Sanssouci Palace

Sanssouci is French for “without a care,” and this irreverent spirit can be clearly seen in King Frederik’s summer home and UNESCO World Heritage Site, where he came to relax and get away from the pressures of life at court in Berlin.

Visitors come to tour the lavish rooms filled with statues and ornaments, including the king’s bedroom, the impressive circular library, and the marble hall. The terraced vineyard leading up to the garden facade of the house—where Frederik himself is buried—is a particular highlight for many. People often come to the palace as part of a half-day or full-day tour from Berlin or choose to spend a few days in the town exploring its sights and surrounding countryside.

• Access to the palace is via paid ticket.

• Reduced price tickets for seniors and students, and family combined tickets are available.

• The palace and grounds are wheelchair accessible.

• There is a small cafe on-site.

Sanssouci Palace is located in Potsdam, some 20 miles (32 kilometers) southwest of Berlin. It’s possible to drive to the palace or to take the train to Potsdam Sanssouci Park from Berlin. Guided tours visit the palace frequently, with round-trip transport from Berlin provided. From Potsdam town, you can take a local train to the park or catch bus no. 605 to the palace.

Sanssouci Palace has seasonal hours. From April to October, it is open 10am–5:30pm Tuesday–Sunday. From November to March, it is open 10am–4:30pm. The palace is closed on Mondays year-round. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing. The palace is usually busiest midmorning through lunchtime.

Close to Berlin yet in rolling countryside, Potsdam was the destination of choice for the German aristocracy as a summer hideout. Along with the grand Sanssouci Palace, you can visit the baroque Barberini Palace, recently fully restored after being destroyed in WWII; the delightfully decorative Chinese House pavilion; and the Marmorpalais (built for Frederick the Great’s nephew Frederik Wilhelm).