Potsdam Profile ↓ Numbers, Facts & Attractions

"A city to fall in love with" - this is how Theodor Fontane once described Potsdam. The capital of Brandenburg is much more than just Berlin's small neighbor. With its magnificent palaces, impressive gardens, and a rich history, it offers a unique charm.

• Palaces & Gardens – First and foremost, the famous Sanssouci Palace with its impressive park landscapes.
• Babelsberg Film City – The cradle of German cinema with the famous Babelsberg Film Park.
• Dutch Quarter – A unique neighborhood with Dutch flair.
• Havel & Lake Landscape – Perfect for boat tours, walks, and nature experiences.
• Historic Old Town – Charming streets with cafés, boutiques, and stunning architecture.

• Population: approx. 185,000
• Area: 188.3 km²
• Elevation above sea level: 35 m
• Founded: First documented mention in 993, city rights since 1345
• River: The Havel runs through the city with several lakes
• Palaces & Gardens: Over 30 palaces and parks, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sanssouci
• Film City: Babelsberg is the oldest large film studio in the world
• University City: University of Potsdam with over 20,000 students
• Famous Personalities: Frederick the Great, Albert Einstein, Marlene Dietrich
• Twin Cities: including Versailles (France), Bonn (Germany), Lucerne (Switzerland)

5 Curious Facts About Potsdam

1. Potsdam was once "Hollywood of Europe"
   The Babelsberg Film Studios are not only Germany's oldest film studios but also one of the most important addresses for international productions. Films like "Inglourious Basterds" and "The Grand Budapest Hotel" were made here.

2. A quarter that looks like Holland
   The Dutch Quarter in Potsdam is a true curiosity: it consists of 134 brick houses built in the distinctly Dutch style – unique in Germany!

3. The City of Bridges
   Potsdam has more bridges than Venice! In total, there are over 130 bridges spanning the Havel, canals, and lakes.

4. The Mysterious Glienicke Bridge
   The bridge that connects Potsdam to Berlin became famous during the Cold War as the “Spy Exchange Bridge.” Several agent exchanges between East and West took place here.

5. Albert Einstein's Summer House
   The famous physicist Albert Einstein owned a summer house on Lake Caputh near Potsdam in the 1920s. It is said that he developed some of his most significant theories there.

Potsdam was first mentioned in 993 as a Slavic settlement. The name comes from "Poztupimi," which means "Under the Oaks." In the 12th century, the town gained increasing significance and was granted city rights in 1345.

Potsdam as the Residence City of the Prussian Kings

The major turning point came in 1660 when the Great Elector Friedrich Wilhelm made Potsdam his second residence city. His successor, Frederick the Great, had the famous Sanssouci Palace built in the 18th century, turning Potsdam into a center for art, culture, and science.

20th Century: Destruction, Division, and Reunification

During World War II, Potsdam was heavily bombed. In 1945, the famous Potsdam Conference took place here, where the victorious powers decided on the reorganization of Europe. During the time of the GDR, Potsdam was located in the Soviet occupation zone and was significantly neglected. Only after reunification did the comprehensive restoration of the city begin.

Potsdam is divided into various city and district areas, each with its own character.

District	Neighborhoods	Known for...
City Center	Northern & Southern City Center Dutch Quarter	Sights, Shopping Culture
Babelsberg	Babelsberg North & South	Film Studios Villas, Parks
Bornstedt	Bornim Bornstedt	Sanssouci Palace & Park Quiet residential areas
Potsdam-West	Brandenburger Suburb	Cafés Art scene Proximity to the Havel River
Golm	Golm, Eiche	University Science locations
Sacrow	Sacrow, Groß Glienicke	Natural paradise Sacrow Lake

Potsdam is located in Brandenburg, only about 25 km southwest of the center of Berlin. The city stretches along the Havel River and is surrounded by numerous lakes.

Climate and Weather in Potsdam

Season	Temperature	Features
Spring (March–May)	10–20 °C	Perfect for walks in Sanssouci Park
Summer (June–August)	20–30 °C	Ideal for boat tours and outdoor activities
Autumn (September–November)	10–15 °C	Colorful foliage in the parks
Winter (December–February)	-5 to 5 °C	Romantic atmosphere, especially at the Christmas market

🎉 Best travel time: May to September – when the parks and gardens are in full bloom!

Opulent castles, impressive bridges, and historic buildings - there is no shortage of highlights. The city is home to some of Germany's most significant structures, including the legendary Sanssouci Palace, the Glienicke Bridge, and the imposing New Palace. Each of these landmarks tells its own story, making a stroll through the streets and parks a journey through various epochs.

Main Attractions at a Glance

• Sanssouci Palace - Probably the most famous residence of Frederick the Great, featuring magnificent terraced gardens.
• New Palace - An impressive Baroque palace with over 200 rooms and opulent interiors.
• Glienicke Bridge - A historical espionage bridge from the Cold War, connecting Berlin and Brandenburg.
• Dutch Quarter - A unique neighborhood with red brick houses and a Dutch flair.
• Cecilienhof Palace - The site of the Potsdam Conference in 1945, now a museum with hotel operations.

Sanssouci Palace – The Prussian Versailles?

Upon entering the gardens, one feels transported to another world. Sanssouci Palace, built as a summer residence for Frederick the Great, is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque palaces in Europe. The name means "without worries" - precisely this feeling is what the Prussian king wanted to experience here.

A special highlight is the terraced gardens, which extend over several levels and are adorned with vines, artistic statues, and fountains. Visitors can not only tour the palace itself but also stroll through the vast park, where other historic buildings such as the Orangery, the Chinese Tea House, and the Neptune Grotto can be found.

🌟 Tip: Those who arrive early have the best chance of photographing the famous staircases without crowds of tourists.

The Perfect Route for an Unforgettable Day

With so many sights, planning can quickly become overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together a route that allows you to explore the main highlights at a leisurely pace:

1. Start at the New Palace - Explore the largest palace in the city and admire the impressive Baroque facade.
2. Stroll through the Sanssouci Park - Enjoy nature and discover the many small pavilions and sculptures.
3. Visit Sanssouci Palace - Let yourself be guided through the magnificent rooms and learn more about Frederick the Great.
4. Continue to the Dutch Quarter - Perfect for a lunch break in one of the cozy cafes.
5. End the day at the Glienicke Bridge - Feel the history of the Cold War and enjoy the view of the Havel River.

🌟 Extra Tip: If you still have time, a detour to Babelsberg is worthwhile, where you can visit the film studios.

Regional specialties, international influences, and historical recipes – the Brandenburg cuisine has more to offer than one might expect. Hearty dishes with fish, potatoes, and vegetables are particularly popular. But sweet treats also belong to the culinary identity of the city.

Three typical dishes you should try

1. "Teltower Rübchen" – A Prussian delicacy

This small, spicy type of turnip has been a regional specialty for centuries. Even Frederick the Great was a great fan of the Teltower Rübchen, which can be served either as a side dish or caramelized.

2. Havelzander – Fresh fish from the surrounding lakes

Thanks to the numerous bodies of water, fish is an important part of the local cuisine. The Havelzander is particularly popular and is often served with herbs and potatoes.

3. “Potsdamer Geheimratskäse” – An almost forgotten specialty

This semi-hard cheese with a slightly nutty flavor comes from the region and is especially popular as a snack with a glass of white wine.

🤩 Tip: Anyone looking for an authentic meal should visit one of the traditional taverns in the Dutch Quarter.

With numerous lakes, canals, and the Havel, the cityscape is strongly shaped by water. Many attractions are located directly on the shore, and the numerous boat and ferry connections make exploring especially enticing.

Important Rivers and Lakes in the Region

Waterbody	Length / Area	Special Feature
Havel	334 km	Main river of the city, ideal for boat tours
Tiefer See	32 ha	Picturesque lake directly at the New Garden
Jungfernsee	124 ha	Border to Berlin, scene of espionage exchanges
Templiner See	5 km²	Perfect for water sports and excursions

🚤 Tip: A boat tour on the Havel offers a unique view of the castles and villas along the shore

Population Development and Demographics

In recent decades, the city has grown significantly. It attracts particularly young families and students, as Potsdam offers a high quality of life and good job opportunities.

• Population: approx. 185,000
• Students: approx. 25,000
• Average Age: 42 years
• Population Growth: +10% over the last 20 years

Key Economic Sectors

The city is not only a seat of administration but also an important location for research, film, and media.

• Film Industry – Babelsberg is one of the largest film studios in Europe.
• Science & Research – Several universities and institutes, including the Max Planck Institute.
• Tourism – The many attractions draw millions of visitors each year.
• IT & Start-ups – Growing tech scene with many young companies.

📚 Tip: The University of Potsdam is one of the most modern universities in Germany and is particularly known for its natural science faculties.

Throughout the year, there are numerous events that delight both visitors and locals alike. Particularly notable are the cultural events that connect the past with the present: from royal castle festivals to film festivals, and modern music and art events. Traditional markets and city festivals also create a vibrant atmosphere.

The most important events in Potsdam

Whether you love historical festivals, open-air concerts, or film events – you shouldn't miss these events:

Event	Time period	Info & Highlights	Admission
Tulip Festival in the Dutch Quarter	April	Traditional spring festival with Dutch flair	Free
Babelsberg Film Festival Sehsüchte	April	One of the largest international student film festivals	From 5 €
Sanssouci Music Festival	June	Classical concerts in historic settings	From 20 €
Potsdam Palace Night	August	Illuminated gardens, concerts & culture in Sanssouci	From 35 €
Open Studios Day	September	Artists open their workshops to visitors	Free
Christmas Market Blue Light Glow	December	Enchanted market town in the old town	Free

A special highlight: The Potsdam Palace Night

The most spectacular event in the city transforms Sanssouci Park into a fairytale setting for one night. As soon as the sun sets, the baroque palace grounds and gardens are artistically illuminated. Musicians, dancers, and artists create an atmosphere reminiscent of the times of Frederick the Great.

🎉 Tip: Tickets often sell out early – so book in advance!

Whether as a couple, family, or solo traveler – there is something for everyone to discover here. To help you make the most of your stay, we have put together tailored tips for different travel categories.

Five must-see destinations

1. Sanssouci Palace & Park – The city's landmark with beautiful walking paths and impressive architecture.
2. Babelsberg Film Park – A must for film fans! Here, you can experience sets from famous productions up close.
3. Glienicke Bridge – Once the most famous place for espionage exchanges between East and West.
4. New Garden & Cecilienhof Palace – An idyllic park landscape with a rich history.
5. Peacock Island – A romantic natural paradise with free-roaming peacocks and a small castle.

Three special tips for couples

1. Sunset boat tour – A romantic ride over the Havel River with views of the castles.
2. Wine tasting in Werder (Havel) – Just 10 km away lies the famous wine-growing region with cozy wine taverns.
3. Walk through Babelsberg Park – Beautiful gardens and enchanting viewpoints create romantic moments.

Three experiences for singles

1. Bar tour through the Dutch Quarter – Perfect for meeting new people.
2. Art & Culture at the "Open Studios Day" – A great opportunity to engage with creatives.
3. Open-air cinema at the washing house – Alternative films and a relaxed atmosphere by the water.

Three activities for families

1. Babelsberg Film Park – Stunt shows, film sets, and interactive experiences for young and old.
2. Steamboat ride on the Havel – Ideal for a relaxed city exploration without long walks.
3. Potsdam Biosphere – Tropical plants, butterflies, and exotic animals enchant children and adults alike.

Three hotel recommendations for your stay

1. Hotel Am Jägertor (★★★★) – Charming boutique hotel in the center with a historic ambience.
2. Seminaris SeeHotel (★★★★) – Perfect for nature lovers, located directly on Templiner See.
3. NH Potsdam (★★★★) – Modern hotel in the best location between the old town and the Dutch Quarter.

🛏️ Tip: Especially in the summer months, hotels fill up quickly – an early reservation is worthwhile!

Public Transport – How do I get around best?

The local transport network is well developed, so you can comfortably get from A to B. The main means of transportation are:

• Tram – Perfect for trips within the city.
• Buses – Complement the tram network and also travel to the outskirts.
• Regional trains & S-Bahn – Fast connections to Berlin and the surrounding areas.

🚉 Tip: The Berlin ABC Day Ticket (€10.70) is valid for Potsdam and Berlin – ideal for day trips!

Weather – When is the best time to visit?

Thanks to the many parks and lakes, a visit is worthwhile at any time of the year.

Season	Average Temperature	Special Features
Spring	10–18 °C	Blooming parks, Tulip Festival
Summer	20–30 °C	Perfect for boat tours and outdoor festivals
Autumn	10–15 °C	Colorful leaves, calm atmosphere in the gardens
Winter	-2–5 °C	Christmas market and romantic winter ambiance

🚉 Best time to visit: May to September – when the castle gardens and parks are particularly beautiful!

Getting There – How to get to Potsdam

Thanks to its proximity to Berlin, getting there is simple.

• By train – Direct connections from Berlin, Hamburg, and Leipzig.
• By car – Easily reachable via the A10 (Berlin Ring).
• By plane – BER (Berlin Brandenburg Airport) is only 35 km away.

🚉 Tip: The journey from Berlin Central Station takes only 30 minutes by S-Bahn (S7)!

Here, Prussian elegance, creative culture, and relaxed nature come together. While the famous Sanssouci Palace offers a glimpse into the past, the vibrant cultural scene invites modern experiences. The numerous lakes and gardens make the city a perfect destination for those who want to enjoy both history and nature equally.