Potsdam's Gardens

The elegant gardens of Potsdam reflect the vision and ambition of King Frederick the Great, who wanted to establish a Versaille-like complex. The monarch hired architects and garden designers to build a series of palaces and auxiliary buildings, all connected by a vast park. Today, the city’s landscape of interconnected lakes, parks, and gardens is a popular attraction.

Take a guided walking or biking tour of the city to see its buildings and parks, or opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour and explore at your own pace. Visit Sanssouci Park, which contains Italian-style gardens with fountains, the New Palace, the Charlottenhof Palace, the Roman Baths, a magnificent botanical garden, and other sights. Then head to Neuer Garten, the Babelsberg Park and Palace, and other notable attractions.

• Potsdam’s gardens are a wonderful attraction for history buffs, gardeners, and families looking for a day of exploring.

• Some tours include sights in Berlin as well as in Potsdam.

• Many tours include guides and round trip transportation but not food or drink. Check specific tours for details.

• Be prepared to pay for admission to some sights.

• The gardens offer on-site parking.

Potsdam is located along the Havel River, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) southwest of Berlin’s city center. The drive from Berlin takes about 45 minutes. The city is also easy to reach via rail: from Berlin Central Station, take the S7 (which takes about 40 minutes) or the RE1 (for roughly 30 minutes).

Potsdam’s gardens are generally open all year round, but hours change seasonally. The palaces and parks host musical concerts and festivals frequently throughout the year, especially in the spring and summer. Christmas season is also a popular time to visit, as many palaces host festivals and holiday markets.

While Sanssouci Park is Potstdam’s most famous spot, the city’s other sights are also stunning. Visit the New Garden (Neuer Garten), a romantic English-style garden next to Cecilienhof Palace. On the grounds of Babelsberg Palace, you’ll find a 19th-century steam-engine building and a tiny castle (Kleines Schloss). Climb the castle tower for a 360-degree view of the park and nearby waterways, then enjoy a coffee at the elegant, wood-paneled café.