If you take the S-Bahn S7, get off at the central station (Potsdam Hbf) to start this route. If you want to skip the town and go straight to the palaces, you can catch bus 695 right from the station.
Why Visit Potsdam?
Just a few kilometers away from the urban grit and concrete of Berlin lies Potsdam, a place that feels like it was plucked straight out of a Prussian fairytale. Known as the 'German Versailles,' this was the residence of Prussian Kings and German Kaisers until 1918.
But Potsdam isn't just about Rococo and royalty; it was also a major stage for the Cold War, where the famous Bridge of Spies separated two worlds. In a single day, you can travel from 18th-century opulence to the tense exchanges between the KGB and the CIA.
🚆 How to get from Berlin to Potsdam
Getting there is incredibly easy, as Potsdam is fully integrated into Berlin's transport network (Zone C).
- The Fast Way (Regional Train RE1): Departs from central stations like Alexanderplatz, Hauptbahnhof, or Zoo. It takes just 25 minutes and is very comfortable.
- The Scenic Way (S-Bahn S7): The classic commuter train. It takes about 40-45 minutes, runs every 10 minutes, and offers nice views along the way.
- Ticket needed: You need an ABC Zone ticket (approx. €4.40). If you have the Berlin WelcomeCard (ABC) or a monthly pass, the trip is included.
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Pro Tip
Trip Overview
A circular route combining Prussian history, Dutch architecture, and UNESCO World Heritage gardens.
Potsdam Express
- Alter Markt & City Palace
- Dutch Quarter (Lunch)
- Brandenburg Gate
- Sanssouci Park
- New Palace (Neues Palais)
Potsdam Route Map
Points of Interest
- Potsdam Hbf Station
- Sanssouci Palace
- Dutch Quarter
- Bridge of Spies
Días
- Día 1
The main route is walkable, though buses connect the station to the New Palace efficiently.
Detailed Route: The Imperial City
🗺️ Suggested Itinerary
1
Arrival at Potsdam Hbf 🚆
2
Old Market Square 🏛️
3
Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel) 🏘️
4
Potsdam's Brandenburg Gate ⛩️
5
Sanssouci Gardens & Palace 👑
6
Grave of Frederick 'The Great' 🥔
7
Return to Berlin
As soon as you exit the station, cross the bridge over the Havel River to reach the historic heart. Our first recommendation is to get some historical context, as Potsdam is packed with symbolism.
We highly recommend this specific tour covering the essentials in about 3 hours: 👉 Potsdam Essential Free Tour.
1. The Old Market and the Dutch Quarter
The Alter Markt is one of Europe's most beautiful squares. Here you'll see St. Nicholas Church (with its green dome) and the reconstructed City Palace. From there, walk about 10 minutes north to find something totally unexpected: the Dutch Quarter.
🤓
Holland in Germany?
The 'Holländisches Viertel' consists of 134 red brick houses built in the 18th century. Frederick William I commissioned them to attract Dutch craftsmen to the city. Today, it's full of charming cafes and boutiques.
Nearby, you'll find Potsdam's Brandenburg Gate. Heads up! It was built in 1770, making it 20 years older than its famous big sister in Berlin. Its design is more reminiscent of a Roman triumphal arch.
2. Sanssouci Park & Palace
Pass through the gate and walk down the main avenue until you reach the jewel in the crown: Sanssouci Park. The name comes from the French 'sans souci' (without care), and that was the King's intention: a place to escape the court and relax.
The palace sits atop magnificent terraced vineyards. Wandering the gardens is a must (park access is free), but if you want to enter the Palace, you absolutely must book in advance.
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The Potato Grave 🥔
On the upper terrace of the palace, you'll see a simple slab marked 'Friedrich der Große'. You'll notice people leave potatoes on it instead of flowers. Why? Frederick the Great introduced the potato to Prussia to fight famine, forcing peasants to cultivate it. Today, Germans thank him with this quirky tribute.
3. Food & Return
For lunch, Potsdam offers great options. If you're looking for hearty, traditional German cuisine (pork knuckle, schnitzel), the restaurant Zur Linde is a classic that never disappoints.
If you have extra time and enjoy 20th-century history, catch a bus or tram to the Glienicke Bridge (Glienicker Brücke), famous as the exchange point for captured spies between the USSR and the USA during the Cold War (immortalized in the Spielberg movie).
Final Thoughts
Potsdam is the perfect counterpoint to Berlin. While the capital is gritty, modern, and alternative, Potsdam is colorful, historic, and regal. We hope you enjoy this little trip back in time.
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