One of the most satisfying destinations in Germany is Potsdam, located only about 40 minutes by train from the centre of Berlin. Though the vast majority of visitors to Potsdam come on a day trip from Berlin, the city is undoubtedly worth several days spent getting to know the interesting and beautiful sights.  Potsdam is a thoroughly enjoyable city with a level of cultural sophistication rarely matched in other parts of the country.

Potsdam’s star attraction is the famous Sanssouci Palace, the ornate residence completed for Frederic The Great in 1747. That is small in size as palaces go but enormous in decor.  The stunning Rococo interiors are matched by intricately landscaped gardens and vineyards surrounding the petit palace.  Within the immense palace grounds, stretching more than 2.5 kilometres, are several other structures worth visiting, notably the Picture Gallery, the Chinese Pavilion, and the New Palace.  Note that the New Palace ticket office is 300 metres away from the Palace itself; add an extra ten minutes before a planned arrival for this inconvenience.

Several other palaces around Potsdam, such as the Marble Palace, are also worthy of a visit.  Beyond palaces, the impressive Film Museum provides much insight into the long history of filmmaking in Germany, especially at the famous Babelsberg film studios on Potsdam’s outskirts.  The Film Museum is located in the former royal stables, which explains the horse heads above the entrance.

It is just around the corner from Am Alten Markt, the architecturally rich square that is the location of St Nicholas Church, the Potsdam Museum, and the excellent Barberini Museum.  Another attraction appealing to spy aficionados is the Glienicke Bridge.  The bridge was a border between the former East and West Germany and was used to exchange spies during the Cold War.  Aside from its history, the bridge is interesting for its construction and the nice view of Babelsberg Castle across the lake.

Potsdam is easily accessible from Berlin by public transport, and a Berlin Welcome Card, available at any Berlin Tourism office, can get you there.  Be sure to ask for the ABC version, including Potsdam (the AB version is only for Berlin).  In a variation of the usual, one could easily spend a few days in Potsdam and take a day trip or two to Berlin.  The Potsdam Tourism website has a lot of information on the palaces of Potsdam, along with other sights, attractions, and activities, including many outdoor sports pursuits such as kayaking, hiking, and boating.

Written by: Robert La Bua – Global Travel Connoisseur

Photos: John Douglas, johndouglasart.com

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