visit potsdam from berlin

How to Get to Potsdam From Berlin by Train

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Ali Garland, Berlin expert & long term resident Getting Around

Potsdam isn’t far from Berlin, and with so much culture and history, it’s no wonder many people include it on their Berlin itinerary. If you’re trying to figure out how to get to Potsdam from Berlin , I’ve got all the details here for train and Sbahn options.

Potsdam is a fantastic city to add to your trip to Germany, especially if you like castles, palaces, and gorgeous gardens. Whether you’re visiting Potsdam on a day trip from Berlin or spending a few leisurely days here, it’s likely you need to know how to get from Berlin to Potsdam .

What you'll find here

Tours of Potsdam from Berlin

If you’re planning a day trip from Berlin to Potsdam, a tour can really help you make the most of your time. Consider one of these Potsdam tours.

• Tours of Berlin private Potsdam tour : This private tour of Potsdam is led by a local and is a great way to see the sights with just your family or group.
• Discover Potsdam : A half day walking tour of Potsdam from Berlin
• Potsdam Sanssouci Palace : A guided tour from Berlin including bus transport
• Potsdam Bike Tour : Tour Potsdam by bike with rail transport from Berlin

Hotels in Potsdam, Germany

Potsdam is one of the most popular day trips from Berlin . But there is a lot to see here! If you want to explore more of the city, the parks, and the palaces, it might be worth booking a hotel in Potsdam and staying for a few days.

Where to stay in Potsdam

Here are our suggestions for hotels in Potsdam:

>>Read: 101 Things to do in Berlin

How to Get to Potsdam From Berlin

Traveling from Berlin to Potsdam is easy when you know how to do it.

What is the distance from Potsdam to Berlin?

The distance from Berlin to Potsdam is roughly 35km, or almost 22 miles. This is calculated from Berlin Hbf (main train station) to Potsdam Hbf.

Driving can take 45 minutes or longer depending on traffic conditions. Parking in either city can be expensive, so in most cases, it’s best to stick with Berlin’s public transportation to reach Potsdam from Berlin.

Keep reading, and I’ll tell you exactly how to get to Potsdam from Berlin by train and Sbahn .

Berlin to Potsdam by train

The best option to get to Potsdam from Berlin by train is taking the regional train in most cases since it will take you from Berlin Hbf to Potsdam Hbf in just 25 minutes or so. The regional train also makes fewer stops than the Sbahn.

There are a few different options for regional trains to Potsdam from Berlin. They are the RE1 and the RB23.

Where else can you get the regional trains from Berlin to Potsdam? The RE1 and the RB23 stop at several stations within Berlin, so to avoid losing time on your way to Potsdam from Berlin, check which train station in Berlin is closest to where you’re staying.

The Berlin stations where the RE1 and RB23 stop are, from east to west: Ostkreuz, Ostbahnhof, Alexanderplatz, Friedrichstr, Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Zoologischer Garten, Charlottenburg Bahnhof, and Wannsee Bahnhof.

The RB23 actually starts at the airport before going to the stations listed above, so if you’re going directly from the Berlin Airport to Potsdam , that is a good option.

Now let’s look at each of the regional trains you can take to Potsdam from Berlin.

RE1 going towards Brandenburg Hbf

The RE1 going towards Brandenburg Hbf stops at Potsdam Hbf, Potsdam Charlottenhof, and Park Sanssouci Potsdam stations. This train runs once an hour, so plan accordingly.

Note: Not all RE1 train routes are exactly the same. The one that goes to Magdeburg as the end station stops in Potsdam Hbf but it does not stop in any of the secondary Potsdam train stations.

RE1 going towards Magdeburg

If you take the RE1 that lists Magdeburg as its end destination, you’ll have to get out at Potsdam Hbf and walk, take a tram, or take a bus to Sanssouci Palace. Or you’ll have to switch to another train (RB21, RB22, RB23) if you want to go to either Potsdam Charlottenhof or Park Sanssouci Potsdam station.

RB23 going towards Potsdam Golm Bhf

Another option for taking a regional train from Berlin to Potsdam is the RB23. The end station is Potsdam Golm Bahnhof, but it also stops at Potsdam Hbf, Potsdam Charlottenhof Bhf, and Potsdam Park Sanssouci Bhf.

Potsdam Golm Bahnhof is quite a bit beyond the parks and palaces, so make sure you get out before that station.

I have more info on which station is best for which parts of Potsdam below.

You can check train schedules on the Deutsche Bahn website , but they can’t sell you tickets for this route. More info below about where to buy tickets from Berlin to Potsdam, but you should download either the BVG Fahrinfo app or the VBB Bus & Bahn app.

Using the S bahn Berlin-Potsdam routes

You can also get to Potsdam from Berlin using the Sbahn, but it will take about 10 minutes longer. From Berlin Hbf to Potsdam Hbf it takes about 35 minutes instead of 25 minutes. The Sbahn also makes more stops along the way.

But it could be a good option depending on where you’re staying in Berlin. And since the Sbahn runs more frequently than the regional train, it might be more convenient despite the extra time.

If you decide to take the Sbahn to Potsdam, you will need the S7 going towards Potsdam Hbf. The last station on this route is Potsdam Hbf, so you don’t have to worry about missing your stop.

Also note that the Sbahn does not go to Park Sanssouci Potsdam Bahnhof. So if you want to go to that station, you will need to switch to the RE1, RB21, RB22, or RB23 for an additional 5 minutes.

You can catch the S7 Sbahn from quite a few stations in central Berlin. This is not the full list, but the route include Ostkreuz, Warschauer Str, Ostbahnhof, Alexanderplatz, Hackescher Markt, Friedrichstr, Berlin Hauptbahnhof, Zoologischer Garten, Charlottenburg Bahnhof, Westkreuz, and Wannsee Bahnhof.

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>>Read: Do You Need a Plug Adapter for Germany?

Which is the best station to use in Potsdam?

If you’re going to Potsdam from Berlin, you’ll need to know which station in Potsdam is the best one for you to use. This depends on what you want to see and do in Potsdam, and mostly where you want to start your day.

If you’re not sure yet, check out my post about what to do in one day in Potsdam .

Potsdam Hbf

Potsdam’s main train station, Potsdam Hbf, is the closest train station to the old town. This is a good station to get out at if you want to start your day in the old town and Dutch Quarter.

In the old town, you’ll find several museums, monuments, churches, old city gates, cute cobbled streets, and many restaurants and hotels.

To reach Sanssouci Palace from Potsdam Hbf, you could walk, but it’s roughly 3km (almost 2 miles) so that might take awhile.

A quicker option is to take bus 695 and get out at Schloss Sanssouci. It’ll take less than 20 minutes.

Or you can take tram 91 going towards Potsdam Pirschheide, and get out at Luisenplatz-Süd/Park Sanssouci. From here, you’ll be a short walk from the southeastern edge of the park, and you can meander through the park and gardens until you reach the palace.

Potsdam Hbf is also a good option if you want to go to Marmorpalais or Schloss Cecilienhof. Both can be reached using tram 96 to Potsdam Rathaus and then switching to bus 603 towards Potsdam Höhenstr. Get out at Schloss Cecilienhof, or at Glumestr for Marmorpalais.

Potsdam Charlottenhof Bahnhof

The Potsdam Charlottenhof station is named for its location close to the Charlottenhof Palace. It’s the next train station after Potsdam Hbf.

From the Potsdam Charlottenhof station, it’s about 10-15 minutes walking to get to Charlottenhof Palace. Honestly, this is probably the least useful of the three train stations in Potsdam.

Potsdam Park Sanssouci Bahnhof

Two stops after the Potsdam main station, you’ll get to the Park Sanssouci Potsdam station. This station is located right across the street from Sanssouci Park.

It’s a tiny bit closer to walk from the Park Sanssouci Potsdam station to Charlottenhof Palace vs using the Charlottenhof Palace train station. The Park Sanssouci station is also close to the Neues Palais (New Palace).

The Park Sanssouci Potsdam station is a better choice if you want to spend as much of your walk as possible in the park itself. But it’s worth noting that none of the stations are really all that close to Sanssouci Palace itself.

To reach Sanssouci Palace from the Park Sanssouci train station, it’s about 2.5km (about 1.5 miles) to walk, but it’s all through the beautiful park and gardens.

This is probably the best station to use to quickly reach the park and start seeing some of the most famous palaces in Potsdam.

Is there a bus to Potsdam from Berlin?

Berlin and Potsdam are well connected by regional train and Sbahn, but there aren’t good bus connections.

If you’re staying in the southwest corner of Berlin, in the Wannsee area, you could theoretically take a bus over the border between Berlin and Brandenburg to reach Potsdam. But this takes much longer and doesn’t even get you to the central part of Potsdam or near Sanssouci.

The only other bus option is if you take a bus tour like this one from Berlin . It takes you from Berlin to Potsdam by bus, and a guide tells you all about the places you visit in Potsdam.

>>Read: 2 Days in Berlin: Ideal Itinerary for 48 Hours in Berlin

What Berlin Potsdam ticket do you need?

One of the great things about going to Potsdam from Berlin by train or Sbahn is that the tickets are inexpensive. To get from Berlin to Potsdam, you will need a ticket that covers zone C, so if you’re staying in central Berlin, you’ll need an ABC ticket.

A single ticket for Berlin zones ABC costs 3.80 euros, so it would be 7.60 euros round trip. This is fine if you’re going from Berlin to Potsdam and back, AND if you don’t plan on using public transport during your day in Potsdam or at other times during the day while you’re in Berlin.

More likely, you’ll want the option to use the buses and trams in Potsdam. Plus you might want to do other things in Berlin later in the day or evening that would require transport. In this case, a 24 hour ticket for zones ABC is better and costs only 10 euros.

If you’re traveling with a group, a 24 hour small group ticket for zones ABC might be the better option. For up to 5 people, this ticket costs 26.50 euros.

So for a solo traveler or two people traveling together, two single 24 hour tickets for zones ABC are best. But if you have 3-5 people, the 24 hour small group ticket for zones ABC is the cheapest ticket option.

Where to buy an ABC ticket for Berlin to Potsdam

You can buy an ABC ticket to get from Berlin to Potsdam from any ticket machine found at train stations, Ubahn stations, or Sbahn stations. They’re also available in the BVG Fahrinfo app or the VBB Bus & Bahn app.

Look for the 24 Stunden Karte for one person 24 hour tickets, or the 24 Stunden Karte Kleingruppen for the small group version. Choose Berlin ABC, and then since it’s a 24 hour ticket, choose your start time and date for when you need the ticket to be valid.

Berlin Travel Resources

I want you to have the best trip to Berlin, and hopefully this guide for how to get to Potsdam from Berlin is helpful. But there are lots more tips on the site!

• 101 Best Things to do in Berlin
• 23 Impressive Castles in Berlin (And Nearby)
• 27 Best World War II & Cold War Sights in Berlin
• 29 Fun Day Trips From Berlin
• 75 Things to Know Before Visiting Berlin: Essential Berlin Travel Tips
• What to Wear & What to Pack for Berlin, Germany: Your Ultimate Berlin Packing List
• How to Get Around in Berlin: An Easy Guide to Berlin Public Transportation

Check out my favorite travel planning sites and resources

These are the sites I like for travel planning, plus items I like to travel with.

Planning Booking.com : Find a Berlin hotel here.

Rick Steves and Lonely Planet : My favorite guidebook resources.

Tours, Activities, Tickets Viator : Great site for finding tours and other activities.

GetYourGuide : Another good option for tours and activities.

Transport Welcome Pickups : No stress option for airport pickups.

Discover Cars : Find a rental car for Germany road trips.

Deutsche Bahn and FlixBus : Best options for getting around Germany.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for German & EU.

Collapsible water bottle , plug adapter , and stuff bag : Small things that will make your trip a little easier.

Packing Orange SIM & eSIM : Great option for SIM & eSIM cards for Germany & EU.

Book a local photographer Flytographer : Hire an amazing local photographer anywhere in the world.

Related Posts

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How to Get from Prague to Berlin: Train and Bus Options

Hi, Is it still possible to buy a 24 hour ticket for zones ABC? On the apps it’s only possible to buy an AB ticket and then a C extension. Thanks

Hi, yes you can still get a 24 hour ticket for zones ABC on the BVG app. It’s not really obvious, but when you’re on the screen where it shows you the price and there’s a line that shows zones AB, click on that line and it’ll give you a drop down so you can scroll it to choose ABC.

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One Day in Potsdam (Walking Itinerary + Map)

• December 26, 2023

A complete itinerary for one day trip to Potsdam from Berlin (+ a map with all key sights, where to eat and how to get there).

Berlin may be the capital of Germany, but Potsdam is where the Prussian Kings resided. The city is packed with history, culture and gorgeous royal palaces. It’s a true gem for architecture and history lovers!

Potsdam is the capital of the Brandenburg region of Germany. It’s situated on the River Havel, only half an hour away by train from Berlin. This makes it the perfect day trip from Germany’s capital city.

Planning a few days in Berlin as well? Well, then take a look at my complete 3 day itinerary for Berlin . It covers all the key sights, including how to skip the lines for the TV Tower and how to save money.

One day in Potsdam itinerary

This one day in Potsdam itinerary is perfect for all, who plan to explore the city on a day trip from Berlin. In fact, this is the exact itinerary I followed during my last visit. It’s designed in such a way that you can see the maximum of the city with minimal walking.

At the end of the blog post, you’ll find a map of the itinerary (with all attractions and restaurants’ websites).

One day trip to Potsdam from Berlin (best itinerary)

Marvel at the new palace, explore sanssouci park.

• Stop for lunch at Zur Historischen Mühle Restaurant

Tour Sanssouci Palace

See brandenburg gate, explore the dutch quarter, admire st. nicholas’ church.

• Take a boat tour around Potsdam

I’d recommend you have an early breakfast in Berlin, before leaving for Potsdam. There are not many cafés to choose from along your way to the palace. Plus, it will be better to arrive as early as you can, because you have to book a timed entry for your visit (even if you buy tickets in advance online).

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Most of the people start with Sanssouci Palace, but I’d suggest you start with the New Palace instead. Arrive at Bahnhof Potsdam Park Sanssouci station and make your way through the gardens and the historical centre in the afternoon. In this way, you’ll be able to see both palaces till noon, when there are fewer tourists.

If you have time only for one palace, forget about Sanssouci. Visit the New Palace (Neues Palais)! Sanssouci Palace may be more popular, but it’s nothing compared to the grandeur of the New Palace.

Friedrich II built the New Palace after Prussia won the Seven Years War (1756 – 1763). The palace wasn’t intended to serve as a royal residence, but to host royal guests.

By building it, Friedrich II wanted to demonstrate the power and glory of Prussia. And he surely achieved that goal, considering that the New Palace is one of the most impressive Prussian Baroque palaces.

To visit the palace, you have to buy a timed entry ticket, which is not possible online. This is the main reason why it is better to start with the New Palace instead of Sanssouci. Also, note that the ticket office is located about 300m away from the palace entrance. So, head straight to the palace after buying your tickets, unless you want to miss your time slot.

Keep in mind, that even if you buy in advance the Sanssouci+ pass, you have to go to the ticket office of the New Palace and reserve a time slot for your visit. Do this immediately after you arrive at the palace grounds.

Right across the palace, you’ll find the Communs. This is where the royal kitchens and servants rooms were.

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM With more than 70km of walkways, this is the largest park in Brandenburg. So be prepared and bring your comfy shoes.

It’s about a 20-30min leisurely walk from the New Palace to Sanssouci. A few more landmarks are scattered around the park. The most impressive are the Orangery Palace, Chinese House and the New Chambers. You can visit them for free with the Sanssouci+ pass.

The Orangery Palace is a gorgeous building in Italian Renaissance style. It is built after the image of the Villa Medici in Rome and the Uffizi in Florence.

The Chinese House is a small garden pavilion, built by Frederick the Great to adorn his flower and vegetable garden.

The New Chambers can be considered an extension to Sanssouci Palace. Initially, they were used as an orangery to keep the terraces’ potted plants safe during the cold winter months. Later, the chambers were transformed into a gallery.

The Sanssouci+ pass also includes the Charlottenhof Palace, Belvedere on Klausberg and Roman Baths. To be honest, it’s not possible to see it all in just one day, so choose according to your interests.

Lunch at Zur Historischen Mühle Restaurant

12:00 PM – 01:30 PM There aren’t many places for lunch in the park, but Zur Historischen Mühle Restaurant is a good option. The atmosphere is very nice and they offer excellent homemade cakes!

02:00 PM – 03:00 PM King Frederick the Great commissioned the construction of Sanssouci Palace in the middle of the 18th century. This small palace is built in opulent Rococo style with beautiful terraced gardens.

Sanssouci Palace was the summer residence of King Frederick the Great. The place where he could escape from the pomp and ceremony of the Berlin court life. This is reflected in the palace’s name – sans souci means without a care in French.

Note, that to take photos, you’ll need to buy a photo permit for €3.

03:20 PM – 03:30 PM Don’t mistake this for a replica of the iconic Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. In fact, the Brandenburg Gate in Potsdam is older than its famous namesake. It was built as a triumphal arch after Prussia won the Seven Years’ War in 1770.

03:30 PM – 04:00 PM The Dutch quarter is one of the most charming quarters in Potsdam. It’s founded in the middle of the 18th century when King Frederick William I ordered the construction of 134 red brick houses in Dutch style. In this way, he wanted to attract more expert craftsmen from neighbouring Holland.

And while you’re in the area, don’t miss to stop for a cheesecake at Café Guam . They offer excellent cheesecakes, and there are always numerous flavours to choose from. A great spot to stop and relax after a day of walking.

04:10 PM – 04:30 PM St. Nicholas’ Church (Nikolaikirche) is the largest church in Potsdam. Built in the middle of the 19th century, the church dominates the Old Market Square.

Dinner at Restaurant Loft

Before you take the train back to Berlin, stop for an early dinner at Restaurant Loft . The restaurant features a rooftop terrace with lovely views of Potsdam.

More ideas for your one day in Potsdam

Church of peace.

Church of Peace (Friedenskirche) is located on the grounds of Sanssouci Park. It’s a perfect stop on your way to the historical centre.

King Frederick William IV commissioned the church in the middle of the 19th century. The structure resembles an Italian monastery. In addition to this, an original Venetian mosaic from the 13th century decorates the apse. It was brought by King Frederick William IV himself from Venice by boat!

Cecilienhof Palace and the Potsdam Conference

Cecilienhof Palace (Schloss Cecilienhof) is the location, where the famous Potsdam Conference took place. Truman, Churchill and Stalin met here to discuss the future of Europe after the end of the Second World War.

Originally, Cecilienhof Palace was constructed for the crown prince Wilhelm and his wife Cecilie. Built in the English Tudor style, the palace features more than 170 rooms! In fact, this was the last palace of the House of Hohenzollern.

Babelsberg Palace

Babelsberg Palace was built in 1833 as a summer residence of Emperor William I. Constructed in a neo-Gothic style, the palace features an English garden with lovely river views.

Although Babelsberg Palace is not open to visitors, you can access its beautiful gardens free of charge.

Find more information at the Potsdam Tourist Information Centre .

Sanssouci Palace – it’s the most popular sight in Potsdam and the tickets are timed entry. Even if you’re travelling outside the season, book your ticket in advance here .

Getting around in Potsdam

Find here a map with all the mentioned attractions in this Potsdam itinerary.

As the attractions are quite scattered, prepare for a lot of walking, especially in Sanssouci Park. Don’t forget to bring comfy shoes!

Another option is to rent a bike . There are multiple locations from where you can rent a bike, including the Potsdam Hauptbahnhof Station and Bahnhof Park Sanssouci Station.

How to get to Potsdam

To visit Potsdam as a part of a guided tour, take this Sanssouci Palace Tour from Berlin (it’s the most popular one). The tour includes a bus transfer directly from the Berlin city centre, a guided tour of Potsdam and a tour of Sanssouci Palace.

Potsdam is an easy day trip from Berlin (a 30min ride on the S-Bahn). To get there just hop on the S7 S-Bahn train (towards Potsdam Hbf) or RE1 train (towards Magdeburg). The S7 train stops at the Central train station (Potsdam Hbf), while the RE1 train at Park Sanssouci Bhf.

To follow my Potsdam itinerary, take the RE1 train to Potsdam in the morning and the S7 train to get back to Berlin. In this way, you can start with the New Palace and make your way through the park and then the historic city centre.

Potsdam is located in zone C, so the regular Berlin zone AB ticket is not enough. You’ll need to buy an ABC ticket. If you plan to use public transport in Potsdam, buy a Tageskarte Berlin ABC (day ABC ticket) to save money.

