Discover Potsdam - Youth/Senior discount by Original Berlin Walks c/o Welcome Berlin Tours

Tour Itinerary

Potsdam's fairy-tale landscapes look like a blessing from nature - but in fact they're the result of hundreds of years of human endeavour, in pursuit of paradise on earth. Landscape artists, architects and gardeners made a realm fit for their kings.

Visit the mock-16th century palace of Cecilienhof, see the lakeside Marble Palace with its Greek temple ruins, and the dreamlike castle of Babelsberg. What are an idyllic Russian village, beautiful towers and churches from the Italian Renaissance, and an 18th century replica of a Dutch town doing here?

But the cruel realities of 20th century history shattered this world in 1945; we'll tell you how the old city palace was destroyed just before the end of the war. We'll show you where an American president, a Soviet dictator and a British prime minister sealed the fate of Germany and Europe, ushering in the Cold War. We'll see where political opponents of the East German dictatorship were imprisoned; and cross the "spy swap" bridge where U2 pilot Gary Powers was traded in 1962.

The tour ends back in the 18th century: we finish in the beautiful park of "Sanssouci" - literally "Without a Care"!

12 YEARS AND YOUNGER: Children 12 years of age and younger can take this tour for FREE! There is no need to book a ticket for them when they come on the tour along with their parents.

Duration: c. 5-6 hours. We use public transport on this tour (S-Bahn or Regional Express); bring a valid rail pass or buy your own ticket in advance. You can also buy a public transport ticket from the guide (€ 5.60) at the meeting point.

Please arrive in good time because we have to catch a train!