Potsdam

With 500 ha of parks and 150 buildings constructed between 1730 and 1916, Potsdam's complex of palaces and parks forms an artistic whole, whose eclectic nature reinforces its sense of uniqueness. It was recognized for the historic unity of its landscape—a unique example of landscape design against the background of monarchic ideas of the Prussian state and common efforts of emancipation.

Unesco: Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
RR: Unesco RR
Date: Sept 2

Sanssouci Palace

Sanssouci is a historical building in Potsdam, near Berlin. Built by Prussian King Frederick the Great as his summer palace, it is often counted among the German rivals of Versailles. While Sanssouci is in the more intimate Rococo style and is far smaller than its French Baroque counterpart, it, too, is notable for the numerous temples and follies in the surrounding park. Containing just ten principal rooms, the palace was built on the brow of a terraced hill at the centre of the park.

Unesco: Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
RR: Australia & New Zealand x World RR
Date: July 15

Belvedere on the Pfingstberg

The Belvedere and the Pomona Temple on the Pfingstberg belong to the designated UNESCO world heritage site known as the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin. The Belvedere is a large building north from the New Garden, Potsdam. It was built in 1863 as a viewing platform, on the summit of Pfingstberg hill. It is built it in the style of an Italian Renaissance villa. Its arcades, colonnades, galleries, courtyard pool and two viewing towers create a romantic atmosphere.

Unesco: Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
RR: Unesco RR
Date: Jan 27

Schloss Cecilienhof

Schloss Cecilienhof in Potsdam's Neuer Garten was the last palace built by the Hohenzollerns. For its architecture alone, Cecilienhof is not a typical palace. Instead of white towers and flowery ornaments, it has bricks and half-timbered walls. From the outside, it looks rustic yet somehow mysterious .Cecilienhof has been part of the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.

Unesco: Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin
Distance: 341 km
Travel time: 3 days