How many days in Potsdam

Is one day in potsdam enough.

Potsdam is the perfect day trip destination from Berlin. For 1 day you’ll be able to visit Sanssouci Palace, the New Palace and tour the historical city centre.

Best time to visit Potsdam

A day trip to Potsdam includes a lot of walking. Besides, one of the most popular attractions is Sanssouci Park. So, you’ll definitely need nice weather. Having this in mind, it’s best to visit Potsdam from May to October. Also, most of the small palaces in the park are closed in the winter months.

My first visit was on a cold December day and I didn’t even make it to the New Palace, because of heavy snow. Not to mention, that the terraced gardens of Sanssouci Palace are not a nice view in the winter.

Also, take in mind that Sanssouci Palace is closed on Mondays, while the New Palace – on Tuesdays. So, ideally from Wednesday till Sunday is the best time to visit Potsdam.

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Now it’s the 24th of November and we just visited the Neue Palace. The tour was nice, however short. But it was long enough to get a nice glimps. We followed your instructions to walk through the park towards the city center. Very nice. Then went along the Branderburger Tor and the main street towards the Dutch houses. There we had a nice lunch at Poffertjes en Pannenkoeken. Typical Dutch delights. Mittelstrasse 32, Potsdam.

I’m glad you enjoyed Potsdam, Mariëlle. 🙂

Thank you Milena so much ! for the information. I will follow your itinerary on our upcoming trip. but we would like to deviate and go to Schloss Cecilienhof after the tour at Sanssouci Palace, then after that probably head back to Berlin. How would you suggest we get around to Schloss Cecilienhof after Sanssouci ?

You can take bus 603 from the Rathaus (1.6km walk from the palace) and get off at Schloss Cecilienhof bus station (or tram 91 or 94 from Luisenplatz-Süd/Park Sanssouci to Platz der Einheit/West and then change to bus 603 again). Unfortunately, there is no direct line which connects both sights.

Greetings. Thanks for all the precious information. Getting to the New Palace first from the Park Sanssouci train station is perfect. FYI, in the website the park opens at 09:00, but the Palaces open at 10:00. Between the New and Sanssouci, there is a 20-30 minutes walk, so plan adequately. About 45 minutes to visit each Palace. Walk to town is 15 minutes. Loved the old town and small boutique and shop. Thanks again.

Thank you for your comment and the helpful info! 🙂

Good morning. What is best way to get to the “Bridge of Spies” ? Also if time is limited and you had to choose between walking around Potsdam city center or Sansouci which would you suggest? Thank you

I’d recommend visiting Sansouci, as it’s really beautiful palace with a lot of history. The easiest way to get to the Bridge of Spies (Glienicker Brücke) is by taking tram 93 (15min journey) from Potsdam Hauptbahnhof (the central train station). It will take you directly to the bridge.

I’d recommend visiting Sansouci first, as you need a timed-entry ticket booked in advance, then Glienicker Brücke. However to get from Sansouci to Glienicker Brücke you have two options: either take two trams (or buses), or walk for about 30 minutes to the city centre and then catch tram 93 from Alter Markt/Landtag.

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Potsdam Day Trip Guide: The Fairytale Town 40mins From Berlin

Roughly 40 minutes away from central Berlin, Potsdam is a quiet and beautiful town that’s one of Berlin’s most popular day trip spots.

When Berlin’s former mayor Klaus Wowereit described Berlin as “poor but sexy”, Potsdam authorities described their town “rich and beautiful”. True to form, Potsdam is home to quaint, Baroque buildings, scenic landscapes and 17 majestic palaces. We’d say stepping into Potsdam felt almost fairytale-like.

Potsdam is a favourite summer getaway with its spacious parks and clear lakes that make it perfect for cycling and picnics.

If you’re looking to escape from the bustle of Berlin city, this day trip to Potsdam is for you.

Read Also: 5-Day Budget Berlin Travel Guide

Potsdam Essentials

1) berlin welcomecard.

If you’re already travelling around Berlin with the  Berlin WelcomeCard , getting to and around Potsdam is free as long as you purchase the Berlin + Potsdam ABC zones.

In addition, you’ll be eligible for discounts up to 25% selected tours, museums and bicycle rentals.

2) Sanssouci+ Ticket (optional)

This Sanssouci one day pass  (€19) grants you entry to most palaces and gardens in the Sanssouci area. You can purchase it online, or at the tourist information counter once you arrive at Potsdam Hauptbahnhof Station.

Most of the places do no need advanced bookings except for the Sanssouci Palace and New Palace.

*Pro-tip:  Enjoy discounted rates for the Sanssouci pass (€15.20) by presenting your  Berlin WelcomeCard when making your purchase.

Getting from Berlin to Potsdam

From Berlin Central Station (Berlin Hauptbahnhof), take the S-Bahn S7 train to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, the terminal station. The journey takes 40 minutes, and arrives in 10 to 30-minute intervals.

Alternatively, you may also take the Regionalexpress RE1 train towards Brendenburg / Magdeburg, which takes slightly less time at about 25 minutes, but only arrives every 30 minutes.

Potsdam Day Trip Itinerary

Getting Around:  As the attractions are quite scattered, renting a bicycle for this is one of the best ways to get around with this itinerary. Bicycles can be rented straight from Potsdam Hauptbahnhof Station (Taxi Stand) from €1 per hour to €5 for the whole day ( prior registration required ), with 20 other designated drop-off points you can return them to.

Bicycle parking is free as long as you park them at designated racks around.

1) Filmmuseum Potsdam

Only a short distance from the train station, enter Germany’s oldest film museum showcasing 100 years of film in Babelsberg in a permanent exhibition. They also house a special, seasonal exhibition along with a cinema that screens films at selected times (at additional cost).

Entrance Fees: €8   (~S$12.90)   or   €6 with the  Berlin WelcomeCard (~S$9.65) Opening Hours: 10AM – 6PM, closed Mondays (Box office closes 5:30PM) How to get there:  Cycle 850m from Potsdam Hauptbahnhof Station

2) Brandenburg Gate Potsdam

Don’t mistake this for a mini replica of the other Brandenburg Gate in Berlin — this is the OG gate that was first built; 20 years before its famous cousin.

How to get there: 1.1km cycle from Filmmuseum Potsdam

3) Sanssouci

A garden spanning 300 hectares (roughly the size of 400 football fields), Sanssouci Park is where you can find the famed, rococo-style Sanssouci Palace that resembles a yellow wedding cake. The palace was the former King of Prussia’s favourite summer residence then, reportedly having spent 40 of his summers there during his lifetime.

An interesting feature here is, as you reach each base of the staircase, the palace disappears from your view, and gradually reappears as you reach the top of each flight.

Other places worth checking out are the Chinese House , Chinese House (requires reservation for guided tour to enter), Orangery Palace and Charlottenhof Palace .

Cost: Free with sanssouci+ ticket Opening Hours: Varies Address (Sanssouci Palace):  Maulbeerallee, 14469 Potsdam, Germany How to get there: 1km cycle from Brandenburg Gate

4) Dutch Quarter

Experience Holland vibes with 134 brick houses built in the 18th century for Dutch immigrants. To date, this is the largest Dutch-only neighbourhood outside of the Netherlands! There are many antique and craft boutique shops, as well as restaurants, cafes and pubs to take a break at.

Address:  Holländisches Viertel, Benkertstrasse, 14467 Potsdam, Germany How to get there:  1.8km from Sanssouci Palace — if you’re not walking or cycling, you can take Bus 695 from Sanssouci Palace (Potsdam, Schloss Sanssouci Station) to Potsdam, Jägertor/Justizzentrum Station, and walk/cycle the remaining 700m.

5) Babelsberg Park

Several architects and landscape artists have left their mark on this 124-hectare park over a decade, resulting in a beautifully organised chaos upon completion. Here, it houses the neo Gothic-styled Babelsberg Palace and the Steam Engine Building that resembles a mosque, but was actually where the most powerful steam engine of the early 1840s sat.

A scenic, calming garden-park to relax and immerse in greenery, Babelsberg Park is a good vantage point to catch the sunset, and look at the famous Glienicke Bridge.

Opening Hours: 6AM – 7PM Address:  Park Babelsberg 11, 14482 Potsdam How to get there:  Cycle 4km from Dutch Quarter. For public transport: cycle 550m to Potsdam, Platz der Einheit/Nord Tram Station, take Tram 94/99 to Potsdam, Plantagenstrasse Station, then take Bus 616 to Potsdam, Sternwarte Station. You will arrive at Babelsberg Park after cycling another 550m.

6) Glienicke Bridge

A bridge connecting Berlin’s Wannsee with Potsdam, it was once used to exchange captured spies between the Americans and Soviets during the Cold War. You might also recognise this bridge as it was featured in the 2015 film, Bridge of Spies.

Address:  Glienicker Brücke, Königstraße, 14467 Berlin, Germany How to get there: Walk / Cycle 2.9km from Babelsberg Park

We hope you found this Potsdam Travel Guide useful! As an idyllic country retreat, we definitely think a day trip there from Berlin is worth it. If you’re up for someplace with even more nature, check out our Day Trip Guide to Spreewald !

Did we miss out on anything? Let us know in the comments!

For more travel inspiration, follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube . 

A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern) on Feb 22, 2018 at 7:31pm PST

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How to take a potsdam day trip from berlin.

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Are you planning on taking a Potsdam day trip from Berlin?  Then you’ve come to the right post, my friend. I highly recommend going out to Potsdam if you have extra time scheduled in Berlin. It’s a delightful place packed with tons of cool sites and history. Potsdam is very popular for a reason and you don’t want to miss it.

As for me, when I went to Berlin, I chose to do the Potsdam Tour with Sandemans New Europe Tours. I was a relatively new traveler and wasn’t sure what to see and do, so I decided going with the comfort of a guided tour was for me. On my trip, I had a great time and learned a lot of cool facts from the enthusiastic tour guide. As a solo traveler, taking the guided tour was a lovely and time efficient way to see Potsdam.

However, Potsdam is very simple to do on your own especially as a day trip from Berlin. You shouldn’t have at problems at all.

Why Should I Take a Potsdam Day Trip from Berlin?

Erm, why wouldn’t you? Potsdam is a very significant town in Germany’s extensive history.

First of all,  the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin (Sanssouci) are included among the many renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you’re a traveler who hopes to see all the UNESCO sites, then Potsdam is absolutely for you. At the palace, you will learn all about Frederick the Great of Prussia, who was one of Germany’s greatest rulers (hence “The Great!”).

Not interested in palaces? Recent history buffs will also have a deep appreciation for Potsdam. Believe it or not, Potsdam was very important for spies during the tumultuous days of West and East Germany.

Additionally, many consider the Potsdam Conference, which took place after World War II, to be the official starting point of the Cold War. Over all, Potsdam is a fascinating place from a historical perspective and not to be missed.

Finally Potsdam allows you to take a break from the noise and congestion of the big city (Berlin) to escape to a more peaceful place. On my trip, Berlin experienced a freak heatwave and escaping the “concrete jungle” felt amazing in more ways than one. Potsdam is home to several parks. The summer months bring sailers and sunbathers alike, all ready to enjoy Potsdam’s natural beauty. Flowers bloom on every corner. Find a small beer garden and get back to nature in a way that’s impossible in Berlin itself.

Have I convinced you yet? Yes? Good. Let’s go.

How do I Take the Train from Berlin to Potsdam?

The train from Berlin to Potsdam is simple and convenient. Train is also the fastest way to Potsdam compared to a taxi ride or bus. I honestly wouldn’t venture out to this town using any other mode of transportation. Germany’s trains are very high quality. Take advantage of them.

As for directions, when you’re in Berlin, you want to take the RE1 train direct to Potsdam. You can get these trains at Berlin Central Station, which is connected to Berlin’s major subway system, making it reachable from any part of Berlin. These trains are clean, timely, and air conditioned, creating a pleasant ride for passengers.

Once you’re on board the RE1 train, then it’s not a long ride at all to the beautiful town of Potsdam. How long of a journey? Less than an hour! Actually, it only takes roughly 35 minutes to reach Potsdam, which is why it’s such a popular and easy day trip from Berlin. Not much fuss.

Another piece of advice is don’t disembark at Potsdam Hbf! This station is much further from most of the big attractions. Instead wait on the train and get off at the next stop Charlottenhof, which is much closer to the palaces, only a ten minute walk or so.

One last word of warning about taking the train from Berlin to Potsdam. Make sure to validate all tickets prior to boarding the RE1 train. Plainclothes cops  do  sometimes check tickets and the fine is steep for not validating a ticket ahead of time. They don’t take excuses from tourists either. Just be careful.

Places to Visit in Potsdam

You won’t feel remotely bored on a day trip to Potsdam. The capital of Brandenburg has an abundance of places available for you to to visit in one day. To be fair, I don’t think it’s possible to see all of Potsdam in a single afternoon, but you still can get a strong feel of the place and plan to return again in the future.

Below, I listed some of the coolest places I saw in Potsdam. Prioritize them according to your own interests. Time is limited on a day trip, after all. Go in with a plan already formulated to maximize your visit in Potsdam.

1. Sanssouci Palace and Park

Sanssouci Palace and its extensive gorgeous park are on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Frederick the Great of Prussia built his Sanssouci in 1745 –1747. This magnificent summer retreat was Frederick’s sanctuary where he spent quality time with his beloved greyhounds.

Audioguides are available when you take a tour of Sanssouci Palace, making it easy to learn the summer retreat’s history without paying a heavy price for a private guide to take you through palace.

Make sure to explore the grounds, too. You will discover Frederick II’s tomb on the castle hill. He wanted to be buried near his dogs so he chose this scenic place for his eternal rest. Interestingly, potatoes are placed on his grave. He introduced the great crop (potatoes) to Germany so people pay their respects with potatoes rather than flowers.

Keep in mind that Sanssouci Palace is closed on Mondays. Therefore plan your day trip to Potsdam from Berlin for another day of the week. It would be a pity to miss such a spectacular place.

2. Cecilienhof

Schloss Cecilienhof is another palace located in Potsdam. Built in the early 1900s, this palace was designed in the English Tudor style for Crown Prince William and his wife Cecilie von Mecklenburg-Schwerin. More importantly, Cecilienhof was the site of the 1945 Potsdam Conference. Stalin, Churchill, and Truman all gathered here to determine how to establish a postwar treaty as well as establish order after Germany’s unconditional surrender in World War II.

Shortly after the Potsdam Conference, Japan was bombed and the Eastern Europe countries were converted into Soviet satellite states. Needless to say, this meeting changed the course of history forever. Crazy, huh?

Cecilienhof is now a museum and is located inside Potsdam’s gorgeous park Neuen Garten or New Garden.

3. The Protestant Church of Peace

Sanssouci’s grounds don’t only include the spectacular summer palace. There are many other sites for you to check out such as the Protestant Church of Peace.

This church is gorgeously situated on the extensive palace grounds of Sanssouci Park. The Protestant Church of Peace was commissioned in 1845, and the architecture reminds me of a church constructed at the height of the Renaissance in Venice.

Furthermore, the Protestant Church of Peace is a delightful and quiet sanctuary for when you need a break from walking around Sanssouci’s grounds. It’s not to be missed.

4. Brandenburg Gate

Did you think only one Brandenburg Gate, the iconic symbol of Berlin, existed in Germany? Nope! Guess again! Potsdam has a Brandenburg Gate too!

This monument, similar to a Roman triumphal arch, is located in the center of Potsdam. It was constructed in 1770 after Prussia won a seven years’ war. The square surrounding Brandenburg Gate is a lovely place to walk and take some photos before checking out Potsdam’s restaurants and shops.

5. Glienicke Bridge (or “The Bridge of Spies”)

The Glienicke Bridge is a bridge that extends across the Havel River. On the river, particularly in the summer months, many sailers enjoy the deep blue water. However the immediate area surrounding Glienicke Bridge wasn’t always such a tranquil oasis for locals. In fact, it was downright tense and dangerous.

So why’s it called “The Bridge of Spies?” Well. During the height of the Cold War, Glienicke Bridge was a restricted border that served as a crossing between territories associated with both the American military and the Eastern Bloc. Therefore this bridge was a prime location and used to exchange Soviet and American spies and other prisoners.

Unsurprisingly, Glienicke Bridge is the star of the Tom Hanks’s film  Bridge of Spies.  Cold War history buffs have to come here.

6. Hollandisches Viertel

Hollandisches Viertel or the Dutch Quarter is located in Potsdam’s center. This part of Potsdam has 169 really cool red Dutch buildings. I felt like I transported to the Netherlands when I came here, haha.

So why all the Dutch buildings? During the extension of Potsdam, Frederick William I wanted his Dutch craftsmen to feel at home in Germany. Which led to the Hollandisches Viertel.

This area also has many wonderful cafes for you to grab coffee and a meal.

Read More: 12 Reasons to Visit Germany Right Now

Should I Spend the Night in Potsdam Instead?

Now that I’ve covered all the cool sites I saw in Potsdam you might be wondering, “Hmmm, this is a lot of ground to cover. Maybe I’m better off spending the night in Potsdam instead.”

What’s my advice? Honestly, if you have time in your itinerary, you might choose to spend the night in Potsdam rather than take a day trip from Berlin. And that’s totally fine!

By spending the night, Potsdam becomes entirely yours in the later afternoon once all the day trippers depart for Berlin again. No more crowds. You have a variety of accommodation options to choose from, too.

However, if you have a super tight schedule, then a day trip to Potsdam should be plenty of time for you to see everything. Just prioritize ahead of your visit. And remember it’s only a 35 minute train ride from Berlin.

Have you ever visited Potsdam? Do you want to add a Potsdam Day Trip from Berlin to German travel itinerary? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Rachel Elizabeth

At 22, I took my first overseas trip to Bermuda. Took a break to follow the "American Dream." Had my self-esteem broken. Embarked on my first solo trip to Scotland at 26. The travel bug dug its way under my skin. I now book multiple trips a year.

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How To Take A Beautiful Day Trip: Berlin To Potsdam

If you’re looking for a day trip from Berlin, then look no further than the quaint town of Potsdam. Potsdam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a small city just outside of Berlin, Germany. It’s incredibly easily reachable by train, making it a perfect Berlin day trip.

In September, we spent 7 days in Berlin, and so there was plenty of time to explore beyond the main city to see another part of Germany. And although it’s only half an hour away by train, it feels like a whole other world from Berlin. I would describe Potsdam like taking a day trip from Berlin to a miniature Amsterdam. It’s full of picturesque buildings, green spaces, cute streets and plenty of delicious eateries.

Read on for all you need to know about planning a day trip from Berlin to Potsdam.

Where is Potsdam, Germany?

Potsdam is South West of Berlin, and the capital city of the state of   Brandenburg . It’s a city with a population of less than 200,000 people.

How To Get From Berlin To Potsdam

The fastest and easiest way to get from Berlin to Potsdam is by train.

The best travel options are departing from Berlin Central Station on the S-Bahn (S7), Berlin’s city train (meaning that not only is it fast, it’s super cheap too) or the Regional train (RE1).

Check out the S-Bahn times and schedules here.

• Depart :  Berlin Hbf (Central Station)
• Cost : €3 each way
• Journey : 25 – 35 minutes

When To Go To Potsdam, Germany

A day trip from Berlin to Potsdam is a great idea all year around. However, when you visit may provide different perspectives & alter the overall experience.

Visiting Potsdam Germany in the spring

Temperatures will range from 15°C to 20 °C and the flowers will have started to bloom. Filling Potsdam with as many colours as the rainbow.

Visiting Potsdam Germany in the summer.

Temperatures will rise considerably, as will the volume of visitors, who flock to enjoy all the wonderful outdoor beauty Potsdam has to offer. Not to mention, Potsdamer Schlössernacht, the magical palace illumination, which happens every August.  ( Find out more about Potsdamer Schlossernacht here ).

Visiting Potsdam Germany in the Autumn

Temperatures will range from 15°C to 20 °C again, and the leaves start to turn gorgeous Autumnal colours. Additionally, you can still catch some warm sunny days, without the associated crowds of summertime. (We visited in late September and it was warm enough for just a t-shirt.)

Visiting Potsdam Germany in the Winter

Temperatures will range from 0°C to 10 °C and from December to March temperatures occasionally reach as low as -5°C. But despite the cold, winter in Potsdam brings opportunity for exploring Christmas markets or seeing the beauty of Sanssouci in the snow.

Things To do In Potsdam, Germany

1. explore the beauty of sanssouci palace.

