Sanssouci Palace

Sanssouci Palace featuring a castle, heritage elements and heritage architecture
Sanssouci Palace which includes château or palace and a fountain as well as a small group of people
Sanssouci Palace showing a square or plaza, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Sanssouci Palace showing a statue or sculpture, château or palace and a garden
Sanssouci Palace showing heritage elements, château or palace and heritage architecture


Explore the resplendent rooms and picturesque terraces of this Rococo-style palace, built as a summer house for Frederick the Great, King of Prussia.

Walk in the footsteps of a revered king and military leader at Sanssouci Palace. Admire the palace’s lavish architecture, opulent interiors and art collection. Stroll around vineyards and orderly gardens, scattered with further architectural treasures. Fredrick the Great commissioned Sanssouci Palace in the 1740s as a summer retreat and a place to escape his official duties. Today it is the dominating feature of Sanssouci Park.

The palace is an elegant one-level building adorned with a central cupola and framed on either side by pavilions. It is often considered as a German counterpart to France’s Palace of Versailles. Decorating the south façade are arched windows, interspersed with atlas and caryatid sculptures, and an artistic balustrade. Note the name of the palace written in gilded letters below the cupola. The north façade is almost entirely enclosed by an 88-column colonnade.

Venture inside to get a glimpse of the regal chambers. Spot work by French artists, including Antoine Watteau and Jean-Baptiste Pater. Look for a bust of French author Voltaire, which honours his visits to the palace.

Back outside, gaze down the terraced vineyards that slope down from the palace’s south façade. Prior to building the palace, Frederick the Great planned to cultivate fruits such as grapes and figs. On the uppermost terrace is the tomb of the king.

Situated in Sanssouci Park, Sanssouci Palace is a 15-minute bus ride or a 30-minute walk from Potsdam’s old town. Parking is available on the north side of the park. While here, be sure to visit the park’s other attractions. Browse paintings by Dutch, Flemish and Italian masters at the Bildergalerie and copies of Raphael masterpieces at the Orangery Palace.

Sanssouci Palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Entrance is limited and bound to schedule times. The admission fee includes either a guide tour or a self-guided audio tour. Some parts of the palace are accessible only during a guided tour. Arrive before midday in peak season to avoid long queues. Book in advance via the official website of Stiftung Preussische Schlösser und Gärten Berlin-Brandenburg.

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Things to do near Sanssouci Palace

When visiting Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam, make sure to engage in a city tour to explore the rich history and stunning architecture of the area. Additionally, don't miss the palace tours, which offer fascinating insights into the life of Frederick the Great and the exquisite gardens surrounding the palace. For a cultural experience, consider enjoying an opera performance nearby, adding a touch of elegance to your visit.

Shopping

While visiting Sanssouci Palace, enjoy shopping at nearby spots. Das Schloss, located 7.5km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere with various shops. If you're up for a drive, visit Kaufhaus des Westens, 8.7km away, or Forum Steglitz, 8.1km away, both featuring a mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

The New Garden, located a mere 1.2km from Sanssouci Palace, offers a peaceful retreat with picturesque landscapes and tranquil walking paths, ideal for relaxation. For a more energetic experience, the Olympiastadion and Waldbühne, both 6.8km away, provide vibrant atmospheres perfect for sports and entertainment.

Adventure

Embark on the Parforceheide hiking trail, located 3.7km from Sanssouci Palace, to enjoy stunning outdoor scenery. For a thrilling experience, try the Berlin Hi-Flyer scenic flight, 13.7km away, offering breathtaking aerial views. Alternatively, engage in an exciting adventure at Lasergame Berlin, situated 8.7km from the palace.

Nightlife

In Potsdam, the Hans-Otto-Theater offers a charming blend of culture and romance, just 1.2km from Sanssouci Palace. For family fun, Dino Dschunge, only 435m away, provides thrilling arcade adventures. Schaubuehne, located 8.1km away, promises more theatrical delights.

Find the best attractions near Sanssouci Palace

Visitors to Sanssouci Palace in Potsdam can indulge in a delightful mix of cultural and outdoor experiences. Key attractions include the stunning Sanssouci Park, the historic Schloss Sanssouci, and the picturesque Potsdam Sanssouci Castle. Whether you're seeking a leisurely stroll by the lake or immersing yourself in the rich history of the area, Sanssouci offers a charming blend of beauty and heritage for every traveller.

  • Templiner See: Located a mere 1.2km from Sanssouci Palace, Templiner See offers a picturesque lake experience. Enjoy stunning scenery, sandy beaches, and outdoor activities, perfect for a romantic day out or a relaxing picnic by the water.
  • Strandbad Wannsee: Situated 3.7km away, Strandbad Wannsee is a popular beach destination known for its vibrant atmosphere. Bask in the sun, swim in the refreshing waters, and immerse yourself in the lively beach vibes that this beautiful spot has to offer.
  • Japanese Bonsai Garden: Located 4.3km from Sanssouci Palace, this serene urban park features meticulously cultivated bonsai trees. Ideal for families, it provides a peaceful escape, blending nature with city life and offering a delightful outdoor experience.

Best time to go to Sanssouci Palace

The best time to visit Sanssouci Palace can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Sanssouci Palace falls in July and August. August has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather. The coolest average temperature around Sanssouci Palace falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January33.6°F (0.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February35.1°F (1.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
March41.2°F (5.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.8°F (9.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July68.5°F (20.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August68.5°F (20.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September61.0°F (16.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October51.6°F (10.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November43.0°F (6.1°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Sanssouci Palace

To save money during your visit to Sanssouci Palace, consider travelling in January, August, or November when hotel prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, or look for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Sundays tend to be the cheapest days to stay, while Wednesdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options and eco-certified hotels. Additionally, you can save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package. Remember to check for free cancellation policies to maintain flexibility.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Sanssouci Palace are January, August and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Sanssouci Palace is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Sanssouci Palace is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Sanssouci Palace is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Sanssouci Palace with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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