Czerwieńsk, near Zielona Góra, is a small town with a rich history, known mainly by the residents of Zielona Góra for its numerous beautiful cycling routes around the town and its fascinating World War II history.
Formerly known as Rothenburg an der Oder, Czerwieńsk is located on the Czerwieńsk Plateau, north of Zielona Góra. Historically, Czerwieńsk marked the border between Silesia (Schlesien) and Brandenburg along the Oder River and was the site for significant wartime fortifications from World War II, namely the Oderstellung—a network of bunkers along the Oder's flood embankment, extending to the Ołobok River and continuing north to connect with the main structures of the Międzyrzecz Fortification Region.
The area around Czerwieńsk hosts several beautifully restored bunkers belonging to the Oderstellung fortification network, such as bunkers numbered 763, 761, 764, and 765, which also have photographic documentation featured on odkryjlubuskie.online. We invite World War II history enthusiasts to read on!
Czerwieńsk also boasts a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages when it was part of the Duchy of Głogów, later the Duchy of Krosno. In 1816, it was incorporated into the Prussian province of Silesia, and by 1870 it had secured a permanent railway connection, highlighting the town's significance.
Notable landmarks in Czerwieńsk include the 19th-century Evangelical Church and the neogothic St. Adalbert Parish Church from 1877, with their photos included in this article.
But Czerwieńsk is more than just a place of rich history; it is prominently known for having the most beautiful cycling routes near Zielona Góra. These routes are popular with locals for their beauty, diverse nature, and variety, allowing customization of the difficulty and length of the journey to suit everyone.
Here are some of the most interesting cycling routes around Czerwieńsk that we had the chance to explore:
Bike Route Czerwieńsk - Płoty - Zielona Góra
This route runs along provincial road 280, linking Czerwieńsk with Zielona Góra. It passes by the reservoir in Czerwieńsk, which we also describe on odkryjlubuskie.online. You travel from the center of Czerwieńsk along an asphalt bike path through Płoty and then Przylep to Zielona Góra, where the path connects with major asphalt paths in Zielona Góra in the area of the Northern Route and Unity Avenue.
Bike Route Czerwieńsk - Krępa
This beautifully situated route follows forest fire roads heading eastward. Starting from the center of Czerwieńsk on Łężycka Street, continue on Spokojna Street and exit Czerwieńsk. After crossing the railway, about 200 meters ahead, turn right onto a gravel fire road uphill, then straight all the way to Krępa. This path leads you to the top of the Zielona Góra Ridge, offering breathtaking views to the north of Zielona Góra and, in good weather, even a glimpse of the statue of Jesus in Świebodzin!
Bike Route Czerwieńsk - Ferry at Brody - Brody
Head north from the center of Czerwieńsk along road 280. Here you will also find some of the Oderstellung bunkers by the Oder.
After crossing the Oder by ferry, you can reach the Międzyrzecz Fortification Region by turning left towards Bródki, where fortifications run along the Ołobok River (also described on our website odkryjlubuskie.online). Turning onto the hardened gravel fire road no. 9 will take you to Przetocznica, where more bunkers and even World War II trenches can be found.
Route Along the Oder River - Nietków - Laski - Leśniów Wielki
One of the most beautiful cycling paths in the Czerwieńsk area is the route along the Oder River. This route offers incredible views of the Oder River and its surrounding forests, meadows, farmlands, and old riverbeds teeming with lush vegetation and wildlife. It is an ideal route for nature and landscape photography enthusiasts!
Before reaching Brody, turn left onto the flood embankment, where you'll pass combat bunkers no. 765 and a guard bunker that we described. The well-compacted surface on the embankment allows for comfortable travel even on thin tires. Continue towards Laski, passing a beautiful old (active) railway bridge in Nietkowice, which is part of the railway to Szczecin before reaching Laski.
From there, turn left before the grocery store and bus stop, crossing the railway crossing, and continue via fire access road no. 15, known as "Along the Hills," towards Leśniów Wielki through the forest, enjoying the beautiful views and hardened surfaces without interfering vehicles.