Potsdam
Germany · Brandenburg · 35 m
Description
Potsdam is the capital of the German state of Brandenburg and a historic royal residence city southwest of Berlin, nestled in a picturesque landscape of lakes and cultural heritage along the River Havel. The city is renowned for its magnificent palaces and extensive parks, most notably Sanssouci Palace, the former summer residence of Frederick the Great and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin”. The Dutch Quarter, the Russian Colony of Alexandrowka, and Cecilienhof Palace add further historical and cultural dimensions to Potsdam. The city combines Prussian history and royal garden design with a vibrant cultural scene and a significant tradition in film and science. Its immediate proximity to Berlin and its landscape shaped by the Havel and numerous lakes make Potsdam one of Germany’s most attractive destinations for culture and day trips.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 2 days (optimal 1 day)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Sanssouci Palace & Terraced Vineyards (UNESCO)
- Sanssouci Park (UNESCO)
- Cecilienhof Palace (Potsdam Conference Site)
- Museum Barberini
- New Palace (Neues Palais)
- Dutch Quarter
- Old Market Square
- St. Nicholas Church (Nikolaikirche)
- New Garden & Marble Palace
- Alexandrowka Russian Colony (UNESCO)
- Orangery Palace
- Glienicke Bridge ('Bridge of Spies')
- Belvedere on Pfingstberg
- Babelsberg Park (UNESCO)
- Chinese House
- Brandenburg Gate (Potsdam)
- Filmpark Babelsberg
- Einstein Tower
- Friendship Island
- Biosphäre Potsdam
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, Potsdam Charlottenhof, Potsdam Park Sanssouci
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry