A city trip to Potsdam outside the gates of Berlin will introduce you to architectural masterpieces surrounded by fantastic parks set in the romantic water landscapes of the Havel.
The capital of Brandenburg, right outside Berlin, is known in German history as the residence of the kings of Prussia and today Potsdam, with its majestic palaces and parks, is one of the top city trip destinations in northern Germany. The modern centres of the film industry and the lakes and other stretches of water, which number more than 20, also make the city on the Havel one of the most popular destinations for a trip to Brandenburg.
Potsdam's historical heritage is huge and since 1990 it has been a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Among the distinguished buildings is the famous Sanssouci Palace, the emblem of the city. The Prussian King Friedrich II personally designed the building himself. First a small summer palace was completed in 1747 in the Rococo style. One hundred years later the building was extended. The "Prussian Versailles" attracts visitors from all over the world with stylish rooms, marble columns, artistic ceiling frescoes and gilded reliefs. In the park are also the wonderful New Palace in the Baroque style, the enchanting Chinese Tea House and the Grotto of Neptune, richly ornamented with sculptures in white and pink marble.
From 1833 the famous landscape gardeners, Peter Joseph Lenné and Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau, transformed a hilly piece of land in Potsdam sloping down to the Havel into one of the most beautiful parks in Germany. Babelsberg Park is a real treasure with impressive buildings and landscaping. When you're on a mini-break in Potsdam don't miss a visit to Babelsberg Palace, built in 1833 by the Prussian architect, Karl Friedrich Schinkel. This wonderful building in the English Tudor style was constructed as a summer residence for the future Kaiser Wilhelm I. The palace is bordered with picturesque terraces, elaborate formal gardens, superb sculptures and ornamental fountains. Walk along the paths through the park to the Flatowturm tower. From this 46 metre observation tower you have fantastic panoramic views over Potsdam and the lakes of the Havelland region.
At the Old Market, the historic centre of Potsdam, you'll find the Church of St Nicholas, built in 1837. The distinctive Classical central structure is topped with a drum and dome which are 77 metres tall and visible from miles away. During your city trip go to one of the excellent concerts held in the church. One of the most popular destinations for a short trip to Potsdam is the Babelsberg Filmpark, a lively theme park in the south-eastern district of the same name. There are over 20 attractions and numerous shows to thrill visitors young and old. The highlights of the park include spectacular stunt shows, Panama – Janosch's Dreamland, the 4D action cinema and exciting glimpses behind the scenes of Babelsberg studios.