The palace is by far the most stunning attraction in Potsdam. Located inside expansive grounds, the palace itself is a stunning building to walk around. Whether you choose to head inside, and take a tour of the building, or like us, just walk about outside and around the grand staircases taking some incredibly beautiful photos. You won’t regret making Sanssouci Palace a highlight and main stop on your day trip to Potsdam.

2. Take A Stroll Around Sanssouci Park

Alongside the palace itself, the land that the palace is situated in is well worth taking a few hours to explore. Particularly if you are visiting Potsdam in the summer. But, I imagine it will be beautiful all year round. There are rose gardens, an orangery, a Japanese garden and more. Not to mention, the hedge quarter is home to over 3,000 fruit trees. Whether you are super into discovering different botanicals or just like to be outdoors in nature, it’s the perfect place for a stroll. Particularly in contrast to the very concrete Berlin, Potsdam’s Palace Gardens feel like entering another world.

3. Meander Through The Dutch Quarter

The main area of Potsdam is referred to as the Dutch quarter. And as soon as you arrive off the train from Berlin it will be easy to see why. It’s like leaving Germany and entering a miniature Amsterdam. From the cobbled streets to the colourful architecture, spend some time meandering through the many streets and doing some window shopping (or real shopping!)

4. Ride Electric Scooters

Those who know me know how much I absolutely love hiring electric scooters when travelling. Whilst they are perhaps not the most sustainable new craze to hit Europe, I can’t pretend they are not a ton of fun. Whether it be Lime, Bolt or one of the many other brands now available, download the app, pick up a nearby scooter and zip around the outskirts of Potsdam. Whilst the city centre itself is fairly busy and cobbled, the surrounding streets have wide open bike path’s, making it super easy to get from one part of the city to another. If you’ve never used lime before, get a free unlock credit with this referral code; https://lime.bike/referral_signin/RIZGLYK

5. Take A Tour Of A Windmill

Inside the palace grounds is a gorgeous windmill. Once again making the day trip from Berlin to Potsdam feel like a trip to The Netherlands! The windmill is super pretty for taking some pictures, or you can even choose to buy a ticket and tour inside it and learn about how it has been used throughout the years. As a bonus, there is a lovely little café with gorgeous views of Potsdam and the park right beside it to. It’s the perfect place to stop and refuel after all the exploring.

6. Eat Delicious Dutch Poffertjes

These are one of my absolute favourite Dutch foods, so I was very excited to discover them on our day trip to Potsdam. Order a plate of delicious tiny pancakes from Poffertjes en Pannekoeken  and a topping of your choice. I went for the classic dusted icing sugar with apple sauce, but the world is really your oyster when it comes to options.

7. Visit The Four City Gates

Potsdam city used to be walled in and accessed by five main gates which were originally used as the entrances to the city. Whilst the city itself is no longer walled in, three of the gates still stand and make for a picturesque visit. Brandenburg gate (not the famous one in Berlin!) is perhaps the most impressive, although all three are unique in their own ways. Nauen gate resembles a miniature castle with turrets, and Hunters gate is the oldest of the three remaining structures. We used the lime scooters to zip between each of them to fit everything in on our one day trip to Potsdam.

8. Grab A Caffeine Hit From Potsdam’s Local Roastery

Before heading back for our train from Potsdam to Berlin, we picked up a coffee from the highly recommended Buena Vida coffee club. It did not disappoint. Buena Vida coffee club is a local roastery based out of Potsdam, with plenty of freshly baked goods to accompany your caffeine hit. Stop by any time of day to enjoy the forever wonderful smell of freshly ground coffee beans.

And there you have it, a complete guide to taking a day trip from Berlin to Potsdam Germany. Did I miss anything? Drop me a message on Instagram and let me know!

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How to Visit Potsdam on a Day Trip from Berlin

By Natascha Taylor · Last updated on May 4, 2024

Just a short train trip from Berlin, Potsdam is one of the best places to take a day trip to from the city. While Berlin may be the country’s capital city, famous for its World War history, Potsdam is better known for its Prussian and regal German past.

It is here where Prussian kings and queens lived, with exquisite gardens and a lush countryside setting. Potsdam sits along the River Havel and is the capital city of the Brandenburg metropolitan region, which borders Berlin.

As you might expect, this gorgeous city is a melting pot of palaces, gardens, and culture, proving to be one of the best places for history and architecture fans to visit.

I did this particular day trip with a group of friends who I was studying with, but it’s a great trip to do solo, too. Once we reached Potsdam, we explored the entire city on foot. Of course, this meant we missed out on a few further-out attractions, including the Cecilienhof Palace and Park Babelsburg, both of which are highly recommended.

This walking day trip starts and ends at the Potsdam Hauptbahnhof. The entire walk is two and a half hours worth of walking (close to 10 km), yet we probably ended up walking double that with all the exploring we did within each location. I recommend grabbing a bite to eat for breakfast in Berlin so you can arrive ready to explore.

Getting from Berlin to Potsdam

What was once one of Europe’s most impressive royal cities is now home to one of the continent’s best universities. I was living and studying in Berlin when I took multiple day trips to visit the historic city.

No matter where you’re staying in Berlin , the region’s efficient public transport network ensures that Potsdam is a short train ride away. There are a few ways to get to Potsdam, with the most recommended being the regional train or the S-Bahn (which is Berlin’s extensive overground system).

We caught the Deutsche Bahn RE1 from the Berlin Hauptbahnhof and traveled around 25 minutes to the Potsdam Hauptbahnhof. There are a staggering 141 trains that make this journey each day, so you won’t have to worry about missing the train.

The only difference between the regional train and the S-Bahn is that the S7 makes many more stops, while the RE1 makes only two stops. The train costs €4.40 in each direction.

Public transport, known as Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe or BVG, is the most efficient and affordable way to get around Berlin. A single ticket costs €3.50 or €2.40 for a trip of three stops or less. If you plan to explore the city, I recommend purchasing an unlimited ticket.

A 24-hour ticket costs €9.90, or a Berlin Welcome Card for 28 hours costs €26. Welcome Cards extend for up to 6 days and include up to half-price entrance fees to over two hundred attractions across the city. While the AB card is limited to travel within Berlin, the ABC Card allows you to travel as far as Potsdam.

Coffee Break at Buena Vida Coffee Roasters

After a quick and comfortable train ride through the residential lake district surrounding Berlin , we arrived at a much quieter city than the one we had come from. First things first, we headed to the hub of the Potsdam coffee scene, Buena Vida Coffee’s Cafe Am Bassin, just 20 minutes into the old town.

This local roastery was the first coffee house of a now successful chain and is located right in the historic city center. It opens between 9 am and 6 pm (or from 10 am on Sundays). We each ordered a specialty coffee for around €3.50 and enjoyed it in the morning sunshine outside. They also sell delicious tarts and cakes for around €4 each.

Brandenburg Gate

Now in Potsdam Old Town, we headed down the city’s most iconic street, Brandenburger Street, towards the Brandenburg Gate. And before you tell me I’ve mixed up Berlin with Potsdam, Potsdam also has its very own (smaller) Brandenburg Gate. It may be smaller, but it’s actually older than Berlin’s equivalent, dating back to 1770 when Prussia won the Seven Years War.

In fact, this is just one of three remaining gates to the city. If you have more than just one day, visiting all three gates is a great sightseeing activity. However, we were on a bit of a time crunch.

A Stroll Around Sanssouci Palace and Park

We then walked north through Sanssouci Park to the iconic Palace. Walking through the glorious manicured gardens, you could say this was more of a slow and leisurely twenty-five-minute stroll.

Sanssouci Park is home to three hundred hectares of gardens and parks, as well as over ten historic buildings and palaces. We walked up the iconic terraced garden towards the main palace, which sits at the top.

The palace, which was the former summer residence of the King of Prussia, Frederick the Great, is beautifully kept with fresh yellow paint and opulent interiors. Just behind this palace is a surprisingly dominant old Dutch windmill.

The Historic Mill of Sanssouci was built in 1737 from wood and is one of the best-known in the country. You can even buy a loaf of bread made with Sanssouci flour from the museum shop.

While visiting the park is free, you’ll have to purchase a ticket to enter the palace. The Sanssouci + Combined Ticket costs €22 and allows you one-time access to all the Prussian castles and palaces in Potsdam within one day. If you enjoy a guided tour, there are endless options on Viator and Get Your Guide.

Visiting the Neues Palais

From Sanssouci, we headed northwest through the stunning archways and rose gardens of the park towards the Neues Palais (New Palace), an extravagant Baroque palace built by the same King of Prussia. This is the biggest palace on the grounds, with a stunning facade and more than two hundred rooms, including breathtaking ceremonial rooms and a lavish Marble Hall.

The palace was built in 1763 and was only occasionally visited by the king himself. Instead, it was used to host royal guests. It’s a colossal structure compared with the smaller, more modest Sanssouci Palace across the park.

His intention in building it was to show the power and prestige of Prussia at the time, and one look at it, and you’ll agree that he succeeded. We didn’t enter the palace but would recommend spending an hour and a half exploring its pompous interiors for a show of Prussia’s old glory.

To enter, you need to buy a timed entry ticket at the ticket office close to the palace entrance. Even if you have a Sanssouci + pass, you will need to visit the ticket office to reserve your time slot.

Lunch at Assaggi

The rest of your time in this expansive park should be spent exploring the Orangery Palace (a Renaissance Italian palace), the small pavilion at the Chinese House, and the New Chambers, all of which are scattered throughout the park and included in the Sanssouci + Pass.

Once we had seen what we wanted, we headed towards our lunch spot, a cozy restaurant just outside the boundaries of the park called Assaggi. It was around a twenty-minute direct walk through the gardens from the New Palace.

The restaurant served traditional Italian cuisine, which was just the carbo-load we craved after a few hours on our feet. Assaggi is only open for lunch and dinner, from 12 pm to 12 am. They require reservations; however, we were lucky to walk in and get a table since it was outside of the tourist season.

I opted for a classic spaghetti puttanesca and had a tiramisu for dessert. My meal came to just under €20 without tip – well worth it for the authentic meal!

Another recommendation for lunch is Zur Historischen Muhle Restaurant, which is located just behind the Sanssouci Palace. This stunning restaurant has a sunny terrace, a Palm Hall conservatory, a traditional German beer garden, and is child-friendly.

The Dutch Quarter and Potsdam Old Town

After a much-needed hour off our feet, we headed towards the Old Town of Potsdam to explore the local shops and boutiques. We walked for twenty minutes or so through the residential part of the city, back down past the Brandenburg Gate, before we reached the main center.

Dotted with historic buildings, quaint streets, and buzzing squares, this might even have been the highlight of my day. We passed landmarks, including the St. Nicholas Church, the Potsdam Museum of Art and History, Museum Barberini, and the City Palace, before stopping for traditional Dutch pancakes in the Dutch Quarter.

The Dutch Quarter was built in the early 1700s when Dutch craftsmen worked in the city. Luckily, they brought not only their craftsmanship but also their fine cuisine with them. Poffertjes en Pannekoeken was the final stop on our day trip, serving up decadent Dutch specialty pancakes in a cozy atmosphere.

There was no better way to end a day than with a buttery poffertje before we rolled our well-fed selves back to the Hauptbahnhof to catch our return train.

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Reader interactions.

March 8, 2024 at 12:26 pm

I LOVE Potsdam – thanks for your blog on this. One more thing to add would be a visit to the New Garden and Cecilienhof Palace, where the Potsdam Conference took place. Also, a coffee stop at Café Heider!

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Day Trip from Berlin to Potsdam + Top 10 Things to Do

Please share if you enjoy this content!

Sanssouci is one of the most breathtaking palaces in all of Germany. It’s the reason so many people go on a day trip from Berlin to Potsdam.

Like so many people before me, I visited Potsdam to see Sanssouci. What I found was a beautiful small city brimming with so much character and things to see, and I wished I had more time than a day trip visit.

Here are the top things to do in Potsdam, Germany, so you can see all of the places that interest you the most in as much time as you can spare! I’ll also include a great itinerary for one day in Potsdam and what you need to know to get there.

Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, I receive a small commission. This will never cost you extra. Please read the  disclosures  to learn more.

How to Go on a Day Trip from Berlin to Potsdam + How to Get Around

Potsdam is an easy 45-minute train ride from Berlin on the S-Bahn. You can take the S7 train from central Berlin to the Potsdam Hauptbahnhof (train station). There are also some regional trains that are slightly faster and stop at Potsdam-Sanssouci.

Your best bet is to purchase a 24-hour VBB card in Berlin for zomes A, B, C, as this also covers public transportation in Potsdam. The cost is 8.8 EUR+ (around $9.30 USD).

If you take alternate transportation to Potsdam but want to get a bus pass in the city, you’ll likely want to get Zones A and B for 4.70 Euros (around $5.60 USD). Tickets can be purchased on the buses.

This page may be helpful in determining how to get around. To get from the Potsdam Hauptbahnhof to Sanssouci Palace and Park, including the New Palace, take bus 695 . To get to Cecilienhof, you take tram 90/92 to Reiterweg/Alleestrasse, then bus 692 to Höhenstrasse.

You can also rent a car and drive. It takes 40 minutes or less on the autobahn (A115), so it’s an easy trip. However, parking can be a challenge, and you really don’t need a car once you get there with ample public transportation.

One Day in Potsdam Itinerary

There’s a LOT to see in Potsdam, and in truth, it would be nearly impossible to see everything in just one day. Especially if you love history and you love architecture and enjoy just standing and gawking at beautiful buildings. (Like someone I might know! Ahem…)

However, if you prioritize what you most want to see, Potsdam is fairly compact so you can see quite a lot.

At a minimum, I would recommend the following (which you can, of course, adjust based on your preferences):

• Sanssouci Palace
• Brandenburg Gate
• Old Market Square, including Nicholas Church

Brandenburg Gate, Old Market Square, and Nauener Tor with the Dutch Quarter are all within a 15-minute walk of each other, almost on a triangle. Sanssouci and Brandenburg Gate are around 15 minutes, as well. So, it’s very possible to see them all easily, with plenty of time to wander.

What else you can see will depend on what time you get to Potsdam and what time you plan to leave. If you arrive early enough and plan a full day, then you will have some time to see Cecilienhof, the Filmmuseum, New Palace, or other places that pique your interest.

Taking a day tour would be a great option, particularly if you’re directionally challenged (as I am).

10 Top Things to Do in Potsdam

If you’re looking to see what you consider the best of Potsdam, you’ll want to see all of the fun things you can do there. Or, if you’re lucky enough to be able to add some time to spend there, here is the list of the most popular attractions to see.

1. Sanssouci Palace

For most people, the stunning Sanssouci Palace is why they visit Potsdam, Germany. If this palace was the only thing to see in Potsdam, it would still be worth it. Wow. It’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage site along with some parks and structures in Potsdam and Berlin and is worth the trip.

“Sans souci” means without concern or carefree in French. It’s the name of this stunning summer palace built in the mid-1700s for Frederick the Great of Prussia. It was built to be a German equivalent of the Palace of Versailles, though it’s much smaller. The palace was intended to be a place for relaxation and not a seat of power.

It was King Frederick’s favorite place, and he chose to be buried here. He was known as the “potato king,” as he introduced the crop to his resistant people when grain shortages led him to seek alternatives.

He branded them as royal food to gain acceptance and in fact, quietly encouraged people to steal them from his garden. People still bring potatoes to leave on his grave to honor him.

Tour Sanssouci Palace

Though the palace is smaller than its inspiration, Versailles, it’s every bit as stunning. It was built in the Rococo style, which was very popular at the time. Both the outside of the palace and the inside are designed in this style. It’s painted in a light and bright yellow color that’s quite cheery.

You can and should take a tour of the palace. The building is one story and actually only contains ten main rooms, though they are very large and opulent. There is a lot of impressive artwork and many gilded pieces. Sanssouci gets millions of visitors a year, and it’s a very popular day trip from Berlin.

Sanssouci Palace is located at Maulbeerallee, 14469 Potsdam Germany . It costs 22 Euros (around $23.50 USD) for a ticket with timed entry with a guide to the palace, access to the grounds, and all of the structures on the property. It’s open all days except for Monday from 10 to 4:30 from November 1 to March 31 and from 9 to 5:30 from April 1 to October 31. (New Palace is closed weekly on Tuesday). There is a public bus that takes you around the property, and this stop is Schloss Sanssouci.

The Picture Gallery

This building was also built for Frederick the Great between 1755 and 1764. It’s the oldest preserved art gallery building in Germany, and it was built specifically for this purpose to house his extensive painting collection.

There are nearly 180 paintings, including Dutch Baroque, Flemish, Italian Renaissance, and others, and some impressive French sculptures.

The exterior may be a bit simple, but the opulence and grandeur inside are truly amazing. The floors are made of white and yellow marble with a colored stone inlay. You’ll also see gilded ornaments, making this hall a true artistic masterpiece.

New Chambers of Sanssouci

This impressive guest palace, or “new chambers,” was built on the grounds of Sanssouci to provide the king’s guests with a lavish place to stay. It features large and sumptuous rooms decorated by the leading artists of the times.

In the very center of the castle is the “Jasper room,” lined in jasper, and the ceiling has a large painting depicting the goddess Venus.

New Palace (Neues Palais)

The New Palace is located on the western side of Sanssouci Park. The main palace is located on the eastern side of the park. Where the main palace was built to be a private and intimate refuge, the New Palace was built as an official venue with all of the grandeur expected.

It was the last palace built for Frederick the Great in Sanssouci Park, built between 1763 and 1769. This large and impressive palace is designed in the Rococo style and has more than 200 rooms. It’s clearly designed to impress. The Marble Hall, the Concert Hall, and the Grotto Hall are all worthy of note, and it’s an amazing palace to tour if time permits.

Not only are the exterior and interior of this grand palace impressive, but the location is as well. It’s situated at the end of the main route into the park and is visible throughout.

You can tour New Palace for 12 Euros (around $12.75 USD), and it’s located here on the property. It’s closed on Tuesdays, but it’s open from Wednesday to Monday from 10 to 4:30 from November 1 to March 31 . It’s open from 10 to 5:30 from April 1 to October 31. There is a public bus that takes visitors around the property, and this is the Neues Palais stop.

Other Structures

Be sure to wander the grounds on Sanssouci both for the park and also the other structures there. In addition to the Picture Gallery and the New Chambers, you’ll also see the Orangery Palace and the Chinese House. Both are worth visiting, especially the Chinese house with its three gilded figures.

The Chinese House is located in the deer garden. It’s one of the most important buildings constructed in European Chinese fashion in the mid-18th century.

Life-sized gilded figures are placed around the building featuring Chinese musicians and tea drinkers. There is also a large ceiling painting of Chinese society and East Asian porcelain inside.

There are a number of other structures as well, and you could probably spend an entire day just touring this property. These include a Neptune Grotto, a Temple of Friendship, an Antique Temple, Roman Baths, a Church of Peace, and more.

Sanssouci Park

The grounds of Sansoucci are every bit as impressive as the palace. In the center area behind the main palace is a large water fountain. Then, climb the long and impressive staircase through the many terraces leading up to the palace.

You’ll see gardens, vineyards, fountains, baroque terraces, and flower gardens in this masterpiece designed by Peter Joseph Lenné. There are large lawns, flower beds, hedges, and trees, areas with fruit trees, greenhouses, and a vineyard.

There are also many different fruit trees and a vegetable garden.

2. Cecilienhof Palace

If you have seen the famous picture of Harry Truman, Joseph Stalin, and Winston Churchill gathering at the end of World War II, that was taken at Cecilienhof Palace.

The Potsdam Conference in 1945 was held here, where leaders from the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom met to decide the structure of Germany post-World War II.

I was almost as excited to see this place as I was to see Sanssouci!

It’s a palace built in the layout of an English Tudor manor house built from 1914 to 1917. It was built for Crown Prince William and Crown Princess Cecilie of Prussia, who lived there until February 1945.

This country house has a large number of historical photos. This collection makes the Potsdam Conference and the events surrounding it really come to life.

There is an audio guide for the photo exhibition as well. It includes some statements by Churchill, Stalin, and Truman (former U.S. president), and it’s translated into nearly a dozen languages.

If you’re looking to learn more about this slice of history while touring an interesting palace that’s unique to the area, this is a great one to see.

Cecilienhof is also part of the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin UNESCO World Heritage site along with Sanssouci Palace.

Cecilienhof Palace is located at Im Neuen Garten, 14469 Potsdam, Germany . It’s open from November 1 through March 31 from 10 to 4:30 and from April 1 to October 31 from 10 to 5:30. The cost is 14 Euros (around $15 USD).

3. Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel)

The Dutch Quarter is an area in Potsdam you don’t expect to see when you visit. It includes almost 150 Dutch red-brick buildings built by Jan Bouman, making you feel as if you’ve clicked your heels and somehow were transported to Holland.

In fact, it’s the largest group of exclusively Dutch housing you can find anywhere outside of the Netherlands.

These buildings went up in the mid-1700s between around 1733 and 1740. They were built for the Dutch craftsmen who came to Potsdam, invited by King Frederick Wilhelm I. It’s a picturesque area with quaint brick homes and cobbled streets that are worth visiting when you go to Potsdam.

The homes in the Dutch Quarter have been lovingly refurbished due to deterioration over the years. They are a cherished neighborhood in the city.

The Dutch Quarter is located here .

4. Nauener Tor

Nauener Tor, or Nauener Gate, is one of three historic preserved gates in the city. It was designed in the English Gothic Revival style, popular at the time in mainland Europe.

The current gate was built in 1755. The original was built around 1720, not far from the current location, and a second was built on its current site. It was rebuilt for King Frederick II in its current location. Though there was once a city wall connecting the three gates, they are now connected by a promenade.

This gate is close to the Dutch Quarter and many of the Dutch craftsmen used this gate for access to the inner city. There are a lot of cafes and restaurants in this area, so it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat and take a break from your explorations.

Nauener Tor is located here .

5. Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburg Tor)

Another Potsdam gate, and the most famous in the city, is the Brandenburg Gate. It’s one of the most famous landmarks in the city and was built in 1770 and 1771. It marks the start of Potsdam’s main shopping street, Brandenburger Strasse. It’s a great hangout area if you want to see local life in the city.

The gate was commissioned near the end of the Seven Years’ War by Frederick the Great. The old gate in the location was destroyed, and this was built to symbolize his victory. It has the look of a Roman triumphal arch.

This gate is known for having two strikingly different sides to it, and it actually had two different architects designing them. Carl von Gontard designed the side facing the city, and his student, Georg Christian Unger, designed the other side. It was originally built in the old city wall, and it’s now a free-standing gate.

Brandenburg Gate is located here .

6. Old Market Square (Alter Markt)

Old Market Square is the heart of the city of Potsdam. Originally it was part of the City Palace from the mid-1600s until 1945. King Frederick the Great had the square completely reconstructed between 1753 and 1755.

The effort was led by architect Johann Boumann. An obelisk was erected in the center of the square, and the face of St. Nicholas Church was redone.

There was a lot of damage to the square from World War II, and the restoration took many years. The City Palace and many other buildings were destroyed.

Reconstruction of St. Nicholas’ Church and the Old City Hall was immediately begun after the end of the war in 1945. The marble obelisk was restored in 1979. 

City Palace and Barberini Palace (now a museum) were later reconstructed. City Palace now serves as the seat of Parliament.

The Old Market Square is located here .

7. St. Nicholas Church (St. Nikolaikirche)

St. Nicholas Church is a Lutheran Church located in the Old Market Square in Potsdam. It was built in the 1830s in the Classicist style and is viewed as one of the most significant examples of German classicism. It was dedicated to Saint Nicholas.

The church was badly damaged during World War II, and though reconstruction efforts started immediately following the war, it took many years to complete. It was completed and consecrated in 1981 and is now open to visitors.

The dome of St. Nicholas Church can be seen from a distance and it’s one of Potsdam’s best-known landmarks. The dome was actually added well after the church was constructed in the mid-1850s. The church has a thriving parish and is an important part of the community.

St. Nicholas Church is located in Am Alten Markt, 14467 Potsdam, Germany .

8. Potsdam Film Museum

Located next to the rebuilt City Palace in the Old Market Square is the Potsdam Film Museum. It was built as an orangery in 1685 and became the riding horse stable of the Prussian kings. In the 18th century, it was altered into its current form.

Despite its rather varied history, it’s one of the oldest buildings in Potsdam and an architectural masterpiece.

The Potsdam Film Museum is the oldest in Germany, and it has been owned by the Babelsberg Film University since 2011. It’s dedicated to the 100+ year history of the largest European media center in the region.

The Potsdam Filmmuseum is located at Breite Str. 1A, 14467 Potsdam, Germany . It’s open daily except for Mondays from 10 to 6. It costs 5 Euros to visit (around $5.50 USD). There is a cinema with viewings throughout the week when the museum is open at scheduled times that vary.

9. Alexandrowka

Another interesting and different thing to do if you have the time is to visit Alexandrowka in northern Potsdam. It’s a colony that was built in the early 19th century in a Russian style and named after Tsar Alexander of Russia.

It consisted of 13 wooden homes and was built at the request of Friedrich Wilhelm III to welcome these new people.

Like the Dutch Quarter, which was built for Dutch workers, “Rissian Town” was built for the Russian singers who moved to Potsdam at the time. Direct descendants of the singers owned some of the homes for over 100 years.

Alexandrowka is located at Russische Kolonie 2, 14469 Potsdam, Germany . It’s open from 10 to 6 daily except for Wednesdays when it’s closed. Entrance costs 3.50 Euros ($4.15 USD).

10. The Bridge of Spies and the Stasi Prison

If you’re a history buff interested in the darker side of Potsdam, you have a couple of places to check out. The Bridge of Spies was where the East and West German regimes exchanged secret agents who were caught as political prisoners. Glienicker Brücke, or the Bridge of Spies, was also featured in the film with the same name.

Gedenkstätte Lindenstraße was a political prison used by the Nazis, the Soviets, and the East German Stasi police. It now is a memorial of its past, commemorating the rise of democracy.

The Bridge of Spies is located here . Gedenkstätte Lindenstraße is located at Lindenstraße 54, 14467 Potsdam, Germany .

Where to Eat in Potsdam

Since I was busy running around to see as much as I could in Potsdam in only one day, I grabbed something on the go. I saw lots of signs for currywurst when I was in Berlin so I decided to give it a try. Probably not the smartest move, as I don’t love hot dogs or ketchup.

It’s essentially a curry-seasoned ketchup sauce on a hot dog. People rave about it, and it’s a popular fast-food dish. For me, well, not so much. Though, it’s always fun to try something new. Sometimes, once. 🙂

There are lots of restaurant options so it’s a matter of deciding if you want a sit-down place or something grab-and-go. Your best bets are either around Nauener Tor and the Dutch Quarter or Old Market Square.

Another great place is Brandenburger Strasse, which ends at Brandenburg Gate. It’s a pedestrian street with lots of regional shops and boutiques, as well as some great restaurants.

Potsdam Restaurants

Here are some restaurants in Potsdam that come highly recommended:

• Potsdam Zur Historische Mühle —This one is located close to the Historic Windmill in Park Sanssouci. It’s a Mövenpick restaurant, which you may be familiar with. It’s well located when visiting Sanssouci and offers a seasonal menu with high-quality ingredients.
• Drachenhaus Restaurant & Cafe —Another restaurant well-situated in Park Sanssouci in the exotic Dragon House, you can get great seasonal cuisine and homemade cakes. It’s a local favorite, and tourists are fans as well.
• Zum Fliegenden Holländer —This restaurant is located in the Dutch Quarter. It serves traditional German food with a Dutch twist, along with an impressive selection of German wine and beer.  It offers a cozy atmosphere with great food.
• Lewy Wein-Bistro —Located in the center of Potsdam, not far from Gedenkstätte Lindenstraße, this restaurant pays homage to a Jewish family that owned the building in the mid-1800s. The menu changes weekly, serving up pasta and wine-paired treats, and has an extensive wine list that will impress.

Will You Spend One Day in Potsdam or More?

Potsdam, Germany, offers so many magical things to see and do that it can be challenging to narrow it down! This list shares the highlights of this charming and historically important city so you can choose how you’ll spend your time.

You may even decide one day isn’t nearly enough!

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How to Explore Potsdam in One Afternoon: Day Trip from Berlin

Last updated on March 26, 2024

The idea of taking a day trip to Potsdam was born during my first time travelling solo to Berlin. I was standing on the platform, waiting for my train to arrive, when an S-Bahn to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof approached the station. I was only in the capital for 15 hours, which was nowhere near enough to see everything it had to offer, let alone venture out further. Still, an idea was planted in my head right then and there.

Fast forward three years, I was planning a trip to the German capital with my boyfriend when he suddenly expressed the same sentiment. His one regret was running out of time to go down to Potsdam, so we knew we had to put our plans into action this time around! If you too have been looking for ideas on how to spend a day in Potsdam, keep reading…

How to get from Berlin to Potsdam

As Potsdam directly borders the city of Berlin, it can easily be reached by S-Bahn (S1/S7) or regional trains. We boarded the S7 train from Alexanderplatz to Potsdam Hbf, which takes a little over 40 minutes to reach its destination. In order to travel to Potsdam, you will need to purchase a ticket that includes the C tariff zone.

I would highly recommend getting the day ticket (Tageskarte) that currently costs €10 for the ABC zones. If you know you’ll be getting the train at least 3 times in one day, it basically pays for itself! For those spending a little more time in Berlin’s metropolitan area, it’s also worth looking into longer-term tickets. You can find a full fare overview on the BVG website .

As I mentioned in my post on how we spent 72 hours in Berlin , after weighing all the pros and cons, we decided on yet another option. We purchased a Berlin WelcomeCard for €38, which granted us unlimited travel and savings on various attractions for 72 hours. Even though we didn’t do as much sightseeing as we’d initially hoped, it still provided us great value for money.

What we saw in Potsdam

Prior to visiting Potsdam, my knowledge was limited to what I remembered from my history class. Back in 1945, Cecilienhof Palace was the venue of the Potsdam Conference, during which the “Big Three” heads of state worked to establish the postwar order. It symbolised the end of World War II, and the agreements made nearly 78 years ago still impact the world’s politics.

At the time of our visit, several of the city’s museums were closed as a result of the coronavirus restrictions. We did our research and devised a plan of action that would allow us to explore the city’s biggest attractions in one afternoon while enjoying the glorious weather on one of the last days of summer. Here’s a little walk-through of our day trip route, including all the best stops…

Sanssouci Park

As a former residence of the Prussian kings, Potsdam is filled with spectacular baroque and rococo architectural jewels. When searching for a landmark to centre our trip around, we decided on the Sanssouci Park.

Interestingly enough, this complex that occupies an area of 290 hectares is only slightly smaller than New York’s world-famous Central Park encompassing 341 hectares! It houses several buildings constructed under Frederick the Great and Frederick William IV, including Sanssouci Palace, New Palace, the Orangery Palace, the Historic Mill of Sanssouci, and the Roman Baths.

While entrance to the park itself is free, you have to pay in order to visit individual attractions. When doing our research, we discovered that most of the buildings in the complex were closed. Under more favourable circumstances, I would probably look into getting the sanssouci + ticket. It allows you to explore all of Potsdam’s splendid palaces for a fraction of the price. It currently costs €22, but you get 20% off with a valid WelcomeCard, bringing it down to €17.60!

Getting to the Sanssouci Park complex

As we had plenty of time to spare, we chose to walk from the train station to the Sanssouci Park. We would occasionally stray from the route Google Maps picked for us as we spotted another landmark in the distance. Starting from the seat of the Landtag of Brandenburg, we then went past the Museum Barberini and St. Nicholas Church.

As we kept on walking, we came across the city’s Filmmuseum. I looked to my boyfriend who also hadn’t heard of Potsdam’s movie industry before. A quick Google search highlighted its importance as the home of the world’s oldest large-film studio in operation since 1912! Aside from the Babelsberg Studio, Berlin’s neighbouring city also houses the oldest and largest film school in the country.

More recent examples of films shot here include The Pianist or The Inglourious Basterds. It goes to show how much you can learn just by allowing some spontaneity on your travels. As a bit of an organisation freak, it’s definitely a lesson I need to carry with me into the future!

The rest of our route was just as lovely. We spotted an artist creating an art installation right in the middle of the street and made our way through a really picturesque residential neighbourhood. As more greenery started looming on the horizon, the influence of art and theatre on the city’s landscape became even more evident. Someone had a giant bush trimmed in the shape of a theatre mask right in their garden, while a handwritten note on the facade of a quaint little café invited passers-by to the next poetry reading.

Nearly an hour later, we finally made it to Sanssouci Park where we spent the rest of the afternoon walking around and basking in the sun!

University of Potsdam

As we entered the complex grounds, one particular building caught my attention. Located right behind the Neues Palais, at first glance, it appeared to be an extension of the royal residence. Imagine my surprise when I approached the facade, only to spot the plaque of the University of Potsdam on it! The subject of my admiration turned out to be part of its Am Neuen Palais campus, which is home to the Faculty of Arts.

Most of the buildings originate from the times of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia. Back in the day, they used to house the imperial stables, staff chambers, and a guesthouse for the King’s visitors. At one point, some of them were even turned into the most representative Prussian barracks for an infantry battalion. It wasn’t until after WWII that they started serving a scientific purpose – first for state and teacher training colleges, and now for the newly established University of Potsdam. I know one thing for sure – if my campus looked this splendid, maybe I wouldn’t be so tempted to skip even the most boring lectures!

Sanssouci Palace

Out of all the buildings we saw on the park’s extensive grounds, the former summer home of Frederick the Great was quite possibly my favourite. The palace’s name speaks to its main purpose. The French phrase “sans souci” translates into “without concerns”, meaning it was built as a place of relaxation away from the Berlin court.

The structure of this single-story manor that only contains ten rooms is far from imposing. However, the King’s impact on interior design and furnishings is said to have been so profound that the style earned its distinct name: “Frederician Rococo”. I probably wouldn’t have been as enchanted with the villa on its own, which looks fairly unassuming and non-palatial observed from below, but it’s the surroundings that completely won me over.

Sanssouci Palace sits on top of a hill with terraced vineyards overlooking the gardens. Right in the middle, there’s a massive fountain with marble statues around its basin. It’s circled by benches carved in stone. On a warm summer day, it draws many visitors for a moment of relaxation in direct sunlight. The palace beautifully reflects in the water surface as an occasional duck swims right past you. We spent so much time lounging around this magnificent area we didn’t even brave the 100+ steps leading to Sanssouci Palace itself!

Brandenburg Gate

If you got to this section thinking I must’ve mixed the guides up, I don’t blame you at all. I had a similar reaction when on our way back to the train station, we spotted street signs showing the way to the Brandenburg Gate. Again, Google was our best friend, and we learned you can find a gate of the same name in Potsdam!

It was constructed by order of Frederick the Great to mark his victory in the Seven Years’ War, replacing the original, less ornate gate in the same spot. This explains the gate’s shape resembling a triumphal arch. An interesting fact we later found out was that the gate has two different sides designed by two separate architects.

As for the name? The structure was initially part of the city wall. Anyone who wanted to get to the town of Brandenburg had to pass through the gate, thus inspiring its name. Also, contrary to what you may think, the construction finished two decades before its more famous counterpart! We definitely wouldn’t have pegged Berlin’s most distinctive landmark as the copy. You live and you learn…

We came to Potsdam at a rather unfortunate time when many locations weren’t available for tourists. Otherwise, we would’ve definitely altered our itinerary to fit in more sightseeing. Still, even though we stayed outdoors, there were enough attractions to fill an entire afternoon – and the day after that, no doubt, if we chose to stay.

It was a really easy day trip from Berlin, so we’ll likely be back at some point to see more of the city. For starters, Cecilienhof Palace and Pfingstberg are definitely on my list!

If you only had one day in Potsdam, how would you like to spend it?

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How to Enjoy The Perfect Day Trip to Potsdam from Berlin

Last Updated on: 19th June 2023, 06:42 pm

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What is the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Potsdam?

About the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin

The UNESCO World Heritage List’s official name for Potsdam is the “Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin.” Although Sanssouci Palace is the most well-known portion of this World Heritage Site, the list includes over 500 hectares of parks and 150 buildings, all constructed between 1730-1916. To this day, the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Sanssouci remains the largest UNESCO World Heritage Site in Germany.

From UNESCO’s description of the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin:

“In Potsdam, the World Heritage property includes Sanssouci Park, the Lindenallee Avenue west of the New Palace, the Former Gardener’s Training School, former Railway Station of the Emperor and its environs, Lindstedt Palace and its low-lying surroundings, the Seekoppel paddock, the Avenue to Sanssouci, the Voltaireweg Avenue as a connection between Sanssouci Park and the New Garden, the New Garden, the so-called Mirbach Wäldchen Grove and the link between Pfingstberg Hill and the New Garden, the Villa Henkel with Garden, Pfingstberg Hill, the garden at the Villa Alexander, Babelsberg Park, the approaches to Babelsberg Park, the Babelsberg Observatory, Sacrow Park, the Royal Forest around the village of Sacrow, and the Russian colony Alexandrowka with the Kapellenberg, the artificial Italian village of Bornstedt and the artificial Swiss village in Klein-Glienicke.

In Berlin, it includes Glienicke Park, Böttcherberg Hill with the Loggia Alexandra, the Glienicke Hunting Lodge, and the Peacock Island (including all buildings).”

While touring around the parks and gardens, I could feel the whispers of history enveloping my entire experience. The landscapes, unique architecture, and eclectic features were enough to move me to tears and wish that we had such a rich history in my hometown. 

Although I had already visited numerous castles and palaces throughout Germany, I was visibly stunned as we approached Sanssouci Palace.

How is it possible that places like this can exist in real life, and not just in the movies? The Palace lives up to its reputation as being the Prussian Versailles: grandiose, architecturally unique and visually breathtaking. And how could it not be, with influences from England, Italy, and France all intertwined in the construction.

Again from UNESCO’s description:

“The cultural landscape with its parks and buildings was designed and constructed between 1730 and 1916 in a beautiful region of rivers, lakes, and hills. The underlying concept of Potsdam was carried out according to Peter Joseph Lenné’s plans, which he designed after the mid-1800s, to transform the Havel landscape into the cultural landscape it is today.

These designs still determine the layout of Potsdam’s cultural landscape. The ensemble of parks of Potsdam is a cultural property of exceptional quality. It forms an artistic whole, whose eclectic nature reinforces its sense of uniqueness.”

How to Take a Daytrip to Potsdam from Berlin

With over 150 buildings and 500 hectares of space to cover, there’s no easy way to direct visitors to every single location. However, a day trip to Potsdam from Berlin is easy and direct. If you have a vehicle, the drive is only 35km on the A115 highway and you can park at the Historic Windmill.

If you don’t have a vehicle or would rather take the train, the S-Bahn will be your vehicle for the day. From the Berlin Hauptbahnhof (central station), hop on the S7 train to the Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, about a 40-minute journey.

From the Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, you can catch the bus to Sanssouci for about a Euro, or walk the 3 km to the entrance. Even during the middle of the blazing hot summer, we made the walk and enjoyed strolling through the town. You never know what kind of cultural experience you might encounter!

If you’d rather go on a guided tour of the site than deal with public transportation, you can book a guided Potsdam tour that goes from Berlin to Potsdam with the meeting point at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate. 

>> Check tour schedules, reviews, and availability here. <<

What to Expect 

No matter what your views on guided tours may be, take advantage of the option to have a tour guide or audio tour guide. For about 14 Euros, you can have a knowledgeable guide that will fill your head with facts while your eyes feast upon the palace. Plus, if you’re lucky like I was, your guide will be hilarious and bring history to life. It was, to this day, the best guided tour I’ve ever taken in any country.

>> Check Potsdam Guided Tour schedules, reviews, and availability here. <<

One of the highlights of visiting Sanssouci is taking of the sprawling vineyard terraces on the south-facing garden side of the palace. The terraces are interesting in that they make the palace look a lot bigger than it really is. I would recommend spending as much time exploring the terraces and gardens as you do the actual palace. Plus, it’s a perfect location for those iconic pictures . 

The palace is beautiful and ornate, but it might surprise you how small it might actually look, especially compared to other notable palaces and castles. Our guide explained the history behind the design and, to be honest, it was a great insight into the culture of the time.

In the 18th century, the Rococo style of architecture emerged from France as a continuation of Baroque. However, instead of the heavier and darker tones of Baroque (such as those you’ll find at Peles Castle in Romania), Rococo was characterized by lighter tones, playful ambiance, and opulence. 

Instead of focusing on battles and religious figures, Rococo was all about promoting the carefree life of the aristocracy. Frederick the Great wanted Sanssouci Palace to be his light-hearted retreat. In fact, it was said that Frederick the Great ignored the suggestions of his architect when laying down the piano nobile, or bottom level.

