Information
Ostbahn, as RB26, is the direct train connection between Berlin and Küstrin-Kietz / Kostrzyn. Key stops along the route include Strausberg, Müncheberg, Seelow, and beyond the Oder the current final station in Kostrzyn, Poland.
For the regional development between Berlin and the Oder, the connection is an important catalyst. The flagship project Development Corridor Ostbahn of the state government of Brandenburg includes numerous subprojects in infrastructure expansion and economic promotion, arranged like a string of pearls along the rail line.
Quickly to Berlin or Kostrzyn and back home: short travel times and frequent train schedules mean demand-oriented and at the same time environmentally friendly mobility.
On the Polish side, the line continues as Linea 203 to Gorzów Wielkopolski, Piła, Chojnice and Tczew and is part of the Trans-European Transport Network TEN-T.
Ostbahn is considered a section of the European "Rail Baltica" route. With the connection of the Baltic states to the EU, Ostbahn also takes on geopolitical significance.
Ostbahn eases the roads from freight traffic and at the same time offers commuters a convenient alternative to cars.
The former Royal Prussian Ostbahn was built between 1849 and 1867. The route covered over 740 km from Berlin to Königsberg and further to Eydtkuhnen. It opened up the Prussian provinces east of Berlin and until World War II was one of the most important east-west axes in the German Reich. History of Ostbahn
In the station building Küstrin-Kietz, a German-Polish coworking space has recently opened – with excellent transport links!
In the station building of Küstrin-Kietz Business Promotion Agency of the Märkisch-Oderland district (STIC) offers a modern and affordable workplace for professionals, freelancers, and creatives on both sides of the Oder. In an inspiring environment, residents of the Polish-German border region can not only work productively but also network.
Rail
IGOB
About us
The Ostbahn Interest Association (IGOB) is a municipally supported association that strongly advocates the modernization and expansion of the Berlin–Kostrzyn railway line. IGOB stands for an efficient, eco-friendly and future-capable Ostbahn that connects people and economy in the region and strengthens networking with Poland and Europe.
Behind IGOB are municipalities along the route and institutions such as the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, the East Brandenburg Chamber of Commerce, the Regional Planning Office Oderland-Spree, Euroregion Viadrina and the Märkisch-Oderland district. Together with our Polish partners, we are a strong voice for sustainable transport and regional development.
double-track expansion of the entire Ostbahn line
full electrification for low-emission rail traffic
direct connection of RB26 and RE1 via the “ The Seelow Turn ”
integration into the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T)
inclusion in the Federal Transport Infrastructure Plan as a priority project
IGOB was newly founded in 2020 to strengthen the region along the Ostbahn in the long term and to further expand the connection to the neighboring country Poland.
Vision
Already in 2019, around 60 institutions in the region signed the Seelow Declaration for the development of Ostbahn between Berlin and Kostrzyn. It bears the title “Back to the Future!”
Photo credit: S. Grieger
Arguments
Ostbahn is not just a regional rail line, but a key to climate-friendly mobility of the future. Through expansion, thousands of car trips can be avoided daily by offering commuters, students and employees a dependable, fast and comfortable transport option.
The Ostbahn can serve as an important relief route for the heavily used RE1 between Berlin and Frankfurt (Oder). In case of disruptions, construction works, or congestion, train traffic can be flexibly rerouted via the Ostbahn without delays.
It also provides significant relief for road traffic:
With full electrification, diesel journeys are eliminated, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. Compared to road transport, this can save tens of thousands of tons of greenhouse gases annually.
The Ostbahn is more than tracks and trains – it is a lifeline for the region and a link between Germany and Poland. It represents economic opportunities, climate protection, and barrier-free mobility.
Now is the right time to make the Ostbahn fit for the future! The earlier we invest, the sooner the region, economy, and environment will benefit from a strong, modern, and European rail connection.
Intermediate steps
Big goals can only be achieved step by step. The following events mark important milestones on the way to the goal.
Oder Bridge
The over 100-year-old railway bridge between Küstrin-Kietz and Kostrzyn has been replaced by a new double-track bridge allowing train speeds up to 120 km/h. The 130 m long and 13 m wide arch bridge features 88 carbon hangers, making it exceptionally light, durable, and corrosion-resistant.
Photo credit: Peter Grenz
It is the world’s first railway bridge using carbon for key load-bearing elements. Due to its design and innovation, the new Oder Bridge won the German Bridge Award in 2025.
The foundation stone was laid on 17 November 2021 in the presence of the Prime Minister. The new bridge was positioned on 4-5 September 2023 and inaugurated on 31 July 2024 after construction delays.
Rail Summit
Photo credit: Deutsche Bahn AG / Dominic Dupont
At the meeting of top representatives of both countries in February 2023, Prime Minister of Brandenburg Woidke emphasized to the federal government that more support is expected from the federal government for the double-track expansion and electrification of the Ostbahn RB26. He pointed out the bottleneck on the RE1 line and the need to establish reliable relief routes.
EU Parliament
The Transport Committee of the European Parliament adopted guidelines on 13 April 2023 for the development of a trans-European transport network; the Ostbahn is part of a European transport axis. This was announced by Dr. Christian Ehler, MEP.
The list now serves as the basis for negotiations between the EU Parliament and the EU Council regarding the financing of rail connections.
Photo credit: Melanie Wenger
Expert Report
The study presented on 6 November 2023 by the VBB Transport Association emphasizes that double-track expansion and electrification are technically feasible and traffic-efficient. Costs are estimated at €1.2–1.3 billion.
The work should be carried out in two phases: by 2036 (when the next transport contract comes into force) electrification with three double-track passing sections, followed by further expansion. The project promises the following effects:
Development Axis
Goals
The state of Brandenburg is pursuing the key project “Ostbahn Development Corridor” to strengthen the economy of the region along the RB26 railway line and to enhance connectivity with Poland and the Baltic region. The goal is to develop this development axis into a cooperation and innovation space. Its characteristics and strategic objectives are:
First and foremost, the connection and capacity of the Ostbahn itself need to be improved. This includes electrification and partial double-track expansion to optimize passenger and freight transport. On the German side, an "implementation roadmap" foresees the gradual expansion of the infrastructure, including a second track, overhead lines, and a maximum speed of 160 km/h.
A central role is played by strengthening German-Polish cooperation. On the one hand, this concerns the expansion of cross-border transport, and on the other, the improvement of economic cooperation with the neighboring country.
The axis reinforces the economic base of the Märkisch-Oderland district, both in the areas closer to and further from Berlin. This includes designating additional commercial sites and establishing new value chains, particularly in the aviation sector.
The project places special emphasis on climate-friendly mobility. This is to be achieved primarily through the expansion of cycling infrastructure, improved intermodality in public transport, and the shift of freight traffic from trucks to rail.
In November 2022, the Cabinet of the State of Brandenburg approved the key project “Development Corridor Ostbahn.” The present concept was made possible through funding provided by the Planning Support Directive of the Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Planning (MIL). Responsibility for implementation lies with the Märkisch-Oderland district, involving the municipalities along the Ostbahn line, the IGOB, and research institutions such as ZALF in Müncheberg. Organizational implementation until the end of 2025 is carried out by Planergemeinschaft eG in cooperation with empirica and the Business Promotion Agency of the Märkisch-Oderland district (STIC).
Infrastructure
The task goes far beyond the expansion of the railway line itself. Equally important are railway crossings, stations, and various feeder services, ranging from public transport to cycling. Specifically, the following subprojects for infrastructure expansion are on the agenda:
1.1
Traffic-related tasks: This defines the requirements for train operations (scheduled for completion in 2024).
Operational tasks: This develops the requirements for railway operations (currently in progress).
Afterwards, various expansion options are examined, and a preferred variant is planned in detail and submitted for approval.
