Sanssouci Park in Potsdam
Sanssouci Palace is located in Sanssouci Park in Potsdam. The approximately 290 hectare Sanssouci Park with its many castles of different styles is one of the most beautiful park landscapes in Germany. It is not surprising that this particular creation of architecture and gardening attracts thousands of visitors every year. Here you will find information about the park and its sights.
Table of contents
Sanssouci Park in Potsdam | Garden art over many centuries
The park itself was created by Frederick the Great in 1744 and expanded and redesigned several times. Countless garden artists were involved. These include Georg Wenzeslaus von Knobelsdorf, Heinrich Christian Eckstein and Peter Joseph Lenné. But these are just a few.
The core of the park are
- the regular Frederickian pleasure garden with the vineyard terraces (1744 to 1757) – west of the obelisk
- the sentimental-landscape deer garden (1745-1763) – then west to the New Palace.
Attractions in Sanssouci Park
In addition to Sanssouci Palace, there are many other attractions and sights in the park. These include the New Palace, the Orangery, the Chinese Tea House, Charlottenhof Palace, the Church of Peace and of course the park itself.
New Palace in Sanssouci Park
The New Palace, the Fanfaronade, was built to mark the end of the Prussian Seven Years’ War between 1763 and 1769. Builder for Frederick the Great included Büring, Manger and Gontard. The beautiful Rococo building stands in the west and forms the end of the park. It was Friedrich’s last creation.
Further information on the New Palace is available here.
Orangery Castle in Sanssouci Park
The orangery was built by Persius by order of Friedrich Wilhelm IV. From 1851 to 1860. The Italian Renaissance is reflected in the 300 m long building.
Further information on the Orangery Castle can be found here.
Chinese tea house
Frederick the Great had the small Chinese pavilion built near his summer palace Sanssouci. Life-size, gilded sandstone figures of Chinese musicians playing and dining are grouped around the Chinese tea house.
Charlottenhof Palace
Charlottenhof Palace, modeled on Italian country villas, is a classicist summer palace designed by Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm IV and his wife Elisabeth. It is closely related to landscaping. It was originally built by Johann Gottfried Büring from 1756 to 1758. Later, from 1826 to 1826, it was transformed into a castle by Karl Friedrich Schinkel and Ludwig Persius.
Church of Peace
The Church of Peace is located in the Marlygarten, right by the Green Grid. It was built on request and with the close participation of the artistically talented Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV. Based on plans by court architect Ludwig Persius. The Church of Peace is an expression of the deep religiousness of Friedrich Wilhelm IV.
Further information is available on our partner site Potsdam Sanssouci.
Guided tours and tickets
Discover the beautiful palace gardens of Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam with our partner GetYourGuide.
| 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. | |
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.