Potsdam, City of Kings: Private Walking Tour

Potsdam was a city of kings – a German Versaille where the Hohenzollern monarchy of Prussia constructed lavish palaces in which they could spend their summers. It was also the setting for the Potsdam Conference, where geopolitical giants Josef Stalin, Harry Truman and Winston Churchill met in the summer of 1945 to seal the post-war fate of Germany and Europe. This 6-hour walking tour takes you to the heart of Potsdam's UNESCO-listed palace gardens to experience the pomp and grandeur of Prussia and explore the origins of the Cold War. You professional, local guide will provide an in-depth commentary throughout and lead you through lavish gardens, past myriad architectural gems, over the 'Bridge of Spies', and much more. Please note that his tour does not include inside visits to Potsdam palaces. For palace interiors, we recommend our 8-hour private tour with dedicated time for visits.

1. 1

   Sanssouci Palace

   20 min

   Climb through the tiered vineyard up to Frederick the Great's iconic summer palace, and visit the grave of Prussia's most famous monarch to learn how he became a legend. Palace admission will need to be booked prior to your visit – we're happy to help you organize your booking.

2. 2

   Schloss Cecilienhof

   15 min

   Stand where Truman, Churchill and Stalin stood, when they met to shape the fate of post-war Germany and Europe at the Potsdam Conference.

3. 3

   Glienicke Bridge

   10 min

   Cross the 'Bridge of Spies', from West Berlin into East Germany, where the US and USSR swapped captured agents during the Cold War.

4. 4

   Chinesisches Haus (Chinese House)

   10 min

   See where Frederick the Great would entertain his summer guests when they picnicked in the grounds of the Sanssouci Gardens, and marvel at one of the first and finest examples of 18th century 'chinoiserie' in Germany.

5. 5

   Potsdam Friedenskirche

   10 min

   Explore the private church of the Prussian monarchy, and descend into the crypts to visit the graves of Frederick William IV and his wife Elizabeth, queen of Prussia and former princess of Bavaria.

6. 6

   Marmorpalais

   5 min

   Gaze out over the Heiligen See (the 'Holy Lake') and take in stunning views of Frederick William II's Marble Palace.

7. 7

   Brandenburger Tor

   10 min

   Walk beneath the towering arch of Potsdam's Brandenburg Gate – built to celebrate the Prussian triumphs in the three Silesian Wars, and predating Berlin's Brandenburg Gate by roughly 20 years.

8. 8

   Dutch Quarter

   5 min

   Wander through the close-set streets of picturesque, red-brick houses in the Dutch Quarter and learn how Dutch craftsmen were drawn to Potsdam in the early 18th century to contribute to the expansion of the then garrison town.

9. 9

   Nauen Gate

   5 min

   Pass beneath another of Potsdam former city gates, built to designs created by Frederick the Great and the first example of British Gothic Revivalist architecture appearing in Germany.

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.