The Lower Oder Valley International Park is a shared German-Polish nature reserve. It comprises the western banks of the Oder (Polish: Odra) river within the Uckermark district in the German state of Brandenburg as well as the steep eastern banks in the Gryfino and Police counties of the Polish West Pomeranian Voivodeship further north.
The German part of the core area is the Nationalpark Unteres Odertal (Lower Oder Valley National Park). There is an information centre at Criewen. The Polish part of the core area is the Park Krajobrazowy Dolina Dolnej Odry (Lower Odra Valley Landscape Park).
The area comprises 165 km2 (64 sq mi) (Germany 105 km2 (41 sq mi), Poland 60 km2 (23 sq mi)); together with adjoining nature reserves in Germany and Poland the total area is 1,172 km2 (453 sq mi). By decision of the German-Polish Environmental Council in 1992 the German, Polish and Brandenburg environment ministers as well as the voivode of Szczecin created the Lower Oder Valley International Park.
Getting there
The closest major city is Berlin. The drive from Berlin is just a little over 1 hour and it's therefore really easy to reach the national park. Most public transport will take you to Schwedt, which is the largest city next to the national park. You have plenty of options here to start exploring the national park.
When to visit
There is something to do in every season. Summer is the most popular season. Be aware the birds in the national park are breeding until mid July. You won't be able to go on canoe trips before this time.
Map of Lower Oder Valley National Park
Image gallery of Lower Oder Valley National Park
Visitor/Information centres in Lower Oder Valley National Park
Most national parks have an associated visitor centre to help visitors. They are usually open most of the year but some close in the off-season. You will often be able to find information on all the activities in the national park. A visit to the visitor centre is often recommended before venturing into the park.
Wildlife in Lower Oder Valley National Park
These sections shows you some of the characteristic wildlife to the national park.
Bears in Lower Oder Valley National Park
No bears in the park
This national park has no bears and you do not need to take precautions.
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