Sundaywalk on the Battlefield

REISEN&FREUNDE
PICTUREBOOK: SUNDAYWALK  ON THE BATTLEFIELD
Deutsche Leitkultur Blog by Christian Raum
Berlin, March 13th 2017

The fortress of Kostrzyn nad Odrą was our Grandfather’s Wehrmacht last stronghold before Sowjetunion’s Red Army reached Berlin. Stalin’s tanks attacked first in January 1944. By this time Kostrzyn was covered with high snow, the river was frozen and the city herself was a beauty. Soldiers were raging for more than twelve weeks. When spring arrived German army left the battlefield and more than 20.000 lay dead and buried in the muddy ground.  On the web there are articles to  be found, telling about the heavy fightings specially around the castle’s square and the church on the opposite side.

Reason enough for getting on the train and travel 100 kilometers Eastward. Only to find there is not much left of Kostrzyn nad Odrą’s old city center.

Outside Berlin Gate

Berlin Gate

Two trees on the fortress walls

Berlin Street

Castle Square – view from the castle over to the church

Lost steps

Castle’s main portal

Remains of Kostryzn church

The fortress along the Odra river

Odra river view