Located on Germany's eastern border, this Brandenburg city sits along the Oder River facing Poland. The second-largest urban center in the state after Potsdam.
Frankfurt (Oder) sits on the German-Polish border along the Oder River, facing its sister city Słubice. In this university town of 58,000 people, you can walk across the historic Oder Bridge to Poland, examine 13th-century stained glass windows at Marienkirche, or visit the childhood home of playwright Heinrich von Kleist. Students from the European University Viadrina fill the cafes and parks, giving the city a young, international atmosphere.
Getting to Frankfurt (Oder)
Regional trains run regularly from Berlin's main station to Frankfurt (Oder), covering the 100-kilometer journey in about one hour. The Berlin-Warszawa-Express also stops here on its route between the two capitals. Within Frankfurt, five tram lines connect the main areas, though you can walk to most attractions from the center. Regular trains also run to Magdeburg and Cottbus.
Medieval Churches and Architecture
The red brick Marienkirche dominates the city center with its 13th-century Gothic towers. The church's medieval stained glass windows tell the story of the Antichrist - the only such medieval depiction in Europe. Around the market square, the Renaissance town hall from 1607 and the Church of St. Nicholas (Nikolaikirche) remain standing despite World War II damage.
Cross-Border Experience
Walk across the Oder Bridge to enter Słubice, Poland. Along the German riverbank, stop at the Friedensglocke (Bell of Peace), which symbolizes German-Polish friendship. The 89-meter city tower includes shops on its lower floors and a restaurant on the 24th floor where you can look out across both cities and the winding Oder River.
University Life and Culture
European University Viadrina's 5,000 students study across three faculties: Law, Cultural Studies, and Economics. About 40% come from outside Germany, many from Poland. The university operates the Collegium Polonicum in Słubice together with Poland's Adam Mickiewicz University. Students gather at the Fforst House for concerts, exhibitions, and social events throughout the academic year.
Museums and Arts
At the Kleist Museum, you can explore manuscripts, letters, and personal items of Frankfurt's famous playwright Heinrich von Kleist. The Museum Viadrina displays archaeological finds and documents from the city's past, while the Museum Junge Kunst exhibits contemporary paintings and sculptures. The Konzerthalle Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, housed in a former church, holds classical concerts weekly.
Local Events
The cultural calendar includes many German-Polish collaborations. In summer, nearby Eberswalde hosts theater performances and concerts with artists from both countries. The concert hall presents classical music every weekend, while the Theater des Lachens stages puppet shows in German and Polish throughout the year.
