Potsdam

25th July, 2023

Potsdam is a city on the outer edge of Berlin.

The major attraction here is Sanssouci Palace, which was built in 1747 as the summer residence of Frederick the Great, the former King of Prussia.

But it is a city with many old buildings and was not as heavily damaged during WW2 as Berlin.

There were way too many places to see in Potsdam to cover in just one day … so we be back another day to see more.

Like all old German cities Potsdam had walls and gates. Potsdam had five gates, only 3 are still standing.

Nauen Gate

Hunter’s Gate, which is the oldest of the 3 remaining gates.

Brandenburg Gate, not to be confused with the more famous Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. This one is actually 18 years older.

The Obelisk, is the only remaining part of the Neustadt Gate. It was originally made up of two obelisks, adorned with Egyptian looking hieroglyphs. It was severely damaged in WW2 and the remaining obelisk was restored and placed near to the original location in 1981.

Sanssouci Park

Sanssouci Park is the combined name for the group of palaces and gardens begun in the 18th century under Frederick the Great and extended in the 19th century under Frederick William IV.

WOW! We couldn’t actually see all of it in one day, the grounds are extensive and many parts are spread out. Also two sections were closed for renovations - the Roman Baths and Orangery Palace.

Our visit covered the New Chambers of Sanssouci and Sanssouci Palace.

New Chambers of Sanssouci

Initially built as an orangery in 1747, Frederick the Great had the New Chambers converted into a sumptuously furnished guest house.

The ceiling … unbelievable the details.

Sanssouci Palace and gardens

Walking up the tree lined avenue which opens up to the pond and fountain and formal symmetrical gardens which leads your eye up the terrace tiers to the palace at the top. Just maintaining these gardens to this level today requires a team of gardeners, we saw several at work. Imagine what the palace looked like in its early years hosting lavish parties here.

Frederick the Great was a keen orchardist and love growing many different kinds of fruits - oranges, pineapples, cherries, grapes. Many of the trees throughout the gardens are fruit trees.

24th July, 2023.

Wouldn’t you know it, we’ve travelled Norway, Sweden, Denmark and now in Germany and the first UK number plates we come across is a couple from New Zealand. They’ve been doing the same as us for some years, buy a van in the UK and travel. They had a Motorhome before Covid, now they’re using a car and caravan with a 350cc scooter.

Our lovely friends from Mackay recommended to do the canal tour and yes, it was brilliant. The trip is relatively cheap and goes for an hour. It travels up and down the canal crisscrossing along where the wall was between East and West. I really enjoyed it, the different architectural forms and the size of some of the buildings .,, brilliant!

Brandenburg Gate

Cute little group doing a tour using old cars.

Humboldt University square

Berlin Cathedral

Berlin cathedral is the biggest church in Berlin. The building was completed in 1905, but was destroyed in WW2.

The dome has a viewing platform that you can reach after scaling 267 stairs. Lots of signs warning not to attempt it if you don’t think you can make it. As it is single lane up and then down by another path.

The view from the top is excellent!