Private Tours of Potsdam with Matti
"I am so glad I booked this tour as Potsdam was way bigger than I initially thought. Matti was awesome and very knowledgeable about both old Prussian history, German Emperors as well as Cold War events. We learned a lot. Highly recommended!"
Looking for a local private tour guide in Potsdam? You're in the right place! Whether by foot or car, a compact 3-hour tour or a full 8-hour day – it's all up to you!
Potsdam offers a delightful contrast to Berlin with its numerous palaces, gardens, and charming old town. A local guide will help you maximize your time and experience the best of what Potsdam has to offer.
Drop me a message for a quote! Prices range from 50 to 100 Euros per hour, tailored to your group size and tour duration. As a local Potsdamer, I LOVE showing people around and sharing the city's rich history and beauty. Check out my ready-made tours or request a custom one!
Tour Option #1: The Potsdam Quickie
Discover the best of Potsdam in just 3 hours!
We’ll start right from Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, where I’ll pick you up and dive into the historic heart of the city. Have you ever wondered how a Prussian general helped Washington's army secure victory? Our first stops, Alter Markt and Neuer Markt, hold the answer. We'll explore the impressive Nikolaikirche, the reconstructed City Palace, and the charming Old Town.
From here, we'll hop on a tram to Alexandrowka, a surprising Russian log cabin village hidden in the heart of Germany. Why is there a quaint Russian settlement in Potsdam? Let’s find out! Then, we’ll head back to the Dutch Quarter. And here’s a fun fact: Potsdam was once filled with giant soldiers—literally! We’ll pass through the Nauener Tor as we uncover more of Potsdam’s quirky history.
Next, we’ll make our way to Potsdam’s very own Brandenburg Gate—how did it come to exist, and what does it have in common with Berlin’s famous landmark? Then we’ll visit the Church of Peace, where you can marvel at Venetian interiors from the 13th century and spot the most muscular statue of Jesus you’ve ever seen.
A leisurely stroll past the Picture Gallery leads us to the highlight of the tour—Sanssouci Palace, where we'll climb the grand steps to the final resting place of Frederick the Great. Don’t forget to bring a potato—it’s a tradition to leave one on his grave to honor him! Lastly, we'll pass the beautiful Orangery Palace—a palace built for plants—and finish at the magnificent Neues Palais, Potsdam’s largest palace.
From here, you can hop on a train back to Berlin, catch a bus to explore more of Potsdam, or continue your adventure on your own. Intrigued? Come and uncover Potsdam’s fascinating secrets with me!
Tour Option #2: See all of Potsdam in one day
Experience the best of Potsdam on a full-day adventure from Berlin!
We’ll cover all the highlights from tour #1. But for our full-day adventure, we’ll venture even further. Ever seen Bridge of Spies? This is the actual bridge from the Cold War! Standing on the Glienicke Bridge, you’ll get a stunning view of Babelsberg Palace, a castle that looks like Windsor for a reason.
We’ll stroll along the former Berlin Wall death strip, now a peaceful path by a Norwegian harbor, before heading into the lush Neuer Garten. Here we’ll stop at the stunning Marble Palace on Holy Lake—and if it’s a hot day, you might spot some sunbathers in the lake’s nudist area. (Maybe King Frederick Wilhelm II would have approved!)
Next, we’ll explore Cecilienhof Palace, where history was made during the 1945 Potsdam Conference. Can you imagine Truman, Churchill, and Stalin reshaping the world right here? Did Truman really order the atomic bomb from this very place? After soaking in all the history, we’ll take a break back in the Old Town for a delicious lunch at one of Potsdam's cozy cafes.
Curious? This tour promises an unforgettable 6 hour journey into the heart of Potsdam's past and present!
Tour Option #3: Potsdam - Off the Beaten Path
Hidden Gems in Just 3 Hours
Already visited Potsdam’s main attractions and craving more? Or maybe you have a few extra days to dive deeper into this stunning city? I've got just the tour for you!
We’ll explore Babelsberg, a lesser-known yet fascinating district, and the hidden gem of Klein-Glienicke. Ever heard of the Weberhäuser? Find out how Bohemians ended up here and why this area was once filled with mulberry trees.
Next, we'll visit the Little White House, where Truman stayed during the Potsdam Conference—and where he made the fateful decision to drop the atomic bombs. We’ll stop by Hiroshima-Nagasaki Square, and continue along the villas of Griebnitzsee, each steeped in stories of hope, tragedy, and intrigue. Imagine standing where Churchill and Stalin once stayed, or passing by the homes of Jewish businessmen, Magda Goebbels, Erich Kästner, and Marlene Dietrich. You’ll also discover the work of famous architects like Mies van der Rohe and the son of Sigmund Freud.
Marvel at the grandeur of Babelsberg Palace, and uncover the mystery of why an old medieval courthouse from Berlin ended up here!
We’ll then dive into the enclave of Klein-Glienicke, a bizarre and dramatic part of East Berlin—completely surrounded by the Berlin Wall. Hear escape stories, and explore the charming Swiss-style houses. And for the final leg of our journey, we’ll visit two of Potsdam’s least-visited palaces: Jagdschloss Glienicke and Schloss Glienicke.
This 3-hour tour will show you a whole new side of Potsdam—one you won’t find in the guidebooks!
FAQs
How do I get to Potsdam from Berlin?
I can arrange transport by car or train. The S7 runs every 10 minutes, and the faster RE1 every 20 minutes. I can pick you up in Berlin, or meet you at Potsdam’s central station—saving you up to 2 hours in guiding fees. The choice is yours!
Will we actually visit any palaces?
Typically, no, we won't visit palace interiors, but it’s up to you! Just note that each palace visit adds about 45 minutes to the tour and is done with an audio guide, as external guides aren't allowed inside. Let me know if you're interested, and I can arrange it—entry fees apply, and Sanssouci Palace requires early booking due to limited time slots.
Do we meet in Potsdam or Berlin?
It’s totally up to you! Getting to Potsdam by train is super easy, and I can send you detailed directions. Not your thing? I’ll happily come pick you up! Or prefer a car? I can book one for you. Just let me know what works best.
Do we finish back in Berlin or in Potsdam?
It’s up to you! Most people prefer finishing in Potsdam since the journey back to Berlin is easy by train or car, and it saves you on guiding fees. Plus, you can explore more of Potsdam or visit an additional palace afterward!
How expensive are Potsdam private tours?
Potsdam private tour costs vary, generally falling between 50 and 100 euros per hour. However, the final price is influenced by various factors like duration, group size, inclusions, and customization. Additionally, the use of private cars or buses for transportation or palace entries during the tour can increase the overall cost. For accurate pricing based on your preferences and transportation needs, it's best to directly inquire with me.