Lower Oder Valley national park
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Lower Oder Valley national park - by Pascal on Google
Description
The Lower Oder Valley International Park is a nature reserved across the German and Polish borders, on either side of the Oder River. The German side reviewed here is called Lower Oder Valley National Park (Nationalpark Unteres Odertal) and covers 105km2 (the Polish side is 60km2). There is a Special Protection Area for birds (160 breeding species have been counted) and inhabitants include the black stork, the eagle owl, the aquatic warbler and European otters and beavers. The western shore is extremely flat and the water level of the floodplains is controlled by several levees.
Access & Transport
The main getaway to the park is the border town of Schwedt which is located 110km northeast of Berlin. By car, take the A11 until Althüttendorf (exit 9) followed by the B198/B2. It is also possible to explore the southern end of the park by heading towards the village of Schöneberg or Criewen where the visitors' center is located (between Angermünde and Schwedt). By train, the RE3 line connects Berlin Potsdamer Platz station to Schwedt (Oder) in about 90mins but, from there, it is difficult to explore the park without a car or bike.
Instructions & Recommendations
If you intend to hike, don't forget to wear proper walking shoes and carry some water with you. Binoculars are helpful to better observe the wildlife For those with children, we suggest combining this activity with a visit to Eberswalde Zoo (mid-way to/from Berlin)
Environmental & Social
Eco-friendly activity that educates visitors about the local ecosystems. Socially marginally positive thanks to the small economic activity derived from tourism
Conclusion
The Lower Oder Valley is a natural environment with great biodiversity that is ideally suited for birdwatchers and for an easy bike ride on flat terrain. It is best enjoyed for those with a car on a regional itinerary and by Berlin residents on a day out, but in our opinion it doesn't warrant a long range trip.
Key positive
Excellent bird watching
Not busy
Key negative
No standout natural feature
Suitability
Visitors with reduced mobility will be able to discover most of the area by car but may not be able to use all walking paths, especially in the floodplain areas.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h 30m
est. visit time:3h
Sunrise / early morningOk
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo