UNESCO-
world heritage 
in Potsdam

castles and parks

Since December 12. 1990, the palaces and gardens of Potsdam and Berlin are UNESCO World Heritage Sites: . 

For centuries, the Hohenzollern dynasty shaped the magnificent royal residence of Potsdam, where the most important architects and landscape designers worked. The royal statement "Here I reign!" was evident everywhere.

Striking buildings, wide streets, and meticulously designed landscaped gardens demonstrated power and prestige. The eye wandered from one point to the next, cleverly guided by carefully planned sightlines. This is still just as palpable today. The unique ensemble owes its nickname "Prussian Arcadia" to its almost paradisiacal beauty.

Did you know?

Potsdam shines with 16 castles and magnificent buildingsThis means Potsdam has the highest number of castles per capita in Germany.

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UNESCO world heritage

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castles and parks 
at a glance

Where history 
provides shade

New Palace in Sanssouci Park

Majestic and surprisingly refreshing: at the New Palace, you'll experience Baroque splendor – and pleasant coolness even on hot days. A guided tour through the Marble Hall and state apartments will reveal how Frederick the Great made history here. Perfect for a summer getaway in Sanssouci Park.

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© PMSG SPSG Julia Nimke

Orangery Palace in Sanssouci Park

Like a piece of Italy in the heart of Potsdam: The Orangery Palace impresses with its Mediterranean architecture, expansive terraces, and magnificent views over Sanssouci Park. In summer, the grounds unfold their full splendor with palm trees and potted plants – a perfect place for sun, open spaces, and cultural enjoyment.

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PMSG SPSG André Stiebitz | CC-BY-ND

Sanssouci Palace

Light, elegant, and nestled right next to the gardens: Sanssouci Palace reveals its most beautiful side in summer. Among terraced vineyards and gently splashing fountains, you'll experience the idea of ​​"carefree" particularly intensely. Ideal for a visit followed by a stroll through the blooming park.

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© PMSG SPSG André Stiebitz

Marble Palace in the New Garden

Located directly on the shore of the Holy Lake, the early Neoclassical Marble Palace combines clean lines with a summery lightness. After a guided tour of the royal apartments, the New Garden, with its mature trees and sweeping views of the water, invites you to a relaxing stroll. Ideal for warm days by the water.

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Cecilienhof Palace in the New Garden

Built in the English country house style, Cecilienhof Palace resembles a manor house in the middle of the New Garden. Even without visiting the interior, it unfolds its special charm in summer: half-timbered construction, blooming gardens, and the view of the Jungfernsee lake make a walk around the historic complex particularly worthwhile.

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Babelsberg Palace

High above the Havel River, Babelsberg Palace stands majestically in the English Neo-Gothic style. The visit is particularly worthwhile in summer: the terraces offer sweeping views across the river and park, while shady paths through the landscaped gardens invite leisurely strolls. Here, architecture and nature combine to create a truly impressive whole.

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Sanssouci Park 
in numbers 

300

Hectares of land are covered by Sanssouci Park.

60

Gardeners take care of the maintenance and preservation of the World Heritage Park.

96

Castles and buildings are part of the overall work of art.

26000

Trees live in the castle garden.

36

Fountains are bubbling up in the park.

Frederick II. 
Summer retreat 

360° tour through Sanssouci Park

spring awakening 
in Sanssouci Park

Dein-Potsdam podcast

The moving of the orangery plants from Sanssouci Park has been a major event for over 200 years: Every year at the end of May, more than 1.000 potted plants have to be moved from the Orangery Palace's winter quarters to the park. Sven Hannemann, head park warden at the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg (SPSG), explains how this works.

Tipps
 in the UNESCO World Heritage Site

Always an open door

Accommodations in Potsdam