Frankfurt an der Oder, situated on the frontier with Poland, is the third largest town in the Land of Brandenburg. There are few remains of the old trading center and university town of the past, but Frankfurt has a number of interesting modern buildings erected since the last war, in which was caused heavy destruction.
The Kleist Museum at Faberstrasse 7 (between the Town Hall and the Oder) in Frankfurt an der Oder is devoted to the life and work of the dramatist Heinrich von Kleist (1777-1811), a native of Frankfurt.
Address: Kleist Museum, Faberstrasse 7, D-15230 Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany
A boat trip on the Oder - departures from the Oderpromenade and Friedensglocke (Peace Bell) in Frankfurt an der Oder - is an excellent way of seeing some of the places of interest in the surrounding area, such as Eisenhüttenstadt, Ratzdorf, Lebus and Eberswalde-Finow.
The Modern Art Museum in Frankfurt an der Oder has one of the largest art collections from the former East Germany. Its collections include sculptures, paintings and other works of art.
Address: Modern Art Musuem, Markplatz 1, D-15320 Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany
There are pleasant walks to be enjoyed in Frankfurt an der Oder's parks and gardens, which extend in a belt of green from the Linaupark in the north (open-air theater) by way of the Lenné-Park on the line of the old fortifications (modern sculpture) to the gardens on the Oderallee (Gertraudenplatz, Anger).
The Oderpromenade (recently replanned) in Frankfurt an der Oder leads past the old Crane and the Friedensbrücke (Peace Bridge; frontier crossing to Slubice in Poland) to the Friedenskirche (Peace Church; formerly St Nicholas's), the oldest building in the town (13th C.). Notable features of the church are the groined vaulting and the choir, which preserves some Romanesque features. The neo-Gothic towers date from 1881-93.
St. Mary's Church is the largest hall church in Germany. It has exemplary Gothic brick style archictecture, a design that was typical of northern Germany during its time.
Address: Frankfurt an der Oder Tourist Office, Karl-Marx-Strasse 8a, D-15230 Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany
Tips: All visits must be booked in advance with the Tourist Office due to construction.
In the old Junkerhaus, one of Frankfurt's few surviving historic buildings, is the Viadrina District Museum (after the Latin name of the Oder). The doorway is a copy of the old entrance to the University. The museum illustrates the history of the town and district down to 1933.