The Palace is set up high on a hill but lacks that imposing presence you might expect. Frederick the Great was more focused on the pre-Romantic era of harmony between man and nature and loved the idea of his palace being nestled in the garden.

Are Those Potatoes?

Don’t be alarmed, but when you pass the gravesite of Frederick the Great, you’ll most likely see a scattering of potatoes roasting in the afternoon sunlight. There’s quite a story behind the potatoes, which also helps to explain Germany’s love for all things potatoes. And to be honest, this was my favorite piece of history I learned from our guide.

 In 1743, Frederick the Great introduced the potato to Potsdam. Back in those days, potatoes were uncommon and considered exotic and strange. At the time, they didn’t grow in the region and were met with avoidance and suspicion. Potatoes weren’t mentioned in the Bible and to people who have never seen one before, I could imagine how weird the tubers looked.

However, Frederick the Great wisely recognized the nourishing qualities and affordability of the potatoes. He made it his goal to get the Prussian people to accept it into their cuisine, and decided to aggressively grow potatoes in abundance. The gardens and terraces on the south-facing side of his palace were covered by the abundantly harvested potatoes. 

To pique the interest of the villagers in Potsdam, Frederick the Great ordered his soldiers to heavily guard the potatoes. But at night, security was purposely relaxed so villagers could creep into the grounds and take the coveted potatoes.

It was said that Frederick the Great would make quite the production while eating potatoes: loudly smacking his lips and drawing attention to the potatoes. Sometimes he could also be found around town, handing out potatoes to the villagers.

The manipulation and free samples seemed to have worked. To this day, potatoes play a vital role in German cuisine. Thanks to Frederick the Great, Prussia went on to produce the finest potatoes in the world at the time. Pound for pound and acre for acre, the potato crop was worth double that of wheat (Prussia’s former main income source). The Golden Age of the Kingdom of Prussia, brought about by the genius of Frederick the Great, was bought and paid for by the lowly potato. 

So that’s why to this day, Germans love their potatoes: pommes, bratkartoffeln, and numerous variations of potato salad. As a mark of gratitude and respect, potatoes are left on Frederick the Great’s grave. Feel free to bring a few small spuds and place them on his grave when you visit!

Tips for Visiting Sanssouci

Try to arrive at Sanssouci early in the day before it gets crowded. Although the majority of visitors to Germany prefer to head south to the castles of Bavaria, Sanssouci sees quite an influx of visitors, especially during the summer months.

Bring water, as the palace can get hot during the summer months.

Take some time to wander around Potsdam. We didn’t get to spend as much time in the town as I would have liked, and ended up having to make a return trip to see everything I originally wanted to see.

If you want to take pictures inside the palace, please note that there is an extra nominal fee for a photo pass. No flash photography or tripods are allowed inside.

Although it looks like a great place to dip your feet, avoid sitting by the fountain at the bottom of the vineyard terraces. My friends and I tried to cool off by dipping our feet and were promptly told off by the local security.

While You’re in Potsdam

Potsdam is beautiful and culturally rich, beyond Sanssouci, and just waiting to be discovered. 

Check out the remaining city gates. The town of Potsdam was once surrounded entirely by walls and had only 5 access points. To this day, only 3 remain and are beautiful to visit: Jägertor, Nauener Tor, and the original Brandenburger Tor.

Visit Holland and Russia in their respective quarters within Potsdam. The Dutch quarter was built by King Frederick William in the 18th century and had 134 red brick houses. And then a century later, King Frederick William III ordered the construction of a neighborhood in the 19th century to accommodate the influx of Russians moving to the area. 

Walk along the Bridge of Spies. Glienicker Brücke was the site where West German and East German regimes would meet to secretly exchange spies and political prisoners.

Rachelle is the driving force behind the travel website, Adventure is Never Far Away . She spends her days seeking adventure in her everyday life, while writing to show and encourage others to do the same. Her motto is that you can have adventures everywhere you go. You can follow her adventures at @adventureisneverfaraway  on Instagram.

5 Things to Pack for Your Trip to Germany

I have an entire  Germany packing list , that includes what to pack for Germany for every season, but here are some quick picks:

The   Lonely Planet Germany   guidebook for your trip. It can be hard to find big, international guidebooks once you land (or they’ll be way overpriced). Get yours ahead of time, either a hard copy or on a Kindle.

An Unlocked  Cell Phone   so that you can use a German sim card while here to help navigate public transportation and when you’re on the road.

Backup Charging Bank  for your cell phone since you’ll be using it as a camera, GPS system, and general travel genie.

A Camera  since Germany is super photogenic. I use a mix of my  Nikon D810  and my   Samsung8  smartphone these days.

A Great Day Bag   so you can carry what you need with you (like your camera, snacks, water, sunscreen, cash, etc). My current favorite is the  Pacsafe Citysafe , which is especially great for German cities because it has many anti-theft features designed to deter pickpockets. It also transitions to a night bag more easily and won’t embarrass you if you go to dinner directly after sightseeing all day. 

Read Next:  What to Pack for Germany: the Ultimate Germany Packing List for Women & Men

More Germany Travel Resources

If you’re thinking of going to Berlin, check out my guide to the best  Berlin day trips  and my favorite  Berlin souvenirs and gifts.

I also love visiting Dresden! Check out these beautiful  pictures of Dresden  and the best  Dresden street art  to inspire your trip. I also have a guide to the  best Dresden Instagram spots ,  best Dresden tours , and what to do in the hip  Dresden Neustadt neighborhood.

Don’t Forget About Travel Insurance!

Before you leave for Germany make sure you have a valid  Travel  Insurance Policy  because accidents happen on the road. I pay for  World Nomads,  and I happily recommend them. It’s especially important to get travel insurance if you’ll be hanging enjoying time in big cities where travelers can attract pickpockets.

I have been a paying customer of  World Nomads  for travel insurance for three years, and I happily recommend them.  If you get sick, injured, or have your stuff stolen, you’ll be happy to have the ability to pay for your medical bills or replace what’s stolen or broken.

Pin this guide to taking a day trip to Potsdam from Berlin for your trip!

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Day Trip from Berlin to Potsdam, Germany: The Best Things To Do In Potsdam

Potsdam, Germany is just a short 30 minutes train ride from Berlin, making it the perfect day trip for everyone. The train runs from early in the morning until after midnight, giving you a complete day in Potsdam.

Potsdam was the historic residence of the Prussian kings and is now home to many UNESCO World Sites due to its diverse culture and architecture.

Read on to see how you can enjoy all that Potsdam has to offer in our 14km walking travel guide. If you would like to visit the many museums of the city, we suggest giving yourself two days in the city.

➳ Read More: The Best 5 day itinerary to see Berlin

How to get from Berlin to Potsdam?

Take the S-Bahn S7 train to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof from Berlin Hauptbahnhof (Central Station). The train ride is about 30 minutes and arrives in 10 to 30-minute intervals. Another option is to take the Regionalexpress RE1 train towards Brendenburg / Magdeburg, but keep in mind that it only arrives every 30 minutes.

What to see in Potsdam walking map:

Potsdam Day Trip from Berlin Ultimate Guide: The best things to do in Potsdam in one day

The  Sanssouci one day pass  cost €19 and grants you entry to most palaces and gardens in the Sanssouci area. The tickets are sold online or at the information center at the Potsdam Hauptbahnhof Station.

➳ Tip: If you have a Berlin WelcomeCard  you are  eligible  for a discounted rates for the Sanssouci pass (€15.20).

The attractions are quite scattered. We made a walking guide because we love walking but you could also rent a bike if this is too much walking for you. Bicycles can be rented straight from Potsdam Hauptbahnhof Station. The rentals go from €1 per hour to €5 for the whole day. There are 20 other designated drop-off points where you can return them to. Parking for the bikes is free at the designated racks.

Potsdam one day trip itinerary:

1. nikolai kirche.

Our first stop after getting off the train from Berlin was the Nikolai Church, a grand church with large green dome. It was badly damaged at the end of WWII, but has since been restored to its full glory.

In front of the church is the Old Market Square, with a large marble obelisk in its center.

2. Potsdam Museum

Just to the right of the church is the Potsdam Museum. The museum displays the cultural history and day-to-day life of Potsdam throughout its last 1000 years of history.

3. Steam Engine Building (Mosque)

Our next stop was small and beautiful mosque looking building by the Havel River. While it looks like a mosque, it never served as a house of prayer, rather it was built as a home for a steam engine.

4. Brandenburger Tor ( Brandenburg Gate Potsdam)

Passing through the gate leads to a beautiful square. It is also the start of the pedestrian Brandenburger Street, full of many stores and cafes.

This gate is similar to the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, in fact it was built 20 years before.

5. Park Sanssouci

We then walked west to the main highlight of Potsdam, the massive  Park Sanssouci . The garden is 300 hectares! It is so big! It is a beautiful legacy of the historic Prussian empire.

While entry into the park itself is free, you do need to purchase tickets to enter the different palaces and buildings. We suggest getting the one day combined ticket for €19. This gives you general entrance to most of the buildings as well as a set entry time at Sanssouci Palace. It is best to order your tickets online to get your desired ticket time.

The buildings are generally open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10AM to 6PM, with last entry 30 minutes before closing. However, you should verify the exact hours for each building you want to visit online .

Sanssouci Palace

The first place we went to in the park is Sanssouci Palace, the most visited attraction in Potsdam. This classic Rococo-style castle is full of art to enjoy as well as the final resting place of Frederick the Great.

Historische Muhle

Just down the walk is the Historic Mill of Sanssouci. This beautiful mill is a reconstruction of the 200 year old mill which was destroyed at the end of WWII.

Orangerie schloss

We then walked up a long hill to the Orangery Palace . This grand palace consists of the main central building and a long plant hall, with floor to ceiling windows.

In front of the building there is a beautiful fountain, with a great view of much of the park below.

Krongutt Bornstedt

Our next stop was behind the Orangery and beyond the park, the Bornstedt Crown Estate. This spectacular former royal estate is home to many events and fairs throughout the year.

Belvedere on the Klausberg

Walking back into Sanssouci Park, our next stop was the Belvedere. This small round building stands out with its twenty ionic columns around the building and twenty sandstone figures on top. The building provides the best view of all Sanssouci Park!

Entrance to the Belvedere is not included in the daily combined ticket.

Neue Palais

At the far end of the Park Sanssouci is the New Palace, the last great Prussian baroque palace. Built to show off, through its history it has gone often unused due to its pretentious nature.

Leave plenty of time to tour this vast building with its many halls and galleries to enjoy as well as an 18th century theatre!

Schloss Charlottenhof

We then walked through the park to Charlottenhof Palace . This small palaces is surrounded by beautiful gardens and flowers, worth visiting alone.

Chinesisches Haus (Chinese House)

Our last stop in the park is the beautifully ornate Chinese House with its many gold adornments. It was built in the 1750s at the height of Chinoiserie in this area. This small elegant building is fantastic to photograph both inside and out.

Alexander Newski Church

Walking half an hour north, we arrived at the Alexander Newski Church. This UNESCO site is a nice little Russian Orthodox church and the oldest in Germany.

Nauenre Tor and the  Dutch Quarter

Heading back down south to the downtown area, we passed through the Nauener Gate into the Dutch quarter. This is the second of three standing gates to the historic city walls. The area around the gate has a high number of cafes, restaurants and bars, the perfect place to stop for a meal.

An interesting fact about the Dutch Quarter is that it is the largest Dutch-only neighbourhood outside of the Netherlands.

St Peter and Paul Church

The last stop of our day in Potsdam was St Peter and Paul Church. This towering yellow brick church stands over the eastern end of Brandenburger Street. Make sure to head inside the church to see some of Antoine Pesne paintings, one of the fathers of rococo in painting.

⇟ More articles from Germany that might interest you:

➳ Read More: The Best Things To Do and See in Berlin in 5 Days

➳ Read More: The best things to do in downtown Munich

➳ Read More: The Ultimate guide to see Munich

➳ Read More: 4 amazing day trips from Munich

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Jennifer Mcmillen

Tuesday 14th of June 2016

Fantastic information! We will have to check this out the next time we go close to Berlin! Looks beautiful! I'm sure my kids would love it!

Jessica Friend

I visited Potsdam some 10 years ago I think on my German exchange - man! did my feet hurt at the end! The Orangerie definitely was my favourite and I've got some great snaps of me and my chums in some excellent 90s gear with the Orangerie as the backdrop :-)

Travel To Blank

Classic 90s photos are the best!

Miriam Ernst

Monday 13th of June 2016

It looks like a lovely city. I have always enjoyed walking tours not only because you go at your own pace but you get to discover places a guided tour might not show!

Guided tours are great to see just the highlights and nothing more, for those on a time crunch.

What a great post on a place which is a little tucked away from the tourist hum-drum. And you have listed quite a few things to do in Potsdam.

I have never been to a mosque but really want to. All the ones I have seen online are so beautifully decorated and so detailed.

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Exploring Potsdam: An Easy Day Trip from Berlin with a Private Walking Tour

Experience Potsdam in the company of a local Context Expert

One of the most important but often overlooked parts of any successful vacation is a good day trip. For those travelers spending time in Berlin, a day trip to Potsdam is one of the most convenient and rewarding day trips you can take.

A Berlin day trip to Potsdam is a window into history. A short, immersive walking tour can unlock invaluable stories of Prussian history and German rule, as Potsdam was the royal retreat of Prussian kings, as well as the seat of the German Kaisers until 1918.

Getting to Potsdam from Berlin

There are many Berlin to Potsdam transportation options. Travelers can make the drive up the autobahn (A115) in less than 40 minutes. There are also regular trains that take less than half an hour. The train from the Berlin Central Station (Berlin HBF) drops riders off near the Sanssouci Palace. Looking for a bus ride? Buses to Potsdam leave every 15 minutes and cost less than €10, so it’s cost-effective and convenient to get to the best Potsdam tourist attractions.

Potsdam: A Historic and Picturesque Destination

Few cities in Europe offer the appeal and historical significance of Potsdam. Not only do all of the historical landmarks and palaces in Potsdam infuse the city with a unique historical legacy, but the architecture also gives the city an unmistakable charm.

Potsdam is the capital city of the German state of Brandenburg; it is also part of the Berlin/Brandenburg metropolitan region. Although the city has artifacts dating back to the Bronze Age, Potsdam rose to European prominence in 1660 when it was chosen as the hunting residence of Fredrick William I (grandfather of Fredrick the Great).

In 1685, when Fredrick William I signed the Edict of Potsdam, Potsdam became a center of European immigration. The edict attracted protestants seeking religious freedom, and the area became a magnet for people from France, Russia, the Netherlands, and Bohemia. The edict and subsequent wave of immigration accelerated population and economic growth in Potsdam.

All of this history is alive in the palaces, parks, and architecture that form the incredible city of Potsdam.

Benefits of a Private Walking Tour in Potsdam

The best way to engage with the legacy and allure of this magical city is on a guided walking tour of Potsdam. A Context tour guide can help you build a personalized itinerary tailored to your interests and preferences.

Whether you are looking to explore the charming restaurants of the Dutch Quarter or the lush grounds of the Sanssouci Palace, you’ll spend a memorable three hours strolling and discussing Potsdam’s fascinating evolution.

A knowledgeable guide will also be able to provide insights into the history and culture of the city, as well as reveal hidden gems around Potsdam. Finally, a tour guide will be able to answer your questions and engage in meaningful discussions about the region.

Exploring Potsdam's Key Attractions

No trip to Potsdam is complete without a visit to Sanssouci Palace. Sanssouci Palace was built by William Frederik I as his private palace. It is a model of the Rococo architectural style – an exceptionally ornamental and dramatic design style with a theatrical abundance of curves and counter curves. It is often described as one of Germany’s Versailles.

Sanssouci Palace sits in Sanssouci Park and features stunning park grounds complete with manicured lawns, Baroque flower garden s, hedges, and over 3,000 planted trees. The obelisk in the garden depicts the goddesses Flora and Pomona. They are meant to represent the connection between the growing of flowers and the growing of fruits and vegetables. Sanssouci Park was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990 for its distinct architectural unity and testimony to 18th and 19th-century landscaping in Europe.

Another popular stop in Potsdam is the Dutch Quarter. Also called Little Amsterdam, the Dutch Quarter in Potsdam was built by Dutch immigrants between 1732 and 1742. The quarter, which is the largest collection of closed, Dutch-Style buildings outside of the Netherlands, contains four dutch style squares and 134 Dutch Style two-story, red brick houses. Small backyard pubs, cozy cafes, and delightful bistros dot the neighborhood. Taking a stroll through the Dutch Quarter and visiting its boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, and boutiques is a great way to experience the flair of the area.

History fans will enjoy a visit to Cecilienhof Palace. Built between 1914 and 1917 in the English Tudor style, Cecilienhof Palace was the last palace built by the Hohenzollern dynasty, the rulers of the kingdom of Prussia leading up to the First World War. Cecilienhof Palace is perhaps best known for its association with World War II, as it was the site of the Potsdam Conference, where Winston Churchill, Harry S. Truman, and Joseph Stalin met in 1944 to discuss post-war peace.

Babelsberg Park and Palace is another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Potsdam. It was inscribed for its architectural cohesion and its representation of the power of the Prussian monarchy. The Palace and Park offer stunning views of beautiful landscapes. In contrast to the Rococo style of Sanssouci Palace, Babelsberg Palace is built in the Gothic revival architectural style, featuring allusions to medieval design.

Practical Tips for a Day Trip from Berlin

Potsdam is charming and wonderful in any season, but it is best to match the season with the type of experience you want. If you want to explore a Dutch Christmas Market in the Dutch quarter, then the Advent season (just before Christmas) is the best time to visit. If you would like to take in outdoor performances of music and theater, it is best to visit in the summer.

If a tour of the Sanssouci Palace is on your to-do list, remember that in order to visit, you will need to buy a ticket that will dictate when you can enter the palace.

Those traveling with mobility issues in Potsdam may need to seek some alternative access routes for some of the hillier terrain, but most of Potsdam is accessible for those with limited mobility.

Enhancing Your Potsdam Experience

Potsdam can be tailored to travelers interested in several eras of European history, architecture, and culture. With all the city has to offer, it is important to enhance your Potsdam day trip with the knowledge and expertise of a guide.

Not only can a guide help you uncover hidden stories and details about Potsdam, but they can also help you customize a private walking tour tailored to your interests.  Working with a Context guide can ensure that your day trip to Potsdam can result in a deeper understanding of the region’s history and culture.

Visiting Potsdam from Berlin is an easy, rewarding day trip. Just a short drive or train ride transports you to a charming world rich with history and culture.

You Might Also Like:

• The Berlin Wall Memorial: A Powerful Reminder of History
• 15 Fantastic Things to do With Kids in Berlin
• Exploring Berlin’s Rich Heritage: A 5-Day Itinerary for Unforgettable Tours

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Visit Potsdam, The Perfect Day Trip from Berlin

Updated November 9, 2019

// By Margherita

Are you looking for the perfect day trip from Berlin ? Visit Potsdam! You’ll find plenty of things to do, historical sights, museums, palaces and the best cheesecake in Germany, all a 30 minute S-Bahn ride from central Berlin!

I’ve always hated stereotypes and statements like ‘X city doesn’t feel like X country’ – after all, my hometown Milan is often billed ‘not very Italian’ , something I believe is complete rubbish.

Yet, I must admit Berlin has a very different feel from the rest of Germany . We’ve visited Berlin countless times during the past few years, and always loved the alternative vibe and many things to do in winter – but until last March, we’d never made it to Potsdam , one of the most popular destinations for a day trip from Berlin.

Potsdam is the capital of the German state of Brandenburg, and it’s located just outside Berlin – but it feels a world away from the busy German capital . Last March, we enjoyed visiting on a typical winter day, even though the weather was terrible and the temperature just above freezing.

Potsdam is a kind of alter ego to Berlin – romantic and  gemütlich , while the latter is urban and gritty; full of nature and pretty UNESCO-listed palaces , rather than Brutalist architecture; still with a very ‘local’ feel, while Berlin’s charm lies in its multiculturalism.

Why Visit Potsdam?

On top of that, Potsdam is steeped in history. A former hunting residence, Potsdam was chosen as a full time residence by King Frederick the Great in the 17th century, eager to escape the chaos of Berlin. Frederick’s moniker ‘Great’ is not just due to his mighty size, but also to his great achievements – he united Prussia and was a supporter of the Enlightenment, and regularly hosted artists, thinkers and philosophers in his palaces.

Even though Berlin was always the capital, Potsdam remained the residence of the royal family all the way to 1918 , when Germany became a republic. The city was of strategic importance during the 20th century – the Potsdam Conference between the Allied powers at the end of WW2 took place in Cecilienhof Palace, and the nearby Glienicke Bridge was used to exchange spies between West Berlin and East Germany, where Potsdam was located.

For history lovers, a Potsdam day trip from Berlin probably won’t be enough – whereas if you just want to get an idea of the city, enjoy its chilled, small-town vibe and check out the main Potsdam points of interest , a day trip is a great idea.

Here’s the plan we followed – we had a local guide who introduced us to the history of Potsdam, something that really helped us enjoy the trip. Otherwise, just wander around and enjoy this break from busy Berlin!

Morning – The City Centre and Dutch Quarter

The easiest way to reach Potsdam from Berlin is via the S-Bahn . You’ll find yourself in a juggernaut station-cum-shopping centre – inside there’s also the Potsdam Tourism Info Office , a great place to stop and pick up a map if you don’t have a guide.

Looking at the map, north of the station you’ll find a bridge crossing the river Havel – walk across it, passing the river island called  Freundschaftsinsel on your right hand side, and you’ll find yourself in the Alter Markt , a square originally constructed in the mid-18th century, during the times of Frederick the Great.

The architect who planned the square aimed to recreate the feel of the great Italian squares of Rome and Florence – on the south side of the square is the  Pompei Palace , inspired by the palace of the same name in Verona, to the east is the Old City Hall , fronted by a façade planned (but never constructed) by Palladio, and in the middle of the square there’s an obelisk, to emphasise the ‘Roman’ feel.

The square was largely destroyed during WW2 – the plan of rebuilding it to its former 18th century grandeur is still ongoing . Some interesting buildings surrounding the square are St.Nicholas Church , rebuilt in 1981, the Museum Barberini with an impressive modern art collection, and a Modernist East German building which formerly housing a vocational college, which is being torn down – sadly, may I add. All history is worth preserving.

Not far from Alter Markt there’s the Filmmuseum Potsdam , dedicated to East German movies produced in the nearby Babelsberg Film studio, and housed in a beautiful Baroque building. Another place in the vicinity that’s worth a visit is the  Lindenstraße Memorial , used as a political prison by the Nazi, the Soviets and the Stasi.

By then, Potsdam’s very own Brandenburg Gate is just a short walk away alongside the Alter Stadtkanal , a waterway built in the Middle Ages to drain water from the river Havel. It was sadly empty when we were there, but it is filled with water once a year, in occasion of a canoe racing event.

From Brandenburg Gate, you can spend some time wandering the main streets of the city centre like  Jägerstrasse , lined with local and independent shops, or you can keep heading East towards the Dutch Quarter,  framed by  Kurfürstenstraße, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße, Gutenbergstraße and Hebbelstraße, one of the coolest places to see in Potsdam.

In the mid-18th century, Potsdam was a garrison town, and King Frederick William I  ordered it to be extended, but there were few skilled workers. He invited Dutch people to settle in the city , and ordered the construction of 130 brick houses in Dutch style, with gabled façades and painted shutters – so that they would ‘feel at home’.

Weirdly enough, not many Dutch people ended up inhabiting the Quarter – it became the residence of an elite corps of the Prussian army, and of several artists before falling into disrepair during DDR times. Nowadays, the houses have been restored and house cute boutiques, cafes and galleries. Dutch cultural festivals and events are also regularly organised, like the yearly Tulip Festival.

All houses also have an internal courtyard, but those are reserved to residents – if you see front door left open, try to discreetly peek inside. The courtyards are really pretty!

Afternoon – The Russian Quarter and Sans Souci Palace

I found it incredible that not one, but two of Potsdam’s best things to do were actually created to honour other cultures. About 15 minutes walk north from the Dutch Quarter you’ll find yourself in a park, surrounded by 13 log houses, looking uncannily like a mid-19th century Russian village. No, you haven’t entered a time warp – this is Potsdam’s Alexandrowka, or Russian Quarter.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Prussia was an ally of France against Russia. Over a thousand Russian prisoners were taken to Potsdam , and 62 of them decided to settle permanently after the war came to an end, to sing in King Frederick William III’s choir. Shortly afterwards, Russia and Prussia entered into an alliance, and when the Russian Czar Alexander died in 1825, the Prussian king decided to honour this new ‘friendship’ between the two countries, and built 13 ‘Russian style’ homes for the singers and their families.

The houses couldn’t be bought or sold, and the deed had to stay in the family. Some descendents of the Russian singers still live in a few of the houses , while one has been turned into a museum and another into a restaurant.

After the Russian Quarter, it will be time to head to Potsdam’s star attraction, the marvellous Sans Souci Palace, built by none other than Frederick the Great. Sans Souci is often called ‘the Versailles of Germany’ , but it’s far smaller than the famous French palace – with only 12 rooms, it can easily be visited in an hour or so. Entrances are strictly timed, and you’ll be provided with a handy audioguide detailing the history of this palace.

The French term ‘Sans Souci’ translates as ‘without worries’ or ‘carefree’ – it was Frederick’s summer palace, never intended to be the seat of a government, but a place to relax and enjoy nature, art and music.

The palace was built in Rococo style , a light-hearted, whimsical architectural style that was completely in line with the palace’s purpose. The interiors are decorated with flowers, animals and nature motifs, with pastel colours and plenty of references to a carefree lifestyle.

The rooms we liked best were the small circular-shaped library , covered in cedar wood, and Voltaire’s Room , taking its name from the French philosopher who resided in the Palace for several summers.

Sans Souci is surrounded by a vineyard and sprawling terraced gardens – the idea behind Sans Souci was that it was supposed to be a place for the king to relax and indulge in his passions , surrounded by nature, in line with the pre-Romantic thought that was developing around that time. Frederick called the palace  “mein Weinberghäuschen” –  my little house in the vineyards.

The Sans Souci grounds house several buildings and follies like the Chinese House and  Temple of Friendship , built by Frederick in memory of his sister. However, it was drizzling and cold by the time we left Sans Souci, so we decided to make our way back to Berlin.

Bonus – The Best Cheesecake in Germany

However, we did have one last stop on the 30 minute walk between Sans Souci and the S-Bahn station – hot chocolate and cheesecake at Café Guam , a cake shop famous for offering the best cheesecake in Potsdam, if not in Germany!

There are about 7 or 8 cheesecake flavours on offer at any given time – traditional ones like blueberry and chocolate and more unusual ones like eggnog, poppy seeds and apricots. Paired with a steaming mug of thick hot chocolate, laced with eggnog liqueur and topped with a swirl of whipped cream, I honestly can’t think of anything better for an afternoon snack in Potsdam!

Practical Potsdam Info

• Getting to Potsdam is super easy – just hop on a S7 S-Bahn train and ride all the way to the end of the line. Not all S7 trains make it all the way to Potsdam – make sure you check the destination at the platform before boarding. Potsdam trains run approximately every 30 minutes.
• Potsdam is in zone C, so your regular Berlin zone AB ticket won’t do. Make sure you get an ABC ticket – it will be €3.40 each way.
• If you have a Berlin weekly card for zone AB you’ll have to get an  Anschlussfahrausweis (extension) ticket.
• With a ticket valid for zone C, you can also ride on Potsdam’s buses and trams.
• The Berlin Welcome Card also offers discounts for several Potsdam attractions – check this site for more info.
• We didn’t stay in Potsdam, but if you want to, the Hotel am Jagertor and Mercure Hotel look like great options!
• Check Broadway Travel for info on city breaks all over Europe!

We would like to thank Tourismus-Marketing Brandenburg GmbH for having hosted us on this day trip to Potsdam. 

Pin it for later?

• Visiting Potsdam in one day

by Kike | Jul 10, 2017 | excursions near berlin

Sanssouci Palace Potsdam http://bit.ly/vermilinguos

We start our route in WannSee

Berlin WannSee

The Wannsee conference took place in a Villa where “the final solution of the Jewish question” was planned.

For the Jewish people there were always two Adolfs. SS Lieutenant Colonel Adolf Eichmann was the so-called “face of the Holocaust”. He was one of those in charge, together with Reinhard Heydrich (of Jewish origin), of approving at this conference the immediate future for the Jewish people.

The Bridge of Spies

Glienicker Brücke or “Bridge of Spies”.

Now we will cross the bridge taking advantage of the fact that nowadays there is no need to make any kind of exchange 😛

The Berlin Wall in Potsdam

Cecilienhof Palace

Holländisches Viertel

Dutch quarter of Potsdam Photo: http://bit.ly/vermilinguos

The Nauener Tor in Potsdam Photo: http://bit.ly/vermilinguos

Potsdam Shop Photo: http://bit.ly/vermilinguos

Brandenburger Str. with the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in the background. Photo: http://bit.ly/vermilinguos

Brandenburg Gate in Potsdam

Sanssouci Palace and Gardens

Sanssouci Palace

Church of Peace

Peace Church Photo: http://bit.ly/vermilinguos

Sansoucci Palace

Sanssouci Palace Potsdam Photo: http://bit.ly/vermilinguos

Above the tomb of Frederick II we will always find potatoes, a curious way of thanking the monarch for the introduction of this food in the former Prussia.

Potsdam Mill Photo: http://bit.ly/vermilinguos

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Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Potsdam is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe . It was once home to the former royal palace and gardens of the Prussian Royal Family and German Kaisers .

Situated just 24km from central Berlin , Potsdam offers the perfect combination of art and nature .

Founded around the seventh century by the Polabian Slavs, Potsdam was chosen as the hunting headquarters in 1660 by Frederick William I.

Subsequently, it became the residence of Prussia ’s Royal Family . During this period numerous splendid buildings and palaces were built in the area, most of which still stand today.

Potsdam's magnificent palaces and elegant gardens made it an essential UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990 . It is now one of the most-visited cities in Germany.

What to do in Potsdam?

Potsdam is relatively small, but it has numerous architectural gems that are worth discovering. Some of the most interesting places to see in Potsdam are:

• Sanssouci Palace : Frequently compared to the Palace of Versailles, Sanssouci Palace is one of the most popular landmarks in Potsdam. Its magnificent gardens are worth exploring .
• Dutch Quarter : Also called “Little Amsterdam”, the Dutch Quarter is a small neighbourhood with red-brick houses where the Dutch lived during the eighteenth century after moving from Holland to Potsdam.
• Babelsberg Palace : The Gothic-styled Babelsberg Palace was constructed between 1833 and 1835 as a summer residence for the German Emperor William I. Sitting on the banks of the Havel River , this mansion and its gardens are extremely romantic. Sometimes the palace is closed due to renovation works.
• Neues Palais : The enormous Baroque palace is crowned by an impressive green-coloured dome and has a red-brick façade.
• Glienicke Bridge (Glienicker Br ücke) : Built in 1907, the Glienicke Bridge crosses the Havel River connecting Berlin and Potsdam . Also known as the Bridge of Spies, it was where the Soviet Union and the U.S. exchanged captive spies during the Cold War .
• Cecilienhof Palace: The elegant palace is designed as a typical Tudor manor house. It is currently used as a hotel and museum but has an important history since it was where the Potsdam Conference of 1945 took place.
• Brandenburg Gate : Although the most famous Brandenburg Gate is in Berlin, the Brandenburg Gate of Potsdam was built before Berlin ’s landmark . It is in the Old Town, next to Luisenplatz.
• Charlottenhof Palace : This beautiful neoclassical mansion looks a bit like a Roman villa . It was built on the ruins of a farmhouse.

How long should you stay in Potsdam?

Potsdam is a city packed with iconic landmarks and things to do, but it is quite small, so one full day is enough time to explore this charming city.

How to get to Potsdam?

• Booking a guided tour : the easiest way if you're looking to visit without complication. If you book an excursion to Potsdam you'll get transport from Berlin , as well as a specialist guide who'll fill you in on all the points of interest in the city .
• Trains : Visitors can either take the S-Bahn which takes approximately 40 minutes or the regional express train which takes 20 minutes . If you prefer the S-Bahn option, you must purchase a Berlin ABC ticket (single ticket: € 3.50 ( US$ 3.70) or day ticket: € 9.90 ( US$ 10.60)). If you have a travel card for areas A and B, you only need to purchase a ticket for zone C which costs € 1.60 ( US$ 1.70).

30 km southeast of Berlin

Nearby places

House of the Wannsee Conference (8.3 km) Kurfürstendamm (20.9 km) Berggruen Museum in Berlin (21 km) Charlottenburg Palace (21.2 km) Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church (22.3 km)

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Leading Culture and Adventure Travel Blog by Becki Enright. Looking at the world with a different angle to change perceptions of misunderstood places, for the best in travel.

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Day Trip to Potsdam from Berlin – Visiting the Former Cold War City

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to handpicked partners, including tours, gear and booking sites. If you click through or buy something via one of them, I may receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and allows this site to keep running.

Destroyed in WWII and occupied in the Cold War, a day trip to Potsdam from Berlin is crucial in understanding the history of the region, and an insight into how a city can reinvent itself after conflict. 

Potsdam automatically became a focal point of the Cold War because of its close proximity to the occupied zone of Berlin and the fact that it became part of the West Berlin / East Germany borderline. To visit Potsdam today is crucial in understanding this history. 

Once the former royal seat of Prussia and military stronghold under King Frederick the Great, the grand heritage of Potsdam was either destroyed by war or became out of reach when occupied by the Russians as part of the newly formed German Democratic Republic (GDR).

Rebuilding its legacy, today Potsdam retains its title as Berlin’s “posher sister” – it’s once cultured, refined and extravagant persona beautifully restored after the fall in the wall and demise of the communist occupation in 1989.

History of Potsdam – WWII and Cold War

Potsdam post-occupation, berlin to potsdam – the bridge of spies, potsdam today, see more of former east germany.

Bombed by the same air force that destroyed Dresden in the second world war, 80% of Potsdam’s 300-year-old city centre succumbed to the fatality of war, especially the Old Market Square area where the original City Palace and St. Nicholas Church sat.

During the Cold War, the Soviets only rebuilt some central residential buildings in the same style, although later gave up with the influx of eastern Europeans to Germany and most notably Potsdam, hence the sporadic concrete high rises.

The outskirts of the city, such as the parks and palace grounds, remained intact and untouched. This is because much of it was off-limits to citizens and not a priority for the Russians to demolish.

Post occupation, Potsdam underwent grant restoration, leaving twelve palaces with their landscaped gardens and beautiful woodland, World Heritage status parks and grand Prussian architecture within the city that blend as one. It’s no wonder it’s dubbed the countryside on Berlin’s doorstep.

Being Berlin’s neighbour came at a price. An ‘island’ completely surrounded by water, Potsdam’s riverside became the designated route of part of the Berlin wall, stretching over a length of 160 kilometres.

The famous Glienicke Bridge, more well known as the Bridge of Spies from its movie namesake, became a key sector border between West Berlin and the GDR/East Germany. This bridge became well known for its exchange of agents, military and diplomats belonging to both political systems.

You can cycle the wall trail retracing the course of the wall, where border towers and crossing points remain. At the Glienicke Bridge, you can cycle along it for a few minutes and officially be in Berlin when you reach the other side, before turning around and returning to Potsdam.

It’s hard to believe that this thoroughfare between two cities was once a part of the Iron Curtain.

Potsdam remembers its past but proudly looks forward. Now, open parks and their landmarks such as Sanssouci Palace and the Marble Palace tell the glory of Prussia while the Palace of Cecilienhof (where Truman, Churchill and Stalin met in 1945 to decide the future and division of Germany) tells the story of post-war via its museum wing.

Old Russian school buildings are being used as modern classroom space, the Stassi prison is now open to the public as a documentation centre and former bland GDR architecture (although very sporadically scattered) has been refurbished in a modern retro style.

Local houses, once taken over by Russian soldiers, are now back to being prime real estate.

Proud of its heritage yet keen to display its modern reinvention as young and dynamic, Potsdam’s old city palace was rebuilt in similar style yet not for the same purpose. Housing the Parliament of Brandenburg since the end of 2013, it displays the words “Ceci n’est pas un chateau” – ‘This is not a palace.’  

In the adjacent Babelsberg neighbourhood are the ‘Babelsberg Studios’ – the home of film production, where leading films including The Bourne Ultimatum , Valkyrie and Inglourious Basterds were produced.

The central heart of the city bustles with life, from café culture to fine dining, street performers to creative galleries, awash in the glow of architectural beauty that Potsdam was always known for.

Potsdam is nostalgic but progressive, tainted by a troubled past but eager to assert its original identity as a key German city.

Potsdam rebuilt itself and in parts, remodelled, but whether you rejoice in the heritage or lament the remains of the brutal history, there’s no denying that Potsdam is an incredible place to visit, even if only as a day trip from Berlin.

Want to learn more about former East Germany and how the towns and cities are today? Why not combine your trip to Potsdam with one of these other historical places?

What to See in Weimar – Complex History and Cultural Acclaim

Things to Do in Erfurt – From Socialist Rule to Stunning Restoration

What to Do in Leipzig – A Stylish Past and Urban Reinvention

What to do in Dresden – The Old City With a Trendy Alter Ego

Potsdam was the second stop on my ‘Fall of the Wall’ trip to former east Germany towns and cities in conjunction with the German National Tourist Office, to look at modern Germany and how it’s changed since reunification. All opinions remain my own, including my passion for architecture and post-Soviet history. 

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

Kirsten Keith says

10 August 2015 at 8:24 pm

I visited Potsdam today with my 17 year old. We were so impressed with the history and renovation of the New Palace. I could easy spend a week here and it is s must see if you are in Berlin. I can’t wait to return in 5 years to see the renovation. It will be as beautiful as Versailles but without crowds until its discovered.

7 June 2014 at 9:44 am

I’ve been living in Potsdam for the last 10 months, and it’s chock full of history. It’s also a great place to live, much cleaner than Berlin. I really enjoy all the parks and greenery around here, since I used to live around New York.

The people of Potsdam are proud and very welcoming as well. It’s interesting to note since the Russians were so prevalent here for many years, a lot of the older people in Potsdam speak German and Russian. You’ll have an easy time finding young people who speak English. – Just an interesting quirk about the area.

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Discover Potsdam: Guided Walking Tour

from €22.00 Guide: English

The walk takes you past the dreamlike castle of Babelsberg and up to the lakeside Marble Palace with its Greek temple ruins. See an idyllic Russian village before exploring the quaint little 18th Century Dutch quarter.

Tour around the picturesque palaces and gardens of Potsdam

For nearly three centuries, the scenic town of Potsdam just outside Berlin was the residence of the Prussian kings, princes, and German emperors of the House of Hohenzollern who created a fairy-tale landscape of palaces, gardens, and churches that rank among the most beautiful in Europe.

Highlights of the Potsdam Discover tour at a glance: 

✔ 4 -hour guided tour with experienced guide ✔ Visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites ✔ See Potsdam's beautiful Dutch Quarter, the Old Market Square with the Old Town Hall, Museum Barberini etc. ✔ Sanssouci Palace & gardens with the Grave of Friedrich the Great, Neues Palais, the Chinese Tea House & the Historic Windmill ✔ no minimum number of participants ✔ in all weathers

Explore Potsdam

The beautiful city of Potsdam is just a short train ride away from Berlin, surrounded by a fairytale landscape of forests and waterways. Enjoy a relaxed trip from Berlin on this 4-hour trip to Potsdam, the former residence of centuries of Prussian kings. From the ridiculous to the impressive, from the ineffective to the mighty, you’ll learn how Prussia rose from a minor European power to the foundation of the German Empire. Oh, and find out why Germans leave potatoes on Frederick the Great’s grave!

From the Potsdam train station, set off with your expert guide to marvel at the impressive architecture of the historic city centre.  Then, continue through the tree-lined avenues of the famous and impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sanssouci Gardens with decorative fountains, ornate flower beds, and splendid palaces. We will end the tour directly on front of the Sanssouci Palace.

After the tour, you can decide to return to Berlin together with your guide or why not stay behind, and explore even more of this delightful destination?  With several UNESCO World Heritage palaces, charming restaurants, and independent boutiques to enjoy, Potsdam is a picturesque break from the bustle of Berlin.

Please note that during the tour, it is not possible to visit the interiors of the Potsdam Palaces of Sanssouci Palace or Neues Palais. If you wish to visit the interiors of the palaces, we recommend that you book tickets online directly with visitberlin.de.

Meeting point

Neue Promenade 3, 10178 Berlin, In front of Starbucks

Important information

We use public transport to reach Potsdam. If you have a valid rail pass, please bring it with you or buy a train ticket from the guide.

The tour guides arrive 5-10 minutes before the tour starts. You will recognize them by their blue name tags. Please check your ticket for the meeting point and start time.

Ticket validity after purchase

smartphone ticket accepted

no printout required

The Original Berlin Walks

sanssouci+: Day Ticket for Palaces & Gardens

Discover all Prussian Palaces in Potsdam

from €22.00 Day Ticket

• Combined ticket incl. Sanssouci Palace
• incl. the Prussian palaces & gardens of Potsdam
• incl. the New Palace, Charlottenhof Villa & more

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Potsdam blog — the super potsdam travel guide for first-timers.

Less than an hour traveling by train from Berlin is the city of Potsdam, one of the best day trip destinations from Berlin , a tourist paradise for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Berlin and an ideal place to stop for those who love to explore history, quaint architectures, a peaceful atmosphere, grand gardens and magnificent palaces and churches. Potsdam is one of the most richest cities in terms of history of Germany. So, is Potsdam worth visiting, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Potsdam for the first-time? Let’s check out our Potsdam blog with the fullest Potsdam travel guide (Potsdam guide, Potsdam tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

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Potsdam blog: Overview of Postdam

Potsdam is the capital of the state of Brandenburg and is 35 km from Berlin. This city was known as the ancient capital of the Kingdom of Prussia (1701-1918) with many famous, stunning palaces. The city has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Dec, 1990 and has officially became the largest recognized complex in Germany.

Potsdam is dubbed the Hollywood of Germany, the neighbor of Berlin, has the largest number of palaces in Germany. Multinational influences from France, Switzerland, the Netherlands and many other countries have strongly influenced the lifestyle, culture and architecture of this city. In addition, the unique architecture and landscape of Potsdam, which has long been chosen by kings as their residential place, is also chosen by filmmakers as an ideal filming location. A series of famous movie works were filmed in Potsdam such as: The Blue Angel (Der blaue Engel), The Pianist (Der Pianist), Around the World in Eighty Days (Reise um die Erde in 80 Tagen), Inglourious Basterds…

Potsdam blog: When to come?

Potsdam owns the oceanic climate prevailing with chilly winters and warm summers. The rainiest months fall in months of Nov, Dec and Jun. The average temperatures ranging from 3 Celsius degrees (Jan) to 24 Celsius degrees (Jul).

The best time to travel to Potsdam is from July to September with pleasant temperature (maximum of 25 Celsius degrees in July) and limited rainfall and during spring season (March through May) with pleasant weather and cherry blossoms bloom everywhere. However, winter is also a good time to come if you love snow and the atmosphere of Christmas markets while autumn is gentle, charm and calm.

Potsdam travel guide: How to get to Potsdam from Berlin?

There 2 ways to travel to Potsdam, one by S-bahn (skytrain) S7 or the other by RE1 (DB train) as describe in the table below.

You should buy Berlin Zone ABC ticket to be able to travel comfortably in the center of Berlin and the city of Potsdam. Because Potsdam is located in Zone C, so buying this type of ticket is more convenient than buying a single ticket to travel from Berlin to Potsdam. I highly recommend to buy a day pass (day ticket) of EUR 7.7 because a single ticket costs EUR 3.4/way. With a day pass, you can go all buses/trams in Potsdam for free! For more information about transportation and train tickets in Berlin, please refer to my previous post here .

Depending on where you stay in Berlin to choose to take S-bahn or DB train for your convenience. However, I recommend (for convenience and save time):

• If travel by RE1: Get off at Potsdam-Park Sanssouci station (don’t get off at Potsdam Hauptbahnhof because you have to take a bus ride to Sanssouci park).
• If travel by S7: Get off at Potsdam-Babelsberg station, walk about 2 minutes to Rathaus Babelsberg station, take bus 616 to visit the first Babelsberg Palace (vice versa the route above).

Potsdam tourist guide: Getting around Potsdam

You can also use the Berlin Zone ABC ticket above to take means of transport in Potsdam. The famous tourist attractions of Potsdam can be reach by bus easily.

Hop-on Hop-Off: €17. If you have a Welcome Card, it will be reduced to €12.5/person. The time I went in July was too hot, so I was afraid to find the way. So I bought hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus tour for convenience. The ticket counter is right at the entrance of the shopping mall where you will get off the train.

Potsdam blog: What to do and where to go?

• Sanssouci Park: Including the entire part in the leftmost circle in the diagram above which is extremely large with a number of castles, palaces, churches, structures and gardens scattered.
• Sanssouci Palace (Schloss Sanssouci): The palace of the Prussian Royal Family. This is probably the most famous palace in Potsdam (though it’s not the biggest).
• New Palace (Neues Palais): The largest and second famous palace in Potsdam. It is also the largest Baroque Prussian palace.
• Charlottenhof Palace (Schloss Charlottenhof).
• Orangery Palace (Orangerieschloss): A palace for guests from other royal families stay when they visit Potsdam.

• Old Market Square (Alter Markt): This old square is located in the center of Potsdam.
• Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel): Including 150 old Dutch-style houses.

Cecilienhof Palace (Schloss Cecilienhof): For those who love history, this is the site of the Potsdam Conference in 1945 when the three great powers of Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union discussed the fate of Germany after World War II.

Babelsberg Palace (Schloss Babelsberg): Located on the Eastern part of the city (rightmost circle in the diagram above).

Suggested Potsdam itinerary 1 day

With only one day, I chose to visit the Eastern and Western areas of the city, skipping the central area (with 2 years living in the Netherlands, the “Dutch Old Quarter in Germany” is not attractive at all ^^!) and the northern area. To explore all the remaining places, the itinerary will be arranged as the picture below.

Sanssouci Park

Built as a royal garden around the Sanssouci palace at the request of Frederick the Great of the Kingdom of Prussia, it is now a complex of parks – botanical gardens – chapels – large palaces. Besides the architectural works, you will have the opportunity to visit the large flower gardens with the lake and many sculptures placed all over the ground.

Sanssouci Park is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can visit it for free.

With seemingly endless roads but absolutely no vehicles, well-groomed hundreds of years old forests, ancient architectural works scattered all over the roads, Sanssouci Park is a Great destination for a day of outdoor activities, such as picnic, sports, travel, dating…

The fastest way to get to Sanssouci Park – Potsdam’s most popular tourist complex – is to take bus 695 from Potsdam Hbf Station. About 20 minutes by bus, then walking to come.

Sanssouci Palace

Referring to the city of Potsdam, the place cannot help but to mention is Sanssouci Palace – the summer palace of Frederick the Great II – King of Prussia, the Potsdam’s most famous attraction which was built in the architectural style of the 18th century and also one of the most visited places in Europe with more than 2 million visitors per year. The Palace of Sanssouci is often compared to the palace of Versailles in France with more than 200 large and small rooms, four ballrooms and a theater in Rococo style. Along with more than 400 statues from the ancient world of gods used to decorate the facades and railings, roofs.

This magnificent palace was built at the request of King Frederick the Great where he could rest and relax away from all the worries of court meetings in Berlin. The name of this palace is derived from a French word of “Sans Souci” which translates to “no worry”, “carefree” or “without worry” — is a resting place, relaxing, not involved in political affairs. The palace was built on top of a terraced hill in the center of the park of the same name.

Sanssouci Palace is located opposite a beautiful terraced garden. During the 19th century, this was the residence of King Frederick William IV of Prussia, although Germany was severely damaged after World War II, the Sanssouci Palace remained almost intact, it shows a prosperous period of Germany in 18th century and the great talent of the architect Von Knobelsdorff. It is no coincidence that the palace of Sanssouci is considered the most formidable “rival” of the famous French palace of Versailles.

Address: Maulbeerallee, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Hours: 9AM–5:30PM/Monday: Closed

The Church of Peace (Friedenskirche)

At the eastern end of Sanssouci Park is the Friedenskirche church (Church of Peace) built in accordance with the wishes of King Frederick William IV, this Protestant church completed in 1854, in medieval Italian style.

Address: Am Grünen Gitter 3, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Hours: Saturday: 11AM–4PM/Sunday: 11:30AM–4PM

Sanssouci Picture Gallery

King Frederick II of Prussia was a man with a passion for the arts. So he built this art gallery. Having existed since 1764, it is now the oldest private picture gallery of a German ruler.

A 3-min walk from Sanssouci Palace Address: Im Park Sanssouci 4, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Hours: 10AM–5:30PM/Monday: Closed

Chinese House and Roman Bath

On the walk from Sanssouci Palace to Charlottenhof Palace, you will pass these 2 places. These two works are small, so it only takes about 10 minutes to visit them.

Chinese House is a small pavilion built by King Frederick the Great to decorate his fruit garden. It is called “Chinese House” because it has a very Chinese “chinoiserie” architecture.

Address: Am Grünen Gitter, 14469 Potsdam, Germany

New Palace (Neues Palais)

It is the most magnificent architecture of Sanssouci Park, located at the western end of the park. Neues Palais was built between 1763-1969 with stand out of red brick walls and a large bronze dome. The interior of the palace is splendid decorated, especially in the Marble Hall, Upper and Lower State Apartments, Marble Gallery and Theatre. The palace has valuable furniture, paintings, porcelain and works of art.

The construction started in 1763 and completed in 1769, after the 7-year war, the New Palace is considered the largest Prussian baroque structure ever built. Some of buildings of this palace are also used by the University of Potsdam as its campus, the school is very beautiful.

Address: Am Neuen Palais, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Hours: 10AM–5:30PM/Tuesday: Closed

Charlottenhof Palace

The Neoclassical architecture palace is neither big nor flashy, but it has a corridor covered with grape vines. When autumn comes you will see the red and green grape leaves covering the corridor and full of fruit.

Address: Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 34A, 14471 Potsdam, Germany

Babelsberg Palace

This palace has a direct view of Lake Glienicker and the bridge of the same name. Not too famous, located quite far away from center, having to change buses many times, so it’s very deserted. In return, it’s a beautiful palace, beautiful view and peaceful, I like this beauty.

Located in the Babelsberg forest, Babelsberg Palace was the summer palace of Wilhelm I, the first emperor of the German Empire for almost 50 years. The palace was built in the English Middle Ages style from 1835-1849, a style that also influenced a number of other palace such as Kittendorf Palace in Mecklenburg. The palace once witnessed an important historical event when Emperor Wilhelm I appointed Otto von Bismack as chancellor, who then brought Germany into the ranks of the great powers in Europe.

Address: Park Babelsberg 10, 14482 Potsdam, Germany Opened: 1849

Orangery Palace

Actually, it is not very beautiful, but the walking path from this palace to Sanssouci passes through many beautiful gardens (especially in autumn).

Address: An der Orangerie 3-5, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Architectural style: Renaissance Revival architecture Opened: 1864

Marmorpalais (or Marble Palace)

Once the palace of the Prussian royal family until the early 20th century, the Marmorpalais was built by King Frederick Wilhelm II shortly after he succeeded King Frederick the Great. The palace was originally built of red brick, in neoclassical style, with a garden and river view. However, the palace was later named after the white or gray marble from Silesia that was used to support its pillars and decorative motifs.

The palace was given by the king to his mistress, Countess Lichtenau, and she was a direct influence on the interior design process for the palace. After World War II, the East German government used the palace as a military museum. Currently, the palace serves as a cultural and historical museum managed by the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg.

Address: Im Neuen Garten 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany Opened: 1791

The Alte Rathaus (“Old Town Hall”)

Located in Alter Markt square, a splendid Baroque-style marble building built in 1753, featuring Corinthian stone columns. Extensively rebuilt after World War II, the building is used for exhibitions and concerts and houses the Potsdam Museum with its beautiful collections relating to local art, culture and history.

Address: Am Alten Markt 9, 14467 Potsdam, Germany Hours: 12–6PM/Monday: Closed

Babelsberg District

The Babelsberg district is Potsdam’s largest neighborhood, famous in the early days of cinema as the home of the UFA film company. Originally developed around Nowawes, an old quarter of spinners and weavers, the district’s heritage can still be discovered near the church of Weberplatz, a modest building built in 1753. Other highlights of this interesting area include Babelsberg Park, the third largest in Potsdam, established in 1832 and expanded from 1843 and Schloss Babelsberg, an Anglo-Gothic palace built in built in 1834.

Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel)

Holländisches Viertel is home to the largest Dutch community abroad. The neighborhood was built between 1737 and 1742 by Dutch craftsmen, headed by Johann Boumann. The neighborhood is housed in 4 blocks, including 134 houses built with typical Dutch red brick and shuttered windows, gables, white borders.

Holländisches Viertel is popular with both locals and tourists for its small shops, cafes and typical Dutch restaurants. In the neighborhood there is also a small house that is used as a museum about Johann Boumann and Dutch culture. Strolling here, easily leads to the Brandenburger Strasse pedestrian area with houses built between 1733-1939 for the mobilization of the army.

New Garden (Neuer Garten)

The New Garden is located on the banks of the Heiliger See (Holy Lake) and covers an area of ​​253 acres. The stunning landscape is in the poetic style of the late 18th century and established in 1789, it is meant to reflect the style of an English countryside.

Address: Am Neuen Garten, 14467 Potsdam, Germany Hours: 8AM–8PM

St. Nicholas’ Church

St. Nicholas’ Church is the most majestic church in Potsdam is a neoclassical style built between 1830-1837. The most striking feature of this impressive structure is the 77-meter-high domed main hall. In front of the church is a memorial built in 1753.

The church was heavily destroyed during the Second World War, and then rebuilt in 1981. Today, in addition to its religious function, the church is also open to visitors and hosts concerts.

Address: Am Alten Markt, 14467 Potsdam, Germany Hours: 9:30AM–6:30PM

Filmmuseum Potsdam

This is Germany’s oldest film museum. Formerly, the museum used to be a Prussian royal horse farm, the building was built with the typical 17th century baroque architectural style. The museum is an interesting destination for visitors who love the Seventh Art, with a collection of the history of world cinema in general and German cinema in particular from the end of the 19th century to the present, in terms of techniques, ideas and originals of famous movies. The museum also displays images of the oldest film studio Babelsberg in German history.

Address: Breite Str. 1A, 14467 Potsdam, Germany Hours: 10AM–6PM/Monday: Closed Opened: 1977

Russische Kolonie Alexandrowka

During the nineteenth century a number of Russian soldiers were part of a choir serving the entertainment needs of the Prussians living in the city. In 1826, Frederick William II ordered the construction of a new neighborhood for these people. It is because of this that “the Russian city” was named Alexandrowka.

In total twelve picturesque wooden houses were built here, you will visit the Russian Orthodox small church, now this place is added another building, Kirche Alexander-Newski

If you don’t have too much time, focus on the main places like:

• Sanssouci complex including palace, flower garden and New palace
• Dutch Quarter
• Downtown Luisenpatz
• Palace of Cecilienhof

You can refer to Klook’s half day tour for €17 . The tour departs from Berlin and does not include entrance tickets or tickets from Berlin to Potsdam. A single ticket costs €3.4 if you do not have a Berlin Zone ABC card.

Potsdam blog: What to eat?

On the day I went, I ate at a Vietnamese restaurant in the shopping mall right next the station. In general, this area is quite large and has a variety of food stalls, restaurant, you can come here to try. If I remember correctly, there are 3 or 4 Vietnamese shops here. The price is also on par with Berlin about €7/meal.

Potsdam guide: Where to stay?

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• NH Potsdam ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Dorint Sanssouci Berlin/Potsdam ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Seminaris Avendi Hotel Potsdam ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )
• Hotel Brandenburger Tor Potsdam ( Agoda.com or Booking.com )

Check-out more top hotels in Potsdam via Agoda or Booking .

In general, I find Potsdam quite beautiful. The atmosphere is peaceful and not too hustle and bustle like in Berlin. It feels very enjoyable to have a leisurely, gentle day walking around the city after a few days in the crowded capital :). If you are still wondering where to go when traveling to Berlin, then do more research on this place.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Potsdam you can refer to

• Potsdam Half Day Tour from Berlin
• Potsdam Day Tour from Berlin
• Potsdam Hop-On Hop-off City Sightseeing Bus Tour

See more Berlin travel guide here and Germany guide here .

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Potsdam, on the Havel River just 25km southwest of central Berlin, is the capital and crown jewel of the federal state of Brandenburg. Easily reached by S-Bahn, the former Prussian royal seat is the most popular day trip from Berlin, luring visitors with its splendid gardens and palaces, which garnered Unesco World Heritage status in 1990.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Schloss & Park Sanssouci

This glorious park and palace ensemble is what happens when a king has good taste, plenty of cash and access to the finest architects and artists of the…

Schloss Sanssouci

Frederick the Great's famous summer palace, this rococo gem was designed by Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorff in 1747 and sits daintily above vine-draped…

Museum Barberini

The original Barberini Palace was a baroque Roman palazzo commissioned by Frederick the Great and bombed to bits in World War II. Since January 2017, a…

Chinesisches Haus

The 18th-century fad for the Far East is strongly reflected in the adorable Chinese House. The cloverleaf-shaped pavilion is among the park's most…

Alter Markt

Halfway between the Hauptbahnhof and the Altstadt, the Alter Markt is the site where Potsdam's settlement began. Under Frederick the Great, it evolved…

Neues Palais

The final palace commissioned by Frederick the Great, the Neues Palais has made-to-impress dimensions, a central dome and a lavish exterior capped with a…

Park Sanssouci

Park Sanssouci is the oldest and most resplendent of Potsdam's many green patches. It's open from dawn til dusk year-round and is dotted with numerous…

Memorial Leistikowstrasse (KGB Prison)

Now a memorial site, Potsdam's central remand prison for Soviet Counter Intelligence – colloquially known as 'KGB prison' – is a particularly sinister…

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3 Best Informative Tours of Sachsenhausen from Berlin in 2024

Are you looking for the best informative tours of Sachsenhausen from Berlin?

For those seeking to learn more about the dark history of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp, there is no better way than by taking a guided tour of the site from Berlin.

As a history buff, visiting important historical sites is something I always try to do on my travels.

When I visited Berlin, I knew I wanted to take a day trip to Sachsenhausen, the closest former Nazi Concentration Camp to Berlin. Sachsenhausen is just about 45 minutes away, making it easy to visit on a day trip from Berlin .

The best Sachsenhausen tours from Berlin provide an informative and engaging experience for travelers interested in learning more about this tragic period in history.

On these tours, visitors will get to explore Sachsenhausen’s grounds, learning about the camp's history and its origin, what "everyday life" was like for the prisoners held there, and more about the camp and the horrors that occurred there.

While you can visit Sachsenhausen on your own, having a tour guide can be immensely helpful in gaining a more comprehensive understanding of Sachsenhausen’s history.

If you're planning on including a day trip to Sachsenhausen in your Berlin itinerary , consider booking one of these informative guided tours of Sachsenhausen from Berlin to make the most of your visit.

Looking for the best guided tour of Sachsenhausen from Berlin?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want an incredible guide at an affordable price!

Table of Contents

Important Things to Remember when Visiting Sachsenhausen

3 best tours of sachsenhausen from berlin, 1. sachsenhausen concentration camp memorial tour from berlin, 2. sachsenhausen concentration camp memorial: small group bus tour from berlin, 3. sachsenhausen concentration camp and potsdam tour from berlin, visiting sachsenhausen from berlin: frequently asked questions, can you visit sachsenhausen from berlin without a guided tour, what should i bring with me on a tour of sachsenhausen, how long should i spend at sachsenhausen concentration camp, final thoughts: best tours of sachsenhausen from berlin.

The very most important thing to remember when visiting Sachsenhausen is that you are visiting a location where innocent prisoners were tortured and murdered by the Nazis during the Holocaust.

During your visit, keep the history of the site in mind.

Avoid taking disrespectful photos (this is not the place for posed pictures or cute selfies), talking loudly, or behaving inappropriately in any way.

⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (read more reviews ) | TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours | BOOK NOW

Having a great tour guide who is knowledgeable and engaging can really make a tour great, which is why the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin is one of the very best Sachsenhausen guided tours.

On this tour, you'll meet your expert historic guide in the Berlin city center at 10:00 AM before boarding the S Bahn train to Oranienburg, the city where Sachsenhausen is located.

Important Note: The train tickets to and from Oranienburg aren't included in the tour cost. You'll need a Berlin transit ticket that includes zones A, B, and C, which is about €8 for the round-trip to and from Oranienburg.

A valid Berlin ABC Zone WelcomeCard also works.

Once you arrive in Oranienburg, you'll walk with your guide for 20-30 minutes to the memorial. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes!

At the site, your guide will lead you around the site, teaching you about the history of the camp's origin, the timeline of the atrocities that were committed at the camp, and tell stories of the brave prisoners and those who were lucky to survive.

