When the River Oder flows from the neighbouring Poland to Brandenburg, Germany's landscape with the largest number of rivers and lakes, the river quickly leads you to a nature reserve: the Schlaube valley. Here, the tiny River Schlaube threads together a series of lakes - some large, some small - as though they were a string of pearls, a landscape that is one of eastern Germany's unspoilt beauties. In Frankfurt/Oder, the idea of being the city which is the bridge between western and eastern Europe is one that is very much alive. The old Viadrina University has become a "European University" and is working in collaboration with the Collegium Polonicum in neighbouring Slubice. By 2003, a "Europe Garden" across the border will have been created here also jointly with Slubice. Sights well worth seeing are St. Mary´s Church, the largest hall church built in the North German brick Gothic style, the Town Hall and the memorial site for the town`s most famous son, the poet Heinrich von Kleist.

In the south-west of Frankfurt/Oder, the green countryside along the Oder now broadens out into the Oder-Spree lakeland region, a network of interconnected natural river courses, historic canals and lakes.

We can follow the Oder into the Oderbruch on the R1 European Cycle Route or the E11 European Hiking Trail. This low-lying marsh, drained in the 18th century, does not look any different after all this time: high hedges, fields of fruit trees and open countryside. Circling above the river are storks, cormorants and herons. The Lebuser Land around the old episcopal town of Lebus is an area, described by the writer Theodor Fontane in his "Travels through the Mark of Brandenburg".

At its mouth, the Oder-Havel canal invites you to a side trip. Visit the imposing Niederfinow ship lift, with its architecture that dates back to the time of the emperor. At this point the historic Finow Canal branches off and leads us deeper into the secluded Barnimer Land region. For example to the Chorin Cistercian Convent, one of the most beautiful historical monuments in the German Brick Gothic style, where from June to September the popular Chorin Music Summer takes place.

Another highlight for nature-lovers is the Lower Oder Valley National Park (see picture) in the sparsely populated Uckermark area. This is one of the most bio-diverse habitats in the whole of Germany. Especially during the birds´ migratory period geese, ducks, swans and cranes gather here. Our route then continues through the Uckermark region along tree-lined avenues and past stone churches, North German Brick Gothic architecture and medieval fortifications. The unique landscape also influences the particular flair of the small town of Angermünde with its half-timbering, romantic courtyards and twisting narrow passageways. The border town of Schwedt is a good place from which to take a day trip to Poland. Another centre is Criewen, where you can find out all about the national park in the visitor centre.