From swamp to paradise: rediscover the Oderbruch!

From swamp to paradise: rediscover the Oderbruch!

The Oderbruch, an impressive region in Brandenburg, stretches between Bad Freienwalde and Neuhardenberg. Once a hostile swamp landscape, it was transformed into a fertile area by Frederick II in the 18th century. The large-scale draining, which began in 1747, brought to light over 32,500 hectares of farmland by 1753. This development occurred at a time when numerous groups, including Palatinate, Swabians and Poles, moved and settled in the region. Frederick II offered the new settlers preferential conditions, such as free land and tax exemption, which persuaded many to settle.

The first generation of colonists didn't have it easy - circumstances were harsh and the early years were marked by scarcity. But over time the region prospered agriculturally. The third generation of settlers in particular benefited from the efforts of their ancestors and turned the area into an important agricultural location, once known as the “vegetable garden of Berlin”. Today, however, the Oderbruch has evolved, with artists and creative minds redesigning the old houses in the villages, adding to the region's attractiveness [Welt] reports that...

Neulietzegöricke and its history

Neulietzegöricke is the oldest colonist village in the Oderbruch and was founded in 1753. The name “Lietze Göricke” is derived from the Wendish language and means “cold hills, high mountains”. The village complex is laid out according to a strict scheme, which gives it a special charm. In the middle of this structured environment is the shaft trench, which was originally dug to raise the positions of the houses and thus support settlement. The small district of Ferdinandshof, which is a former royal domain, also belongs to the Neulietzegöricke district and contributes to the cultural diversity that characterizes the region [Barnim-Oderbruch] reports that...

The economic importance of the Oderbruch villages grew significantly as a result of the successful drainage of the fertile area. Between 1747 and 1753 new villages emerged, and by 1756 25 settlements had been occupied. Further residential areas were also founded during the Seven Years' War and up to 1776. Agriculture remained the colonists' main occupation, and King Friedrich Wilhelm I recognized the challenges of the region, which he perceived as hostile to life, which ultimately led him to approve the drainage and to commission Frederick II to implement the necessary measures [Barnim-Oderbruch] reports that...

Tourist attractions in the Oderbruch

One of the modern attractions of the Oderbruch is the “Theater am Rand”, a free theater near the Oder that has existed since 1998 and is known for its creative performances. The region itself is also a popular destination for active holidaymakers and cycling enthusiasts, not least thanks to the well-developed Oder-Neisse cycle path. A real eye-catcher is the Europe Bridge, which opened in June 2022 and connects Germany and Poland. With an impressive length of 860 meters, it not only offers a viewing platform, but also picnic opportunities, making it a popular excursion destination [Welt] reports that...

For visitors, the journey from Berlin is very uncomplicated: the regional train RB 26 takes travelers directly to Seelow-Gusow, from where the charm of the Oderbruch can be discovered. A comprehensive experience of the region is offered not only on an agricultural but also on a cultural level, which has made the Oderbruch a multi-faceted destination.