Beautiful Baroque Potsdam: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
ID: GYG438238-789781
Category:
Country: Germany
Duration:
01:15 hours
Description
Trace Potsdam’s architectural origins from a kingdom to a post-war city on this self-guided audio tour. Immerse yourself in the magic of GPS playback on this stroll through Potsdam.
Potsdam’s Old Town is one of the most beautiful baroque centers in all of Europe, yet the city is often overshadowed by its popular neighbour, Berlin. On this walking tour, I’ll share some of East Germany’s unique appeal with you. You’ll hear its history from as far back as the 1700s, through to World War II, all the way to today. I’ll show you the main sights, some lesser-known but equally rewarding spots, and a few of my favourite places in the city too.
You’ll start outside the Ringerkolonnade, the recognisable set of columns that stand tall beside Landtag Brandenburg, a replica of Potsdam’s former royal palace which, today, is the seat of the Brandenburg Parliament. From there, I’ll show you Alter Markt, the Old Market Square, once considered one of Europe’s most beautiful squares. You’ll hear why the faces of kings on the obelisk in the square’s centre were replaced with the faces of architects. I’ll also point out the Barberini Palace Museum and the Old City Hall – both restored since World War II – and St Nicolai Church which managed to survive the destruction.
From there, you’ll make your way to the section of Old Town that escaped World War II’s bombs, where you’ll find over 400 intact houses from the early 1700s. I’ll show you how to reach the Dutch Quarter, Potsdam’s very own little Amsterdam, where you’ll see the charming red-brick houses that were built under the second Prussian King, who wanted to attract the Dutch but, instead, attracted Huguenots.
On this Potsdam walking tour, you’ll also have a chance to:
• Stand in the shadows of three of the old city gates: Nauener Tor, Jagertor, and Potsdam’s very own Brandenburg Gate
• Learn about the city’s Jewish community as you pass the Alte Synagoge (Potsdam’s old Synagogue)
• See Mozart’s House, the place where he resided during his disappointing visit to the city
• Stroll along Platz der Einheit (the Square of Unity), Bassinplatz (Bassin Square), the Alter Kanal (Alter Canal) and the Potsdam’s Neuer Markt (New Market Square)
• Eat delicious pancakes, Dutch style
• Find out why the city’s orphans were luckier than others in the 1700s
• Pass by the guard house, Alte Wache
• Stop at a memorial for the victims of Nazi and East German persecution
• Discover remains of the old city wall of 1722
• Hear about Frederic II's favorite coachman
So get ready for a memorable tour through one of the best preserved baroque cities in Europe.
Highlights
- Stand in the shadows of three of the old city gates
- Hear from producer Jo Eckardt, owner and founder of A Friend in Berlin tourism
- Do it all in 75 minutes or linger at stops along the way
- Get unlimited use before your booking date and after it
- Use the virtual tour option at home
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The tour uses a mobile app. You will need to download the app and then use the voucher code provided to download the tour
It is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart at any time and complete at your own pace
You can download the tour at any time, before or after your booking date. It is best to download the tour before you set off for the starting point
When the download is complete, you will see a screen with a photo of the starting point and directions to it. The red start button will become active when you are at the starting point
The tour follows a set route and includes turn-by-turn directions. It works best if you start it in the right place and follow the directions from one location to the next Please note that you'll need to use your own mobile device and headphones for this tour. The tour is only available in English
The tour starts in front of Ringerkolonnade on Lustgarten, Potsdam.
If you are coming from Berlin, take the S-Bahn or the regular train to the Main Station in Potsdam. From there, it's a 5-10 minute walk: just turn right as you leave the station and take the bridge over the river. You will find the Ringer Collonade between the Landtag, the rebuilt Palace of Potsdam on your right, and the Marstall, a reddish building dating back to the 17th century. If you arrive by car, try to find a parking spot behind the Mercure Hotel near the river, or try your luck behind the Marstall. If you are coming from Potsdam, there are many trams and buses that go to the Landtag.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
Cancellation is not possible. If you cancel it anyway or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity and the money you paid will not be refunded.
