Special feature: Discovering the Lower Oder Valley from the water

This summer, the Lower Oder Valley presents a unique aspect: The new tourist boat connection between Stettin, Mescherin, and Gartz (Oder) allows visitors to experience the national park’s unique river landscape from a perspective usually reserved for only a few.

The approximately three-hour journey leads through the extensive Oder region with its backwaters, floodplains, reed beds, and polder landscapes – one of the most ecologically valuable wetlands in Central Europe. With some luck, cranes, white-tailed eagles, herons, cormorants, or terns may be observed along the way. Visitors already familiar with the national park from the dike or cycle path will discover it from a completely new perspective on the water.

A stopover in Mescherin provides an opportunity to explore the small border town as a gateway to the national park. Short walks to the viewpoints in the Oder Valley are available from here before the journey continues to Gartz (Oder). Sufficient time is allocated for a stay there: The historic town on the Oder, featuring St. Stephen’s Church, the riverside promenade, and its direct proximity to the national park, is ideally suited for a relaxed stroll or a brief stop for refreshments.