Eisenhüttenstadt – A Town founded on Industry

Eisenhüttenstadt occupies a special position among all the towns in East Germany, because Eisenhüttenstadt was conceived as the "first socialist town on German soil" on the drawing board and built on a "greenfield site" between the 750-year-old town of Fürstenberg/Oder and the villages of Schönfließ and Diehlo.

The reason for building the socialist model town was the construction of the first ironworks in the former GDR in 1951. The name of the town itself shows the close connection between the town and the works, which still sets the pulse of the region today. The plant, known as Eisenhüttenkombinat Ost (EKO), is now one of the most modern flat steel producers in Europe and a successful member of the global ArcelorMittal group. But Eisenhüttenstadt not only has the mighty silhouette of cooling towers, blast furnaces and steelworks that the city name implies, but also a green island, lots of water and art.

The urban development area, which is a listed building and unique in Germany, outlines the construction and end of the GDR through its architecture - from magnificent residential buildings in the national building tradition to simple workers' quarters, most of which have been extensively renovated. The 100 or so outdoor sculptures by renowned artists, the numerous mosaics and the variety of designs on the façades also make a walk through the city a special and unforgettable experience.

The history of the city, which was called Stalinstadt until 1961, is presented in the municipal museum with its gallery, which has an important cultural and historical art collection. Researching everyday life in the GDR and presenting it in changing exhibitions is the aim of the Utopia and Everyday Life Museum, which is located in a former day nursery - a building with a classicist appearance.

Unique in Brandenburg is the collection of historic fire engines and small equipment in the Fire Brigade and Technology Museum.  

The town's largest recreational area is the "island", which lies close to the town center, nestled between two arms of the Oder-Spree Canal. Here, far away from the hustle and bustle of civilization, there is a well-kept park with sports fields and playgrounds, animal enclosures, a skateboard track and an indoor swimming pool that has been converted into an adventure pool.

In the wooded and water-rich landscapes of Brandenburg, numerous cycle paths have been created and developed in recent years, some of which have been created exclusively for cyclists without any car traffic and are perfectly passable. You can experience nature and culture without borders along the Neisse and Oder rivers with a view of neighboring Poland on the certified Oder-Neisse cycle path. Eisenhüttenstadt is a recommended stop on the 282 km long tour. The route leads through the historic district of Fürstenberg (Oder), where the idyllic corners of the old fishing district on the Oder-Spree Canal are well worth a visit, as are the Gothic parish church (14th century), the ensemble around the old town hall and the narrow alleyways with their lovingly restored houses.

In the district of Fürstenberg (Oder), the Oder-Spree Canal branches off to the Berlin waters. This is an important waterway junction, especially for recreational boaters. From here, water sports enthusiasts have the best opportunity to explore the natural river landscape of the Oder from Berlin to the Baltic Sea. Passing through the Eisenhüttenstadt twin locks is a special experience. This unique technical monument overcomes a height difference of 14 m and can be visited by prior arrangement.

There is so much more to discover in this city of contrasts - between modernity and tradition. The US actor Tom Hanks felt the same and never tires of talking enthusiastically about our special city. He has given Eisenhüttenstadt the name "Iron Hat City" and we have not missed the opportunity to tell everyone about it...