Ein Gastbeitrag der Master Studenten von der Universität Wageningen zu Besuch im Oder Delta. Geschrieben von Lucía Iglesias Abarca und Klaudia Deda.
“A borderland.” These were the words we heard from one of our interviewees, Dominik, when asked about the Oder Delta region—a border between Germany and Poland where we stayed for 11 days, from June 2nd to 13th, 2025. We are a team of 30 master’s students from Wageningen University & Research (WUR), representing various nationalities and scientific backgrounds. We were divided into several Geo Groups, which are teams based on the regions we explored.During our time in the Oder Delta, we were assigned to six different regions to explore nature. These regions were Altwarp/Nowe Warpno, Hintersee, Rothenklempenow, Löcknitz, Szczecin, and Pasewalk.
Liveliness and Flexibility
If we could choose two words to describe our experiences, they would be liveliness and flexibility. We came in search of liveliness, and I think I can speak for all of us when I say we found it the moment we arrived in Rothenklempenow. After a 15-minute walk to the large lake, we watched the sunset and immediately felt at ease with the surroundings and with each other. From that very beginning, all the way to our last night by the fireplace, there was a sense of energy and presence in everything we did.
We explored so many new places, each vibrant in its own way, depending on how you look at it. Each geo region we visited also gave a different and interesting impression of liveliness. First is Altwarp, Nowe Warpno, and Riether Winkel, the exploration area of Geo Group 1. These areas are located around the Szczecin Lagoon and feature a beautiful and diverse landscape, including lakes, coastal zones, and urban areas that blend harmoniously with the surrounding nature. This diversity of geographical elements makes the area interesting from both an ecological and aesthetic point of view.
Geo Group 2 explored Hintersee, Glashütte, and Zalesie—an area that turned out to hold extraordinary ecological surprises. Several places within this region, such as Ueckermünder Heide and Jezioro Świdwie, are part of the Natura 2000 conservation network. Due to their protected status, these areas are exceptionally rich in biodiversity and ecosystems. We walked through quiet forests, heard the songs of birds rarely heard elsewhere, and witnessed the serene expanse of wetlands that evoked a sense of awe and peace—an experience that is hard to find anywhere else.
The third area is Rothenklempenouw, Blanknensee and Dobra, explored by Geo Group 3. Despite the interesting scenery, areas also offer historical buildings such as old churches, and municipality buildings that still stand strong and well maintained.
„What makes this area special is not only its natural wealth, but also its cultural heritage value that is still well-preserved until now.“-Viva, Wageningen’s Student
Exploring this place felt like walking between two worlds, wild and peaceful nature on one side, and a quiet yet eloquent cultural heritage on the other. Rothenklempenow’s soccer field was full of life on some days, as were the forests, the winding paths, and the roads connecting different parts of the region. The local community was also very friendly and welcoming. We even won a soccer match against the Rothenklempenow team with a tight score of 7–6, an unforgettable and extraordinary memory.
The next area is Löcknitz, which also includes the Bergholz and Plöwen regions. Löcknitz is known for its calm lake, an iconic natural feature that invites exploration. Meanwhile, the villages of Bergholz and Plöwen captivate visitors with their tranquil atmosphere and local museums that preserve the rich history of their communities. The area is also surrounded by agricultural land, forests, vast fields, and ancient trees that are over 1,000 years old.
“ One of my favorite experiences in Locknitz was driving in the middle of the open air exploring the fresh nature. It felt so peaceful“
-Manus, Wageningen’s Student
Talking about the Oder Delta would not be complete without exploring its Polish side, which is also an important part of the region. Geo Group 5 explored Szczecin, a historical city. The city combines an urban taste with a closeness to nature. We had the chance to try pierogi, a Polish’s dumplings. What made our experience even more memorable was the friendliness of the local people. Although we did not speak Polish and they also had limited English, just by saying warmly,
„Dzień dobry!“, their hearts immediately opened and helped. The last area is Pasewalk and region explored by Geo Group 6. Pasewalk is a small German region located near the Oder Delta region. Although not too crowded, this city has its own charm with a calm atmosphere and neat city layout. Some old buildings still stand strong.
In general, the entire Oder Delta feels alive in every sense—rich with diverse flora and fauna, enthusiastic farmers, and vibrant local community events. But it is also full of calm: peaceful moments, quiet pauses, and the gentle rustling of wind through the trees. That kind of silence felt just as alive to us.Flexibility was just as central to our experience. When we arrived, we quickly realized that our original ideas and expectations didn’t exactly match the reality. The way we worked and organized things had to shift. But we adapted. We had the space to be flexible, and the freedom to shape something we could genuinely be proud of. And we weren’t the only ones showing flexibility. Everyone we met was incredibly welcoming, even though most of us didn’t speak the same language. Despite that, we found ways to connect, with shared spaces, shared laughs, and shared efforts. That last afternoon around the fire, exchanging experiences with different people, really meant a lot. It was such a warm and meaningful goodbye. This has been a grounding experience. Some of us learned a lot, some of us taught a lot and all of us walked away with something valuable. We’re grateful to have been part of this, and we hope that our research leaves a positive mark on the area.
Lesson Learned
The entire experience was incredible, but it was even more meaningful because we learned. We were also confronted with complex realities in the field. Rewilding, for example, is understood in different ways, some see it as restoring nature entirely without human involvement, while others focus on reintroducing certain species. We learned that the most important goal is to strike a balance between conservation and human life. Engaging with communities was another valuable lesson. Interviewing farmers is very different from speaking with local churches, government officials, or tourism providers, each group brings its own perspectives, interests, and roles. Even within a single village, younger and older generations can have conflicting views about the future of their region.
We also learned from Tobias and Frauke about the human-nature connection, inspired by their passion and dedication. We returned from the Oder Delta with slightly darker skin from the summer sun at the border, but fuller hearts. We didn’t just collect data for an academic report. We brought home memories, new questions, and a deepened passion to continue learning with and from nature.
Vielen Dank an das RCE Stettiner Haff, die örtlichen Reiseführer, Bauern, Unterkunftsbesitzer und Einheimischen, die ihre Herzen geöffnet und ihre Geschichten mit uns geteilt haben. Wir sehen uns beim nächsten Abenteuer!