Potsdam, Germany: a detailed and complete city guide, main attractions of Potsdam with photos and descriptions, and locations on the map.
City of Potsdam (Germany)
Potsdam (German: Potsdam) is a city in eastern Germany, located 25 km southwest of Berlin. The capital of the federal state of Brandenburg has undergone an amazing transformation from a small garrison town to a royal capital and has become one of the main architectural gems of Europe. Potsdam is home to 17 magnificent palaces with beautiful parks, masterpieces of architecture and culture, which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Potsdam is situated on the Havel River on a moraine plain rich in rivers and lakes. The highest point of the city is 114 m. Green spaces occupy about 3/4 of the city’s area. The climate is temperate with maritime influence. Summers are warm, winters are quite mild with slight frosts.
Potsdam is one of the most beautiful and visited cities in Germany, and its location near Berlin makes it a very popular day trip destination.
Practical Information
- Population — approximately 185,000-190,000 inhabitants.
- Official language — German.
- Currency — euro.
- Visa — Schengen.
- Time — Central European UTC + 1, in summer + 2.
- Many souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants are located in the Dutch Quarter.
History and Interesting Facts
Potsdam was founded approximately in the 10th century on the site of a Slavic settlement, the first written mention dates back to 993, when Otto III gave the settlement of Poztupimi (Slavic name) to a monastery. In 1345, it gained city status. In 1416, the city became part of the Hohenzollern possessions. But until the 16th century, Potsdam remained a small trading settlement. During the Thirty Years’ War, it was significantly destroyed.
Everything changed in 1660 when Duke of Prussia Friedrich Wilhelm I chose the town as his hunting residence. Later, the city became the residence of Prussian kings. Most of the wonderful palaces were built under Frederick the Great.
The city transformed into a royal residence. The Supreme Court and many government institutions were located here.
During World War II, the historical center of Potsdam was heavily destroyed by British and American bombings.
How to Get There
Potsdam is practically a suburb of Berlin. The city is located 25 km west of the German capital. From Berlin to Potsdam, you can take the S-Bahn line S7. Berlin BC zone tickets are also valid in Potsdam.
The main airport is Berlin-Brandenburg (BER). It is located about 30-40 minutes by train from Potsdam. The A10 motorway borders the city. The public transport system is a bit confusing and consists of trams and buses. Public transport is zonal and integrated into the Berlin transport system. Tickets can be purchased on every tram and bus. Many new ticket machines accept cards, coins, and notes.
Main tourist lines:
- Bus 695 – main train station, Sanssouci Palace and Park, Orangery, Belvedere.
- Tram 62 – main train station, Dutch Quarter, Russian Colony.
Sights and Landmarks
The main cultural and architectural sights of Potsdam are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Currently, more than 100 monuments, located on an area of 500 hectares, hold this status. The cultural landscape of Potsdam is one of the largest in Germany and all of Europe.
Palaces and Parks
17 amazing palaces with gardens are the main attractions of Potsdam.
Sanssouci is a palace complex, the gem of Potsdam, and the favorite residence of Frederick the Great. The castle was built in the mid-18th century and is considered the most significant architectural structure of German Rococo. Beautiful terraced gardens with fountains, an orangery, and Roman baths adjoin the castle. Entrance to the palace is paid.
New Palace is an architectural masterpiece, erected in the western part of Sanssouci. It is the largest building in the complex and one of the largest palaces in Potsdam, whose interiors impress with luxury. The New Palace is one of the most significant architectural landmarks of German Baroque.
Orangery Palace is a huge palace in the late Renaissance style, located in Sanssouci Park. Interestingly, its length is 300 meters, and by this parameter, it surpasses the length of the New Palace. This palace was completed in 1860 by Friedrich Wilhelm IV. The Orangery Palace copied its appearance from many famous buildings in Florence: the Villa Medici, the Uffizi, etc. The wings of the building are full of subtropical plants in summer, which is why the palace got its name.
New Garden is a 102-hectare park located near the Holy Lake. It was laid out by order of Friedrich Wilhelm II in 1787. The Potsdam Conference was held in the Cecilienhof Palace in 1945.
The Botanical Garden of the University of Potsdam contains over 10,000 plants. A sequoia even grows here.
Lindstedt Palace — located not far from Sanssouci Park, slightly off the tourist track. It was built in the mid-19th century in the style of Romantic Classicism.
Glienicke Palace and Park — located on the banks of the Havel River. It was built in the 1830s by Prussian Prince Karl after a trip to Italy.
Belvedere Castle is a romantic mid-19th-century palace built by Friedrich Wilhelm IV. The palace is located on a 76-meter hill and offers one of the most beautiful views of Potsdam.
Babelsberg Castle and Park — the residence of Kaiser Wilhelm, built in the 19th century. It is located in the eastern part of Potsdam. The palace is built in neo-Gothic style, and a beautiful view opens from the park.
Norman Tower — artificially created ruins on a hill with an observation deck. A beautiful view of Sanssouci opens from here.
Tower in Babelsberg Park — a beautiful neo-Gothic structure built in the mid-19th century. It has a height of 46 meters.
Marble Palace — a highlight of Classicism, built at the end of the 18th century from brick and marble.
Other Sights of Potsdam
Old Market is the heart of Potsdam. This is one of the oldest squares in the city. The main architectural highlight of the square is the Baroque St. Nicholas Church of the 19th century.
Nauen Gate is one of the three preserved city gates of Potsdam, built in the mid-18th century by order of Friedrich II. They are considered one of the first neo-Gothic structures in Europe.
Hunter’s Gate — a small gate that was built in 1733. It is the oldest surviving city gate in Potsdam.
Brandenburg Gate — a triumphal gate erected in 1770. It was built to commemorate the end of the Seven Years’ War.
Glienicke Bridge connects Potsdam and Berlin. This is one of the symbols of the Cold War and the division of Germany. It served border functions between the GDR and the FRG.
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