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Park · Potsdam, Brandemburgo
Park Sanssouci
Royal park of about 300 hectares, a World Heritage Site, with palaces, fountains, the Casa Chinesa, the Friedenskirche and paths that connect Sanssouci to the Neues Palais.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Park Sanssouci
The Park Sanssouci began to take shape in 1744 by order of Frederick the Great, and was expanded by subsequent kings until it became a complex of around 300 hectares. In the 19th century the landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné transformed much of the original French garden into an English-style park, with open lawns, groves and lakes. Since 1990 the park has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
The main axis is a straight avenue of more than 2 kilometers that runs from the large fountain at the foot of the Sanssouci terraces to the Neues Palais. Along the way there are statues, flowerbeds and constructions from different periods: the Bildergalerie and the Neue Kammern next to the palace; the Friedenskirche, a church in the style of an Italian basilica; and the Schloss Charlottenhof, a small neoclassical palace by Schinkel in the southern section.
One of the most photographed stops is the Chinesisches Haus, an 18th-century pavilion with gilded figures of musicians and oriental characters, reflecting the European fashion for China at the time. On top of a hill stands the Historische Mühle, the windmill beside Sanssouci, which today houses one of the visitor centres.
Some buildings in the park undergo restoration works from time to time, such as the Orangerieschloss, closed for an indefinite period. The park itself remains open every day from early morning until dusk, and admission to the park is free.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 2 to 4 hours to walk between Sanssouci, the Casa Chinesa and the Neues Palais; a full day if you plan to go inside more than one palace.
Best time
From May to September, when the fountains and flowerbeds are at their best and the days are long. In autumn, from October to mid-November, the trees change colour. Some fountains are usually switched off in winter.
How to get there
The most used entrance is by the Brandenburger Tor in Potsdam, at the end of Schopenhauerstraße, about a 15-minute walk from the centre. Buses run from Potsdam Hauptbahnhof to the stops by Sanssouci and the Neues Palais. On the western side, the regional station Potsdam Park Sanssouci is close to the Neues Palais.
Tip
Wear comfortable shoes: distances are large and many paths are gravel. Maps are available at the visitor centres by the windmill and the Neues Palais. Bicycles are usually allowed only on some signposted avenues.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Park Sanssouci
Is there an entrance fee for the park?
No. Entrance to Park Sanssouci is free. You only pay to enter the palaces, such as Sanssouci and the Neues Palais.
How long does it take to walk from Sanssouci to the Neues Palais?
Along the main avenue it's about 2 kilometres, roughly a 30-minute walk without stops. With stops at the Casa Chinesa and the fountains, allow more time.
Is the park open every day?
Yes, it's usually open daily from early morning until dusk. The palaces inside have their own closing days; check before you go.