The Ostbahn is classified as an important expansion project. The long-term goal is to expand the line to double track, electrify it, and allow trains to run at speeds of up to 160 km/h. In particular, the section between the Berlin city boundary and Strausberg has a number of railway crossings. In principle, crossing the railway line at speeds up to 160 km/h is permitted with barriers. Whether the tracks should instead be tunneled or bridged will be discussed with the municipalities during the planning process. Planning is carried out in three phases:
1.2
The area around Neuenhagen station is undergoing a comprehensive redevelopment to make the location attractive and functional for both commuters and residents – a modern mobility hub! Several subprojects are currently being planned or already implemented.
South Side: Focus on Sustainable Mobility
On the south side of the station, a bicycle parking facility and bicycle boxes for up to 200 bicycles are planned. This project, financed at 90% through the “Bahnstadt” program, is intended to replace the existing bicycle shelters. Implementation is scheduled for 2025–2026. The goal is to minimize expected parking issues due to increased train frequency and actively encourage commuters to switch to bicycles. A direct connection to the bus stop will also be created.
North Side: Multi-Use Construction
On the north side of the station, another construction project is planned, providing direct access from the future bicycle parking facility to the train station. The three-story building complex integrates various functions:
Apartments
Facilities for police and bus personnel
Bicycle storage with workshop and e-bike station
bank office
Medical practices
Die Investitionssumme für dieses Bauvorhaben beläuft sich auf etwa 12 Millionen Euro.
1.3
A potential new subproject of regional infrastructure development is the reactivation of the railway branch from Fredersdorf to Rüdersdorf. The line is currently still in operation for freight transport. In the future, new train stops are planned in Petershagen and Rüdersdorf, as well as a Park-and-Ride (P&R) facility at the Herzfelde/Strausberg junction.
The company CEMEX is responsible for planning the line expansion. This is a key part of CEMEX’s decarbonization strategy, which aims to shift truck transport to rail and transport sequestered CO₂.
1.4
This subproject focuses on redesigning the train stops in Golzow and Trebnitz to optimize connections to regional transport.
Golzow Station
The existing platform will be relocated closer to Bahnhofstraße to better integrate bicycle and bus traffic. Bicycle paths and bus stops are currently under construction.
Trebnitz Station
Here, the platform will also be relocated closer to Bahnhofstraße. Bicycle paths and bus stops are currently being built.
1.5
The EuroVeloRoute R1 from London to Moscow passes through the Märkisch-Oderland district along the Ostbahn line. Tourists have easy access at RB26 stations Strausberg, Herrensee, Rehfelde, Buckow, Obersdorf, Trebnitz, Letschin (RB60), and Küstrin-Kietz. To optimize the route, additional bicycle paths are being created in Petershagen/Eggersdorf (Bötzseestraße), in the Wulkow district of Neuhardenberg, and between Wulkow and Trebnitz.
1.6
A total of 18 individual measures in Hoppegarten, Neuenhagen bei Berlin, Fredersdorf-Vogelsdorf, Strausberg, and Müncheberg aim to improve access to train stations from residential and commercial areas.
1.7
This road connection over the Oder is a strategically important traffic hub. Currently, the tonnage is limited to 7.5 tons, which significantly hinders cross-border – and in the future, substantially increasing – heavy-duty traffic.
A comprehensive expansion is planned to make the Bundesstraße 1 bridge suitable for trucks, thereby better connecting the Berlin-Brandenburg metropolitan region with Poland and the Baltic region. Commissioning is scheduled for 2032.
1.8
The new PlusBus line 950 offers commuters a direct hourly connection between the S-Bahn stations Strausberg and Erkner. An extension to the Hönow U-Bahn station is desirable.
Economy
In the densely populated Berlin surroundings, numerous commercial areas have already been developed. The Ostbahn additionally creates opportunities to extend this economic development along the axis into the region and toward Poland. At the same time, it acts as a catalyst for research and development sites in Strausberg, Müncheberg, and, with the connection to Gorzów:
2.1
By 2030, with support from the State of Brandenburg, a new Aviation Innovation Center (IZL) will be established at Strausberg Airfield. It will strengthen Berlin-Brandenburg as an innovation region and a “technology ecosystem” for aviation development. The location in Strausberg is particularly suitable for this purpose due to its connection to the S-Bahn commuter rail system to Berlin.
