Sanssouci Palace | Construction, architecture & history
The highlight of every Potsdam trip and the most visited attraction in Potsdam is the Sanssouci Palace in Sanssouci Park in Potsdam. We would like to introduce you to Friedrich II’s summer palace on the following pages.
Table of contents
Sanssouci Palace | Overview
We have put together information about the castle for you, including the history, construction and architecture of the castle, pictures, event tips as well as information on ticket purchase and opening times. Furthermore, a list of frequently asked questions, a so-called FAQ, was compiled. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
History of Sanssouci Palace
A violent argument is part of the history of the castle. You can find further facts and background information on the construction of the castle in our article on the history of the castle.
Construction and architecture
The one-storey, elongated castle was originally intended as a summer palace for Frederick II. However, he spent most of the year there. The model for the castle was a model of a French “Maison de plaisance”. The castle has also become famous for its south-facing garden facade. It is one of the most photographed motifs. The garden facade is crowned by a domed central building and is decorated with 36 sandstone heaters by Friedrich Christian Glume d. J. decorated. The courtyard connects to the north with a two-armed colonnade. Further information on construction and architecture can be found in the links below:
Photos
Pictures say more than a thousand words. That is why we have put together some pictures of the castle for you so that you can get a first impression of the beauty of the castle. That doesn’t replace a visit – I promise.
Events
Sanssouci Park and Sanssouci Palace host some very nice events throughout the year. The Potsdam Castle Night, which takes place on two evenings in August, is known beyond the national borders. But the concerts of the Potsdam Sanssouci Music Festival can only be recommended.
Tickets for Sanssouci Palace
There is currently no admission fee for Park Sanssouci. However, there is the possibility of paying a voluntary entry to the park and thus supporting the maintenance and care of the gardens.
You need an entrance ticket for the castles. There are different variants here, which we would like to introduce to you in the following article. Please inform yourself in advance of your visit directly from the provider.
Opening hours
The castle is open all year round. However, the opening times differ in the summer and winter months. In addition, special regulations regarding the public holidays must be observed. You can find information on opening hours in the following entry.
Getting there
We have put together some very useful information for your arrival. Among other things, how you can reach the park with the castle at the cheapest. It can be said in advance that Potsdam is easily accessible by almost all means of transport.
Tours and tickets with GetYourGuide and more
You can find tours, guided tours and tickets for Sanssouci Palace from our partner GetYourGuide. Or use one of the bestseller offers.
| Activity / description | buy tickets |
|---|---|
Combined ticket sanssouci + The combination ticket sanssouci+ allows for a one-time visit to all* open palaces of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg in Potsdam, including Sanssouci Palace, on a single day. (Starting from €17 per person, GetYourGuide, free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.) |  |
Potsdam: Sanssouci Palace Guided Tour from Berlin  Experience the gardens and majestic architecture of the Sanssouci Park on this tour from Berlin. Explore the highlights of Potsdam, the Sanssouci's palace, and the beautiful Peace Church. (From € 54 per person, GetYourGuide) | |
Berlin: Potsdam - Kings, Gardens & Palaces 6-Hour Tour Explore the city of Potsdam with a English-speaking guide on a half-day tour of its picturesque palaces, lakes and gardens. Steeped in history, from Frederick the Great to Churchill, Truman and Stalin, you will take a trip back in time. (From 28,90 € per Person, GetYourGuide) |  |
Potsdam: City and Castles Tour Enjoy a fun city tour of the highlights of Potsdam and visit the fascinating castles of Sanssouci, Cecilienhof and the New Palace. Stroll through the Baroque old town and walk in the footsteps of "Old Fritz". (From € 25 per person, GetYourGuide) | |
Potsdam: 1-day ticket for the hop-on / hop-off bus tour Discover Potsdam at your own pace with a 1-day ticket for the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Get live commentary as the bus travels past the main sights and attractions, and jump off at any of the 12 stops. (From € 20 per person, GetYourGuide) | |
Potsdam: Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour 24-hour Ticket Discover the former Prussian city of Potsdam with a comfortable and convenient bus tour. (From € 17 per person, GetYourGuide) | |
Potsdamer Schlössernacht in Sanssouci Park One of the special highlights is the Potsdam Palace Night in Sanssouci Park in Potsdam. The annual two-day event attracts thousands of visitors to Potsdam every year. Tickets are now available from Eventim. |  |
