Holiday in Potsdam

What makes Potsdam special as a destination?

Potsdam, the state capital of Brandenburg, is located immediately southwest of Berlin on the Havel River and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage due to its palaces and gardens. Over 500 hectares of parkland and around 150 buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries make the city one of the most significant Gesamtkunstwerke of European garden culture. Sanssouci Palace, the summer residence of Frederick the Great, is the crown jewel of the city. The expansive park also includes the New Palace, the Orangerie, the Chinese House, and the Roman Baths. Babelsberg Park and the New Garden with Cecilienhof Palace — the site of the Potsdam Conference in 1945 — complete the royal ensemble. The Dutch Quarter, with its 134 red brick houses, is the largest Dutch architectural ensemble outside the Netherlands and today is a vibrant neighborhood with cafes, galleries, and boutiques. The Russian Colony Alexandrowka, with its wooden houses and the Orthodox chapel, tells of the historical connections of Prussia. Potsdam is also a media city with the legendary Babelsberg Film Studio, the oldest large film studio in the world. The Havel invites boat tours and swimming excursions, while the Krongut Bornstedt and numerous restaurants serve upscale Brandenburg cuisine. As a day trip from Berlin or an independent travel destination, Potsdam combines Prussian splendor with modern vibrancy.