Sights

The city of Potsdam is nestled in a unique cultural landscape that has been shaped over centuries. This includes the world-famous palaces and gardens, which enjoy UNESCO World Heritage status. Potsdam’s cityscape is characterized by its historic quarters and city gates. Since 1990, numerous new attractions have emerged, such as the Volkspark (Peoples Park), the cultural and creative quarter in Schiffbauergasse, the Barberini Museum in direct proximity to the new Brandenburg state parliament, and the art gallery DAS MINSK.

The unique atmosphere of historic buildings, attractive new constructions, and especially the UNESCO World Heritage sites can be experienced on guided tours or sightseeing trips by bus, bike, or boat on the Havel River. Tourist services and information are provided by PMSG Potsdam Marketing und Service GmbH.

Potsdam’s most famous landmark, Sanssouci Palace, along with its namesake park featuring numerous palaces, the New Garden with the Marble Palace and Cecilienhof Palace, as well as Babelsberg Park with its castle, Flatow Tower, and Court Arbor, fall under the administration of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg.

Historical Trail

The Historical Trail consists of more than 40 information boards throughout the Potsdam city area. Visitors can learn on-site about the history of Potsdam’s buildings or the lives of notable figures who lived and worked here.

Gothic Library

Idyllically located on the southern shore of the Heiliger See, the Gothic Library - built in the late 18th century - long served as a library. Today, the Gothic Library is once again a true architectural highlight. From the tower’s arcaded gallery, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the Heiliger See and the Marble Palace

Great Military Orphanage - Großes Waisenhaus zu Potsdam

Located in the heart of Potsdam on Breite Straße, the former "Great Military Orphanage" is the city's largest preserved Baroque architectural ensemble. The building complex, situated between Breite, Dortu-, Sporn-, and Lindenstraße, was founded in 1724 by Frederick William I as an educational and training institution for soldiers' children and military orphans.

Gross Glienicke Manor Park

Gutspark mit Staffagebau und ehemaligem Gutskindergarten

The Gutspark Groß Glienicke (Gross Glienicke Manor Park) is a landscape park originally belonging to the Groß Glienicke manor, located at the northern end of Groß Glienicker See. The manor was owned by various noble families from the Brandenburg region.

Historic city center

A walk through Potsdam’s city center seems like a journey through time. Those arriving by boat or train start out directly at the birthplace of the city: the square Alter Markt.

Historic Mill of Sanssouci

Historic Mill near Sanssouci Palace(© Mühlenvereinigung Berlin-Brandenburg e.V.)

In addition to the mill technology on the upper floors, you can find an exhibition about the history of the historic mill and other facts about mills in the tower of the windmill. The gallery presents you a view of Sanssouci Park.

Karl Foerster's House and Garden

In Potsdam-Bornim, the famous perennial breeder and garden philosopher Karl Foerster (1874–1970) lived and worked. In 1912, he began creating a display and experimental area for perennials in his garden.

Langer Stall

The Lange Stall, an imposing structure 170 meters long, was built in 1734 under Frederick William I according to plans by Pierre des Gayette as a single-story riding and drill house with a steep gabled roof. Contrary to its name, the Lange Stall ("Long Horse Stables") was used by the Potsdam garrison. The structure's design created a large open space without columns, suitable for soldier drills.

Leistikowstraße Memorial and Meeting Place Potsdam

The central detention prison of the Soviet military counterintelligence service was located at Leistikowstraße 1 in Potsdam from the summer of 1945 until the 1980s. The history of the building and the fates of the prisoners associated with it are the focus of the permanent exhibition located there.

Marble Palace

The Marble Palace was built starting in 1787 for Frederick William II in accordance with the plans of Carl of Gontard. The interior finish with its early classicistic furnishings was completed long after the king’s death (1797) in 1845.

New Garden

Between the Heiliger See (Holy Lake) and the Jungfernsee lies the Neuer Garten (New Garden) in Potsdam, situated below the Pfingstberg. The Neuer Garten is also home to another significant historical site: Cecilienhof Palace. In 1945, the Potsdam Conference was held there.