The former fortress of Küstrin, or rather what is left of it, is definitely worth a look. Much has been restored in recent years and there are information boards everywhere that give visitors a little insight into the history. It is also a place that makes you think, because the old town was completely destroyed. It is just two kilometers from the Oder dyke to here and the detour is worth it.
The lost city: Magnificent fortress walls, a castle, a parish church, as well as old tenement houses, barracks, shops, cafes and restaurants once dominated the cityscape of Küstrin's old town. Today, only ruins remain of the once flourishing city, the town hall and the spacious market square. Wild plants grow on piles of rubble and over dilapidated streets; together with the shy birdlife, they create a unique atmosphere. For over 400 years, the fortress and the city of Küstrin formed an extraordinary symbiosis, which came to an abrupt end with the heavy fighting for the city in the spring of 1945. After the Second World War, life in the old town froze for almost 50 years. Until not so long ago, the place aroused above all a longing for what had once been there, for a city that had ceased to exist. Today, the remains of the old buildings and entire streets, some of which are covered with cobblestones and sidewalks, rise out of the piles of rubble. A part of the remaining fortifications, which have been restored, can also be visited today.
A walk through the ruins of the old town of Kostrzyn is a sentimental journey to the times when Küstrin was still one of the most beautiful towns in Brandenburg. There are different ways to discover the old town and the Küstrin fortress. A walk through the "Pompeii on the Oder" is certainly very informative, but the stones alone will tell you little about the dramatic events that led to the final downfall of Küstrin. In order to really understand the place and its tragic history, we recommend our group tours through the old town. Our qualified staff will not only provide you with interesting background information on the history, but also give you in-depth insights into daily life in a fortress town. In this way, visitors can engage with the place and its history in a very individual way and find their own way to access Küstrin/Kostrzyn. You can book our tours on the topics and dates of your choice.
Translated by Google •
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