The border bridge connecting Słubice and Frankfurt on the Oder is not only an engineering structure, but above all a symbol of the complicated history of the Polish-German borderland. The current bridge was built on the site of a historic crossing that for centuries connected the two banks of the Oder River. After World War II, when a new Polish-German border along the Oder and Lusatian Neisse was established, the bridge became a border point between the two countries. During the communist era, relations between Slubice and Frankfurt were limited, and the bridge acted as a barrier more than a connection.

Today the situation is radically different - the border bridge is a bustling thoroughfare, with thousands of people crossing it every day. Walking across the bridge, one can enjoy the panorama of both cities and a picturesque view of the Oder River. Interestingly, standing in the middle of the bridge, you find yourself exactly on the national border - with one foot in Poland and the other in Germany. This symbolic opportunity to 'be in two countries at the same time' attracts many tourists who are eager to take souvenir photos in this unique place.

On the Polish side, just a few minutes' walk from the bridge, there is an absolutely unique monument on Frankfurt Square - the world's first Wikipedia Monument. This unusual sculpture, unveiled in 2014, depicts four figures hovering over their heads the distinctive Wikipedia logo - a sphere composed of puzzles. The monument pays tribute to the anonymous creators of this online encyclopedia, who selflessly share their knowledge with the world.

The Wikipedia monument has quickly become one of Slubice's most recognizable attractions and a symbol of the city's modern approach to education and knowledge sharing. It is also an excellent example of how a small city on the border can gain international recognition through creative initiatives. Tourists from all over the world come to see this unique monument, which combines a traditional form of commemoration (a monument) with a tribute to a modern, digital initiative.

Frankfurt Square, where the monument stands, is also the site of many cultural and social events that integrate border residents. Nearby is also Friendship Square with its fountain, which was renovated in 2003 as part of the 'European Garden' cross-border cultural festival. These public spaces are the heart of the city and are proof of how much has changed in German-Polish relations since the post-war era.

Crossing the border bridge and heading north to Frankfurt on the Oder, we come upon a charming area known as Oderwiesen nördlich Frankfurt - the riverside meadows, which are a unique example of a natural river landscape preserved in an urban setting. Stretching along the banks of the Oder River, this expansive green space offers not only picturesque views, but also a fascinating lesson in the history of the borderlands.

Oderwiesen is a place where nature and history meet in harmony. The extensive floodplain meadows, which have been shaped over the centuries by the rhythm of the Oder's floods, form a unique ecosystem. During a walk you can observe the abundance of flora and fauna characteristic of riverside areas. In spring and summer, the meadows are covered with a colorful carpet of flowers, attracting numerous species of butterflies and other insects. For lovers of ornithology, this is a true paradise - many species of water and marsh birds can be observed here.

The history of this place is as fascinating as its nature. Before World War II, the entire area belonged to one urban organism - Frankfurt-on-Oder. After the new Polish-German border was established in 1945, the Oder River became the border line, and the eastern suburbs of Frankfurt became the Polish Słubice. Oderwiesen, while remaining on the German side, witnessed this geopolitical transformation.

During the Cold War, these areas were in close proximity to the closely guarded border, which paradoxically helped preserve their natural character - limited human access allowed nature to develop without major interference. Today, with the border now only symbolic, the Oderwiesen are a popular recreational area for residents of both cities.

For tourists visiting the borderland, a stroll through the Oderwiesen meadows is an excellent opportunity to experience the region's unique cultural landscape. The Oderwiesen grounds offer a magnificent view of the Slubice skyline, the border bridge and the meandering Oder River. Especially charming are these views at sunset, when the last rays of the sun reflect in the waters of the river, creating a magical atmosphere.

It is worth noting the system of walking and bicycle paths that run along the Oder River, allowing exploration of the area from different perspectives. For lovers of active recreation, this is an ideal place for jogging, Nordic walking or cycling. In winter, when the meadows are covered with snow, the area becomes a popular place for walking and playing outdoors.

Oderwiesen is also a venue for various outdoor events, festivals and picnics, integrating the communities of both cities. These initiatives are part of a broader process of building cross-border cooperation that has been steadily developing between Slubice and Frankfurt-on-Oder since the 1990s.

Just a few minutes' walk from the border bridge, on the German side of the Oder River, is a true gem of garden architecture - Lennépark. This historic city park, designed by the famous Prussian landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné (hence its name), is an excellent example of 19th-century horticultural art and is one of the most beautiful green spaces in Frankfurt-on-Oder.

The history of Lennépark dates back to 1833, when the city authorities decided to transform the former city fortifications into a recreational space for residents. The task of designing the park was entrusted to Peter Joseph Lenné, a royal gardener who had already made a name for himself with park designs in Potsdam and Berlin. Lennépark was designed in the English style, with characteristic gentle hills, winding paths and picturesque groups of trees, creating romantic landscapes.

Walking through the park's alleys, one can admire the carefully planned plant compositions, which are dominated by centuries-old trees - some of which still remember the time when the park was founded. Particularly impressive are specimens of plane trees, beeches and oaks, which reach impressive sizes. In spring the park delights with flowering shrubs and flower beds, in summer it offers shade and cooling, in autumn it delights with a fever of colors, and in winter it creates fairy-tale snow-covered landscapes.

The centerpiece of the park is a picturesque pond with a fountain and a bridge, around which park life is concentrated. It is a favorite resting place for both Frankfurt residents and tourists visiting the city. On sunny days you can see families with children feeding the ducks, couples in love strolling along the alleys or senior citizens relaxing on benches in the shade of the trees.

Lennépark is not only a place of recreation, but also an important part of the region's cultural heritage. The park is home to several interesting monuments and memorials that tell the city's history. Note the neo-classical elements of small architecture, such as ornamental bridges and pavilions, which fit perfectly into the romantic character of the park.

For tourists visiting the Polish-German border region, a visit to Lennépark is an excellent complement to the exploration of Slubice and Frankfurt/Oder. The park is easily accessible - it is located in the center of Frankfurt, at Halbe Stadt 30, just a dozen minutes' walk from the border bridge. Here you can rest after sightseeing, relax in the natural surroundings and experience the atmosphere of the German city.

Interestingly, Lennépark provides an interesting contrast to the Oderwiesen area. While the Oderwiesen meadows represent a natural, wild river landscape, Lennépark is an example of an artfully designed, orderly park space. These two different approaches to shaping green spaces - naturalistic and formal - perfectly reflect the cultural richness of the German-Polish borderland.

The park is accessible all year round, with no time restrictions, making it an ideal place to visit at any time of the day or year. Each season lends a different character to the park - from spring's flowering shrubbery, to summer's outdoor concerts, to autumn's spectacles of color and winter's snowy landscapes. For photographers, it is a veritable treasure trove of motifs and subjects, changing with the seasons and the day.