A total of 10,000 m² of halls, workshops, offices, and training rooms will be built. Part of the hall buildings will have direct access to the airfield at Strausberg Airfield. Aviation-oriented start-ups and technology companies will find optimal development opportunities here. Space for further growth and additional buildings is also available.
Strausberg Airfield (EDAY) allows IFR/VFR approaches and has a 1,200 m long runway. An extension to 1,650 m is currently being prepared.
2.2
In Strausberg, under the management of Business Promotion Agency of the Märkisch-Oderland district (STIC), a start-up center is being established. The goal is to professionalize and strengthen the still underdeveloped start-up “ecosystem” in East Brandenburg.
As a technological focus in aviation is emerging around Strausberg Airfield and in Neuhardenberg, and the conditions for developing aviation start-ups are particularly favorable here, the start-up center aims to build special expertise in aviation technology and autonomous systems for mobility and rural areas.
The Center supports relevant start-ups in their development through coaching, consulting, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Dedicated workshops (“maker spaces”) are available and designed so they can also be used for prototyping and testing autonomous systems.
A total of €2.7 million is allocated for start-up support until the end of 2028.
2.3
The Strausberg Technology and Innovation Center (STIC) is currently being expanded with a new office building featuring a cafeteria and coworking space. The new building, named “TP 5,” provides additional modern spaces for innovation, collaboration, and growth for founders, start-ups, and companies establishing themselves in Strausberg. Due to STIC’s high occupancy, there was previously no space for additional companies.
The construction project, with a volume of €13 million, is overseen by the Märkisch-Oderland district as the client. It is funded by federal and Brandenburg state funds within the framework of the joint task “Improvement of Regional Economic Infrastructure” (GRW-Infrastruktur) due to its structural relevance for the city and region.
2.4
In the premises of the border railway station Küstrin-Kietz, a consulting and meeting center for German and Polish companies, founders, and commuters has been established. It is called
MOST (Bridge). The center provides advice and information on starting a business and working or investing in Germany and Poland. Events and workshops in a German-Polish context are also held here. Those needing a quiet place to work can use the available coworking space in the newly designed station rooms or establish direct contacts with the neighboring country. A special feature of MOST is the job board “Jobs an der Ostbahn”, listing vacancies from companies located near the Ostbahn in both German and Polish.
MOST Coworking is a project of Business Promotion Agency of the Märkisch-Oderland district (STIC) and is implemented with support from the EU INTERREG VI A Programm in cooperation with the Pomerania Municipal Association ( Kommunalgemeinschaft Pomerania).
2.5
With the opening of the Küstrin-Kietz bridge to truck traffic, starting in the early 2030s, municipalities along the B1 and near the Polish border will gain new opportunities for economic development. Particular potential lies with the towns of Müncheberg and Seelow, as well as the municipalities within the Golzow administrative office. This is expected to lead to increased demand for commercial and industrial land.
The town of Seelow is already initiating corresponding changes in its land-use plan, focusing on the Seelow-West location at the B1/B167 junction and Seelow-Nord at the B1/B167 intersection as a connection to the existing commercial area.
The Golzow administrative office and the town of Müncheberg are also considering adjustments to their land-use plans to allow for the designation of new commercial areas along the B1. Financing for this still needs to be clarified.
Contact
Address
The IGOB office is located at the train station in Strausberg. Managing Director Frank Schütz can be reached most easily by email: info@ostbahn.de
His telephone number is +49 177 2114667.
IGOB e.V.
Bahnhofstr. 26
15344 Strausberg
Elke Stadeler (Chairperson), Jörg Schleinitz (Deputy Chairperson), Patrick Gumpricht, Guido Noack, Sven Siebert, Nadja Zivkovic
Partner
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