Potsdam: Private Sanssouci Palace Walking Tour Visit Potsdam on a private walking tour through the over 1,000-year-old city center and stroll through the manicured gardens of the historical Sanssouci Palace. (From € 195 per group up to 30, GetYourGuide). | |
From Berlin: Potsdam & Sanssouci City of German Kings Tour Explore one of the most beautiful and interesting places in Germany, Sanssouci, with its large palaces and gardens. Hear the fascinating story of how Germany and Prussia came into being. Appreciate the architecture as your guide takes you around Potsdam. (From € 290 per group up to 6, GetYourGuide) | |
Gardens & Palaces of Potsdam Bike Tour from Berlin Potsdam is Berlin’s most popular destination for day trips and a playground for a bicyclist, with many Prussian and Cold War sights tucked deep in verdant parks and along quiet alleyways. On this 6.5-hour tour from Berlin, explore Potsdam’s many sights. (From € 75 per person, GetYourGuide) | |
From Berlin: Potsdam Private Guided Tour in English Explore the former royal residence of the Prussian kings on a private 6-hour tour of Potsdam from Berlin. See the UNESCO World Heritage palaces and parks, and learn the city’s history from your guide. Go to the Marble Palace, Schloss Cecilienhof, and more. (From € 960 per group up to 6, GetYourGuide) | |
From Berlin: Potsdam city tour of the emperors The former capital of the Kingdom of Prussia, Potsdam's baroque parks and palaces, have received the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the city with a guide on this small-group tour by train from Berlin. Hear about emperors, kings, and World War II. Stroll through ornate streets and Sanssouci Park. and skip the long lines for Sanssouci Palace itself. Please note: Entrance fees and train tickets are at your own expense. (from € 50.00, Viator) |  |
Private half-day walking tour of Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace Explore the former seat of the Prussian kings on this private half-day tour of Potsdam, including the magnificent Sanssouci Palace. Follow your guide through Potsdam's old town, stopping to snap photos of the Brandenburg Gate. Stroll through the opulent City Palace and admire the red brick buildings of the Dutch Quarter. Then admire the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sanssouci Palace and explore the palace gardens, the Chinese tea house, and the tomb of the Prussian King Frederick the Great. (from € 190.00 per group (up to 10), Viator) | |
Berlin: Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and Potsdam Tour Discover two of the most iconic sights of the Berlin area on the only tour with transport included. Take a guided tour of the Sachsenhausen Memorial and enjoy a tour of the historic city of Potsdam. (From € 49 per person, GetYourGuide, Reserve now and pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today) | |
Potsdam & Berlin WelcomeCard: Explore Berlin with a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6-day Berlin WelcomeCard. Ride public transport in the ABC zones, including Berlin Brandenburg Airport, receive discounts of up to 50% with many partners, and benefit from the pocket travel guide. (From € 24 per person, GetYourGuide) | |
Potsdam: Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour Find out what made Potsdam’s Little Versaille so special to several former kings on this self-guided audio tour. Walk around the garden's landmarks and experience the magic of GPS playback. (From 5,43 € per person) | |
| Many more Tours and activities can be found at our partner GetYourGuide. |
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| Tip: With GetYourGuide you can cancel booked activities up to 24 hours before the start and receive a full refund. | |
You can find official information on the website of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Berlin-Brandenburg Foundation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of visiting Sanssouci Park and Sanssouci Palace?
Visiting Sanssouci Park is free of charge. However, you will need tickets for the palaces and attractions. We recommend the sanssouci+ combination ticket, which grants one-time access to all* open palaces of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg in Potsdam, including Sanssouci Palace, in one day. Reduced tickets are available from 17 euros. You can find more information about prices and tickets here.
What are the main attractions in Sanssouci Park?
Of course, Sanssouci Palace is the centerpiece and the main attraction of the park. However, the approximately 290-hectare Sanssouci Park offers many more highlights: in addition to the New Chambers and the Picture Gallery, you can explore the New Palace, the Orangery, the Chinese Tea House, the Roman Baths, the Peace Church, and much more. Be surprised by the majestic park landscape and plan enough time for your exploration. You can find more information about this here.
How do I best reach Sanssouci Palace, and are there parking options nearby?
Are there hotels near Sanssouci Park and Sanssouci Palace?
For your visit to Sanssouci Park and Sanssouci Palace, we recommend these hotels due to their excellent location and outstanding reviews. Discover the ideal accommodation for your exploration of Potsdam: MAXX Hotel Sanssouci Potsdam, Hotel Villa Monte Vino, Wyndham Garden Potsdam, and Hotel Brandenburger Tor Potsdam.