The picturesque city of Potsdam has long been a retreat for the kings of Prussia, most evident in the lush park grounds of Sanssouci Palace. You'll travel independently from Berlin to Potsdam, where you'll meet your expert guide to spend several pleasant hours wandering the streets of the old city and touring the peaceful paths of the royal park.

Much smaller but far older than neighboring Berlin, Potsdam has over a millennium of history embedded in its streets. During our visit, we will focus on the period under the Prussians, when Potsdam was a hub of world affairs. In the 17th century, the garrison and residence of the Prussian electors and kings were located here, lending the town a military and courtly air. The tolerant attitude of the Prussians also attracted an influx of religious refugees, whose presence caused both a population boom and an economic revival that is still detectable in the striking architecture of Potsdam’s townscape.

Beginning with the medieval city, we will explore Potsdam’s significance as the German Windsor—the residence of the Prussian kings and German emperors. We will look at its Baroque features, talk about its importance as a city of immigration, and marvel at the explosion of opulent Rococo style at Sanssouci, Frederick the Great's summer palace, and the largest World Heritage Site in Germany.

For a similar historical look at Berlin's history, try our introductory Berlin walking tour.

Historically a wealthy town with many magnificent buildings and palaces, Potsdam's place in 20th-century history cannot be ignored. We will also discuss Potsdam's role as a politically significant location, where Hitler’s Reichstag held the first meeting in 1933 and where the end of Hitler’s Germany was sealed in 1945 with the Potsdam Conference (for more on that history, see our Berlin Nazi tour). At the end of our walk, the deep historic roots of the city will have been exposed, lending greater meaning to the stunning palaces located here.

Please note: due to on-site guiding restrictions, this tour does not include a visit inside Sanssouci Palace.

Where do we start? Where does it end? 
This tour starts and ends in Potsdam - you will travel there independently from Berlin and meet your guide in Potsdam. Your confirmation email will have a meeting point and instructions.

Is it possible to include Sanssouci Palace on this tour? 
Due to guiding restrictions at the palace, visits to Sanssouci Palace are only possible as audio-guided tours. Timed tickets to enter the palace can be booked in advance. We suggest booking timed entry for the end time of your walk and the guide will arrange to finish the tour at the palace.

Is this excursion suitable for those with mobility issues? Are the venues in Potsdam wheelchair accessible? 
Most of the main venues visited on this itinerary are fully wheelchair accessible. The terrain in the Dutch Quarter is not suitable for wheelchair but can be navigated by those walking with canes. Sanssouci Palace has rudimentary wheelchair access at the main entrance but should be approached with care. Please notify us in advance if you have any mobility concerns so that our guide can prepared an adjusted itinerary.

Can we tour Potsdam by bicycle instead? 
Yes, absolutely! This is a great way to visit Potsdam in the summer and allows you to see even more of the city and surrounding area. Let us know in the Trip Notes when you place your booking that you'd like to use bikes, or inquire at info@contexttravel.com if you have questions about the itinerary.