streets. For a breath of greenery, head to Lienaupark and Lennépark, two well-kept treasures where locals come to read, run, or share an ice cream.
Head to Poland: Slubice just a stone’s throw away
Cross the bridge over the Oder and you find yourself in Slubice. Open border, fluid passage by foot or car: you switch languages, rhythms, and sometimes even prices. With its around 17,000 inhabitants, Slubice shares much with Frankfurt (Oder)—a wastewater treatment plant, joint projects, and above all, the European University Viadrina (jointly administered), a symbol of a campus that lives straddling two countries.
Strolls, little curiosities, and good deals
You can explore the town in just a few minutes. A few curiosities punctuate the walk: a pleasant nature reserve, a tiny monument to Wikipedia for those who enjoy winks, and a host of signs. Many Germans cross over to stock up on cigarettes, as well as chocolate, cosmetics, or everyday products. On the flavor side, restaurants and kebab stands satisfy without breaking the bank. An express and tasty immersion in Poland.
If you want to go further: Osno Lubuskie and the Polish forest
If you have time, drive about 29 km east through a bright Polish forest to Osno Lubuskie. This town of just under 4,000 inhabitants, mentioned as early as the 10th century, is a gem for lovers of old stones.
Old stones and tranquility
Park near the town hall, stroll along the medieval wall built in 1477, then enter the sumptuous St. James’ Church (14th century). Little altered, it retains an ancient charm that delights lovers of sober Gothic architecture. Here, time stretches, the stone tells stories, and the wall decorations still whisper.
Practical information for an escape
From Berlin, prefer the train (about an hour), simple and direct, or the car (1 hour 30). To optimize your train journeys, these resources on train travel in Europe will help you compare schedules and prices, and spot cross-border discount cards.
Are you coming from Paris or Austria? Before planning a connection, check the temporary suspension of night trains Paris–Berlin and Paris–Vienna due to improvement works: this could impact your itinerary or offer interesting daytime alternatives.
Regarding flights, if you land in London for a connection, keep in mind the latest news regarding airports: Heathrow has resumed flights after a fire incident. And anticipate price changes: the future eco tax on flight tickets in 2025 could influence the cost of connections to Berlin or Warsaw.
Thanks to open borders, traveling between Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice is a breeze. However, carry a form of identification and a bit of cash in each currency (euros and zlotys) for small expenses on the Polish side.
Want inspiration far from the plains of the Oder? Dream big with these ideas for summer trips to Alaska—another adventure, another horizon, but the same promise of escape.
Tips for a successful day
• Start early at the Marienkirche to enjoy the light on the stained glass and avoid the crowds. Continue with a coffee break near the town hall, then a stroll in Lennépark or Lienaupark to catch your breath.
• Cross over to Slubice during lunch: try a Polish specialty, spot the monument to Wikipedia, and pick up some chocolate or cosmetics at good prices.
• If you love stone and tranquility, extend your trip to Osno Lubuskie for the walls and the St. James’ Church, returning through the sunlit forest—guaranteed magic.
• Comfortable shoes, a translation app, and a few phrases in German and Polish will work wonders. Let yourself be carried away by the atmosphere: between East and West, Frankfurt an der Oder and Slubice offer a condensed Europe, simple, authentic, and unexpectedly endearing.