The outstanding guides truly make this tour one of the best. The guides are expert historians who are licensed and trained by the Sachsenhausen Memorial Authority.

"Great tour with a guide who was incredibly knowledgeable and an excellent communicator. The camp would be difficult to navigate on your own so having a guide walking you through the different portions and giving context was essential in my opinion." - Ruben S. ( Read more reviews )

As a bonus, the tour provider makes a €3 donation to the Memorial Authority on behalf of each guest, which contributes to the upkeep of the Memorial.

Although the tour is a somber experience, you'll return to Berlin with a greater understanding of the history of Sachsenhausen and the prisoners who were held there.

In my opinion, this is the best guided tour of Sachsenhausen from Berlin . And with nearly 2000 5-star reviews, it seems that other travelers agree!

IMPORTANT INFO

• Tour Duration: 6 hours
• Starting Time: 10:00 AM
• Meeting Point: Outside Friedrichstraße Train Station
• What's Included: Expert historian guide, pick-up and drop-off from the center of Berlin, a tour of Sachsenhausen, €3 donation to the Sachsenhausen Memorial Authority
• What's Not Included: Hotel pick-ups and drop-offs, food and drink, gratuities
• Size of Tour: Maximum of 30 travelers

Book this Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Tour from Berlin

⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (read more reviews ) | TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours | BOOK NOW

If you want the same great tour as the one above but with private transportation, then this tour is for you!

The Sachensenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial Small Group Bus Tour from Berlin is nearly the exact same tour as the above Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Memorial tour, except it includes private bus transportation rather than taking public transportation to Sachsenhausen.

It's also a couple of hours shorter because you'll be driving directly to Sachsenhausen instead of taking the train and then walking to the camp.

After meeting the group, you'll board the air-conditioned bus that will take you directly to Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp.

There, the expertly-trained historian guide will lead you on a tour of the camp and memorial, teaching a masterclass in World War II history as you walk through the camp's barracks, administrative buildings, and crematoriums.

Phil was our guide and he shared valuable and informative historic background before reaching the camp. The details he provided on site brought to life what happened there. Highly recommend the visit and Phil as guide. - Pamela K. ( Read more reviews )

After the extremely educational and thought-provoking tour, you'll board the bus and head back to Berlin.

In addition to the knowledgeable guides, this tour is great because it includes private transportation on a comfortable bus with a maximum of just 25 travelers.

• Tour Duration: 4 hours
• What's Included: Expert historian guide, pick-up and drop-off from the center of Berlin, private transportation on an air-conditioned bus, guided tour of Sachsenhausen
• Size of Tour: Maximum of 25 travelers

Book this Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp Small Group Bus Tour from Berlin

⭐️ RATING: 4.1 out of 5 Stars (read more reviews ) | TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours | BOOK NOW

If you're short on time and want to make the most of your day trip from Berlin , then this Sachsenhausen and Potsdam combo day tour is perfect for you.

After you meet your guide and fellow tourmates, you'll board a private bus and head towards Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and Memorial for a guided visit of the camp.

There, your guide will take you on an educational tour around the camp. You'll learn about how the camp was run, the different jobs that were forced upon the prisoners, and more about the camp's history.

Next, you'll board the bus again and head towards Potsdam, the former Slavic town turned Royal residence.

Enjoy a guided walk of the palaces and gardens of Potsdam before having some free time to explore on your own.

After some time in Potsdam, you'll board the bus again and head back to Berlin while reflecting on your day.

Tours are led by bilingual English and Spanish guides. You'll be packing in a lot of exploration in just 7 hours, which some travelers said felt rushed, but this is a great way to see a lot if you have limited time.

"Chisca was wonderful. My son and I were the only English speaking travelers in the group but Chisca made every effort to pull aside and explain details to us is English. The concentration camp was sad but important to see. Potsdam was beautiful. We actually decided to stay there for dinner and skip the bus ride back! - GetYourGuide traveler ( Read more reviews )

• Tour Duration: 7 hours
• Starting Time: 9:30 AM
• Meeting Point: Brunnen der Völkerfreundschaft Fountain in Alexanderplatz
• What's Included: English/Spanish-speaking guide, private transportation to and from Berlin, guided tour of Sachsenhausen, guided tour of Potsdam

Book this Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp & Potsdam Tour from Berlin

You can independently visit Sachsenhausen from Berlin without taking a guided tour.

To get to Sachsenhausen, take the S Bahn or a regional train from Berlin to Oranienburg Station (S Oranienburg Bhf).

You can easily get to Oranienburg from pretty much any station in Berlin. Use Rome2Rio to find out the best route and trains to take from your starting point.

One of the easiest stations to leave Berlin from is Friedrichstraße . From there, the trip to Oranienburg will take about 45 minutes.

To take the train to Oranienburg, you'll need an ABC zone ticket, which is €3.80 each way. A Berlin ABC Zone WelcomeCard will also work.

Once you get to Oranienburg, you have a couple of options for getting to Sachsenhausen.

You can walk from the train station to the memorial, which takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Bring comfy shoes if you plan on walking because you'll probably be doing a lot of walking and standing at the memorial as well.

The bus (#804 and #821) also runs from Oranienburg Station to a stop called Sachsenhausen Gedenkstätte , which is a short walk from the memorial. Taking the bus is the easiest way to get to Sachsenhausen from Oranienburg Station.

Even if you don't opt for a guided tour of Sachsenhausen from Berlin, I highly recommend taking one of the public guided tours offered on-site.

These tours cost €3 and run twice on Saturdays, once at 11:00 AM and again at 2:00 PM.

If you're not visiting on a day that the guided tours are held, you can rent an audio guide for €3.50.

You can learn more about the guided tours and audio guides on the official Sachsenhausen Memorial website .

One of the most important things to bring, or wear, on a tour of Sachsenhausen is a comfortable pair of shoes.

While touring the site, you'll be doing a lot of walking and standing. Plus, some tours require you to walk to and from the memorial from the train station, which takes about 30 minutes.

Keep an eye on the weather forecast as well. For much of the tour, you'll be outside, so you'll want to have a warm coat if it's cold outside and a rain jacket or umbrella if it's raining.

It's also a good idea to bring some snacks and a reusable water bottle as most tours don't include food or drinks.

Most guided tours of Sachsenhausen from Berlin last between 4-6 hours, depending on whether you take public or private transportation.

You can plan on spending at least 2-3 hours exploring the memorial. The guided tours offered at the memorial last for 2 hours.

As you can see, you have quite a few great options for guided tours of Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and Memorial from Berlin.

You can opt for a cheaper tour that takes public transportation or splurge a little for a great tour with private transport. Or, if you want to pack a lot into one day, choose a Sachsenhausen + Potsdam combo day tour!

Taking a guided tour of Sachsenhausen rather than going on your own gives you a deeper insight into the history of the camp.

You'll hear from historians who are experts on the site – not only do they know the history of Sachsenhausen, but they also know the stories of the prisoners who were held there.

After your tour, you'll return to Berlin (or your home city) with a new understanding of World War II history that is deeper than anything you could read about in a textbook.

Alle Ligen | Ergebnisse

2:0-sieg im achtelfinale - havertz und musiala schießen deutschland gegen dänemark ins em-viertelfinale.

Mit einem 2:0-Sieg über Dänemark hat die deutsche Fußball-Nationalmannschaft das Viertelfinale bei der Heim-EM erreicht. Kai Havertz und Jamal Musiala haben die Partie, die zunächst wegen eines Unwetters unterbrochen wurde, entschieden.

Die deutsche Fußball-Nationalmannschaft hat bei der Heim-EM das Viertelfinale erreicht. Das Team von Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann setzte sich am Samstag im Achtelfinale gegen Dänemark mit 2:0 (0:0) durch und steht damit erstmals seit acht Jahren wieder unter den besten acht Teams bei einem großen Turnier.

Vor 61.612 Zuschauern in Dortmund trafen Kai Havertz in der 53. Minute per Handelfmeter und Jamal Musiala (68.) für die DFB-Auswahl, die weiter vom vierten EM-Titel - nach 1972, 1980 und 1996 - träumen darf. Der EM-Gastgeber spielt nun am 5. Juli in Stuttgart gegen den Sieger des Duells zwischen Spanien und Georgien, die am Sonntag aufeinandertreffen.

Nagelsmanns Antwort auf die Stürmerfrage 

Havertz oder Niclas Füllkrug? Die Stürmerfrage hatte in den vergangenen Tagen vor allem die Fans bewegt - Nagelsmann anscheinend nicht so sehr. Der Bundestrainer überraschte zwar mit gleich drei Änderungen in der Startelf, BVB-Profi Füllkrug saß in dessen Heimstadion aber zunächst auf der Bank. Leroy Sané über die rechte und David Raum über die linke Seite sollten die Dänen mit ihrem Tempo am Strafraum festspielen, Nico Schlotterbeck ersetzte den gesperrten Jonathan Tah.

Fast, ja fast wären zwei der drei Neuen gleich zu Beginn an einer deutschen Führung beteiligt gewesen. Raum holte eine Ecke heraus, den von Toni Kroos getretenen Ball köpfte Schlotterbeck ins Tor (4.). Doch in den Jubel pfiff Schiedsrichter Michael Oliver entschieden und schnell, der Engländer ahndete streng ein Foulspiel von Joshua Kimmich, der Schlotterbeck im Strafraum den Weg freigeblockt hatte.

Fußball-EM - Berliner Hotels und Gaststätten "haben sich wesentlich mehr Geschäft erhofft"

Die Vorrunde der Fußball-EM ist zu Ende, die Achtelfinals stehen vor der Tür. Wie hat sich das Fußballturnier bisher eigentlich auf die Branchen ausgewirkt? Da gibt es unterschiedliche Erfahrungen.

Zunächst kein Vorbeikommen an Schmeichel

Es stand zwar nicht 1:0, die Richtung des Spiels war aber vorgegeben: Deutschland war in den ersten 20 Minuten die deutlich bessere Mannschaft. Die Dänen schafften es kaum aus der eigenen Hälfte und konnten sich bei ihrem Torwart Schmeichel bedanken, dass nicht früh die ersten deutschen Tore fielen. Der 37-Jährige vereitelte Chancen von Kimmich, Schlotterbeck (beide 7.) und Havertz, der einen starken Pass vom rechtzeitig fit gewordenen Abwehrchef Antonio Rüdiger zum Abschluss verwertete (10.).

Die DFB-Auswahl, von Nagelsmann energisch von der Seitenlinie angeleitet, spielte offensiv sehr variabel, leistete sich aber auch immer wieder mal Abspielfehler. Dänemarks Starspieler Christian Eriksen kam so etwas besser in die Partie. Eine taktische Anweisung des dänischen Nationaltrainers Kasper Hjulmand, der auf den gesperrten Morten Hjulmand verzichten musste, war klar zu erkennen: Musiala wurde von den Dänen sehr früh attackiert, der 21-Jährige bekam kaum Freiräume.

Blitz, Donner und Regen

In die deutsche Schwächephase donnerte und blitzte es dann vom Himmel, Oliver unterbrach die Partie in der 35. Minute, im strömendem Regen gingen beide Teams in die Kabine. Die Stimmung der Zuschauerinnen und Zuschauer blieb gelöst, dänische Fans tanzten im vom Stadiondach stürzenden Wasser, etliche Menschen versuchte, sich mit ihren Fahnen vor dem Regen zu schützen. Im Logenbereich schaute auch Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz zu.

Nach dem Wiederanpfiff von Oliver um 21.59 Uhr schien die DFB-Auswahl eigentlich besser in die Partie zu kommen. Schmeichel verhinderte die deutsche Führung durch Havertz, der nach einer Raum-Flanke etwas zu zentral auf das dänische Tor köpfte (37.). Gleich zweimal hätte aber Rasmus Højlund die Nachlässigkeiten der DFB-Auswahl fast bestraft. Der Stürmer von Manchester United luchste Nico Schlotterbeck, der im Strafraum ins Dribbling ging, den Ball ab, schoss aber knapp am Tor vorbei (42.). Kurz vor der Pause scheiterte Højlund am stark reagierenden Manuel Neuer (45.).

Fußball-EM - Berlin zeigt EM-Achtelfinale Österreich gegen Türkei nun doch auf Fanmeile

Kehrtwende der Stadt Berlin: Die mit Spannung erwartete Begegnung zwischen Österreich und der Türkei läuft nun doch auf der Fanmeile. Das dürfte zahlreiche Fußball-Fans freuen - nicht zuletzt, weil die Partie nicht für alle im Fernsehen zu sehen ist.

Kein Dänen-Tor, Elfmeter für Deutschland

Beim großen deutschen Schreckmoment in der 48. Minute musste der Bayern-Torwart das vermeintliche Gegentor nach großer Konfusion in der deutschen Abwehr hinnehmen. Die Abseitsstellung, die gegen das Tor von Andersen sprach, war enorm knapp.

Wenige Minuten später wurde der Däne zur tragischen Figur: Eine Raum-Flanke streifte die Hand des 28-Jährigen, nach Ansicht der Videobilder mit Impulsgrafik des Ballkontakts entschied Oliver auf Strafstoß. Havertz verwandelte wie im Eröffnungsspiel gegen Schottland sicher, Nagelsmann schrie an der Seitenlinie seine Freude heraus.

Nach 63 Minuten brachte der Bundestrainer die Dortmunder Emre Can und Füllkrug in die Partie, den einen zum Absichern, den anderen zum Nachlegen. Nach der nächsten guten Gelegenheit für Højlund, bei der Neuer zur Stelle war (66.), spielte Schlotterbeck einen starken langen Ball in den Lauf von Musiala, der Schmeichel keine Chance ließ. Deutschland ging mit beruhigender Führung in die Schlussphase, in der die Dänen nicht mehr gefährlich wurden.

Großer Andrang auf Berliner Fanmeile

In Berlin verfolgten zehntausende Fußball-Fans das deutsche Achtelfinal-Spiel beim Public Viewing. Die Fanmeile am Brandenburger Tor war von den Veranstaltern erweitert worden. Somit konnten 70.000 Menschen die Übertragung dort und vor dem Reichstagsgebäude live verfolgen - statt 45.000. Nach dem deutschen Sieg feierten die Fans ausgelassen.

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Switzerland 2-0 Italy: Swiss club together in Berlin

Saturday, June 29, 2024

Article summary

Playing like a well-drilled club side, Murat Yakin's team overcame Italy in Berlin to reach the quarter-finals of UEFA EURO 2024 at the holders' expense.

Article top media content

Article body

Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas did the damage in Berlin as Switzerland eliminated the holders from UEFA EURO 2024 in the round of 16.

Key moments

24' : Donnarumma denies Embolo with the first chance of the game 37' : Freuler beats the Italy goalkeeper with a powerful, low shot 45' : Donnarumma pushes Rieder's free-kick on to the post 46' : Vargas finds the top corner from the edge of the box 74' : Scamacca clips against the woodwork

Match in brief: Switzerland pressure pays

Switzerland set out to control possession and succeeded, though it took until the 24th minute for them to eke out a chance, Breel Embolo sneaking through Italy's offside trap before drawing a save from Gianluigi Donnarumma. A sharp thrust then put them in front, Vargas' piercing ball from the left finding Bologna's Freuler, who controlled and fired low past Donnarumma.

Struggling to find the gaps in a well-drilled Swiss starting line-up boasting 723 caps between them, holders Italy (combined starting XI appearances: 400) would have been 2-0 down by the break had Donnarumma not pushed Fabian Rieder's free-kick onto the post and wide.

That second goal was soon to come though, another Bologna player – Michel Aebischer – picking out unattended Vargas on the edge of the box moments after the restart, with the 25-year-old finding the top corner with a stylish shot across goal.

The Swiss almost threw their opponents a lifeline when Fabian Schär's defensive header looped against Yann Sommer's post, but it was a rare lapse from a side that took risks but always had an out-ball, and rarely looked flustered until the closing stages when Luciano Spalletti's team threw caution to the wind. Gianluca Scamacca briefly set pulses racing when he clipped a shot against the woodwork on 74 minutes. Otherwise, Switzerland made it look easy.

Vivo Player of the Match: Ruben Vargas (Switzerland)

Quality goal, clever assist, good movement, energetic. Vargas was dangerous in the one-v-ones and made a big contribution defensively. UEFA Technical Observer panel

Anna-Sophia Vollmerhausen, Switzerland reporter

Switzerland's last appearance at this stage saw them record one of the most famous results in their history, knocking out France on penalties at EURO 2020. By eliminating the defending champions with a truly commanding performance, this result might now rank up there among the greatest Swiss victories ever.

Paolo Menicucci, Italy reporter

The reigning champions are out after a disappointing showing. The Azzurri were outclassed for most of the game and only went close to scoring with a late assault. Too little, too late to progress in the tournament against a Switzerland side which seemed stronger physically and technically for almost the entire game.

Murat Yakin, Switzerland coach : "We won a hugely important game and that's what matters. As to what happens tomorrow, that's a different kettle of fish. Yes, we won but it was the way we played that matters. We dominated every area of the pitch and we scored goals at the right time. I am not looking ahead. It's important to take time to savour these results we have been achieving."

Ruben Vargas, Switzerland forward : "Talk you through my goal? A little bit before the second half started, Granit [Xhaka] said to me: 'Please score a goal.' A few seconds later I found the ball at my feet and I did what Granit said and shot!"

Luciano Spalletti, Italy coach : "We tried a few things at these finals, but I come away with the notion that I have to change things. It's not as scandalous a result as people will make out. We made it through a tough group. But we didn't see a team with a personality in terms of fundamentals. And that's what we have learned from this experience at EURO 2024."

Breel Embolo, Switzerland forward : "We deserved to win against a difficult team to play. We were compact and we created chances. We played a really good game and we scored at the right moment. I am really proud for the team and the staff and for the whole country."

Fabian Rieder, Switzerland midfielder : "The feeling is great because we showed a really good performance. We showed from the first second that we really wanted to win this game. The spirit is incredible; everyone is happy, everyone runs for the other one, and I think we showed that on the pitch."

• Switzerland's seven goals at EURO 2024 have all been scored by different players; Freuler is now Switzerland's oldest EURO scorer aged 32 years and 75 days – breaking Mario Gavranović's record of 31 years and 216 days from EURO 2020.
• The Swiss had not won in 11 games against Italy prior to this match (D6 L5) since a 1-0 success in a May 1993 World Cup qualifier.
• This is the first time Italy have conceded more than once in a World Cup or EURO finals game since they lost 4-0 to Spain in the final of EURO 2012.
• Switzerland have reached the quarter-finals for a second successive EURO, having made it to the last eight for the first time at EURO 2020. They have lost just one of their last 18 internationals (W8 D9).
• Italy have missed out on the EURO quarter-finals for the first time since 2004; the reigning champions have been ousted in the round of 16 at the last three EUROs (Portugal at EURO 2020 and Spain at EURO 2016).
• Gianluca Mancini became the first Italian to make his EURO debut in a knockout match since the introduction of the group stage in 1980.

Switzerland : Sommer; Schär, Akanji, Rodríguez; Aebischer (Steffen 90+2), Freuler, Xhaka, Rieder (Stergiou 71); Vargas (Zuber 71), Embolo (Duah 77), Ndoye (Sierro 77)

Italy : Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Darmian (Cambiaso 75); Di Lorenzo, Cristante (Pellegrini 75), Fagioli (Frattesi 86), Barella (Retegui 64), El Shaarawy (Zaccagni 46); Scamacca, Chiesa

Switzerland advance to next Saturday's quarter-final in Düsseldorf, where they will face the winners of Sunday's round of 16 tie between England and Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen

The winners of the last-eight tie play the semi-final in Dortmund on 10 July, with the final in Berlin four days later.

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• Published: 24 June 2024

Author Correction: The economic commitment of climate change

• Maximilian Kotz   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-2564-5043 1 , 2 ,
• Anders Levermann   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0003-4432-4704 1 , 2 &
• Leonie Wenz   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-8500-1568 1 , 3  

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The Original Article was published on 17 April 2024

Correction to: Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07219-0 Published online 17 April 2024

In the version of the article initially published, values in every second row in Extended Data Table 2 and Supplementary Tables 2–4 were wrongly printed as a decimal, rather than a percentage point. These values have been updated online. Ref. 21 was missing an author and has also been updated. The authors apologise for any confusion caused. These corrections do not affect any of the results of the manuscript.

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Maximilian Kotz, Anders Levermann & Leonie Wenz

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Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change, Berlin, Germany

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Correspondence to Leonie Wenz .

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