Park Sanssouci is a wonderful historic park in the city of Potsdam, which lies 30 minutes from Berlin. It is named after the summer palace built by Frederick the Great and was later extended by Frederick William IV. Sans soucis literally means "without worries," and a day in this park will surely allow you to unwind. Sanssouci and its buildings are often referred to as the Versailles of Germany. Besides the summer palace the park also hosts several other beautiful buildings like Schloss Charlottenhof, Neues Palais, Chinesische Haus and a collection of statues in the garden. The park and its palaces are a World Heritage Site protected by UNESCO. For more information on what the park has to offer, please visit the website.
The beautiful park of Babelsberg lies in the city of Potsdam in Germany. This lovely park was created by Peter Joseph Lenné, who was a landscape artist, and Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau. Lying on a slope which goes down to the lake, this gorgeous park is managed by the Berlin-Brandenburg Foundation for Prussian Palaces and Gardens. There are a few paths, including the Berlin Wall Way, which are open for cycling.
Commissioned by Friedrich Wilhelm IV, Orangery Palace was built between 1851 and 1864. Construction of this mighty edifice started after the initial blueprint submitted by Friedrich Wilhelm IV. Noted architects Ludwig Ferdinand Hesse and Friedrich August Stuler were brought on board to erect the palace as per Friedrich's designs. Orangery Palace features a High Renaissance architectural style. It consists of servants' apartments, royal halls, marble statues and two other halls to keep potted plants.
Built in 1763, New Palace was raised to mark the success of Prussia in the Seven Years' War. Accentuated by its fabulous Baroque and Rococo architecture, the palace was built as a reception for visiting dignitaries and noblemen. The extravagance of its exteriors are complemented perfectly by its grandiose interiors which feature walls encrusted with shells and precious stones.
Belvedere on the Pfingstberg was built by Frederick William IV around the year 1850. Frederick William IV built Belvedere on the Pfingstberg as per his own designs on account of the spellbinding views offered by the palace, located atop a hill. William was highly inspired during his Rome trip in the year 1829 and conceived a design for Belvedere on the Pfingstberg, highly influenced by what he saw in the Italian town. Based on the sketches submitted by the king, noted architects Ludwig Ferdinand Hessian and Friedrich August Stuler created a detailed architectural plan for Belvedere on the Pfingstberg. Today, this magnificent structure also hosts several concerts and other events.
The word Sanssouci means "without concerns", a sentiment that is embodied by the magnificent Sanssouci Palace. Sanssouci was the summer palace of the King of Prussia, Frederick the Great. The palace was constructed in 1747 and was fashioned according to the king's wishes. Behind the spectacular facade lie richly adorned Rococo halls and chambers. The palace is set atop terraced vineyards at the heart of the Sanssouci Park, akin to a jewel laid to rest on an expanse of verdant velvet. So deep was the king's love for his summer retreat, that upon his death he wished to be buried here, a wish that was finally fulfilled in 1991. The palace remains a popular tourist attraction, as well as a venue for cultural events. Visit King Frederick's most beloved home and witness for yourself the awe-inspiring beauty of this royal abode.
Urban Nation is a contemporary museum housed in a two storey building situated in the corner of Bülowstraße and Zietenstraße that is painted with large murals and paintings on the outside. With its ever-growing collection of contemporary and street art, Urban Nation has bought about a revolution in the local art scene and has built an establishment where the artists and art enthusiasts in the city can connect. Various exhibitions organized here feature artwork curated by the expert panel of international artists that choose only the best artwork from across the globe keeping the quality of exhibits always high.
Berlin has its fair share of weird but wonderful tourist attractions, Designpanoptikum is a less known example of this. The exhibits here are bizarre and outlandish in the best possible ways and immediately transport you to a world caught between dreams and Willy Wonka's workshop. The whimsical collection is privately owned by Vlad Korneev, an artist in his own right. He is usually around to assist you with explanations, view points and sometimes, to help you draw your own conclusions. Step in, give that imagination of yours a thorough workout.
Presenting fascinating exhibits which depict the progress and growth of steel production as well as the history of other technological and industrial developments, Industriemuseum Brandenburg makes for an interesting visit. Focused on the city, this museum is a treasure trove of information and is visited by scores of tourists and locals alike.
The Archäologisches Landesmuseum Brandenburg im Paulikloster focuses mainly on conservation and Archaeobiology. It holds various exhibitions, seminars, lectures, special tours, and educational opportunities throughout the year. The museum focuses specifically on the history of the Brandenburg area and Berlin, and has exhibits on prehistoric and Neolithic lifestyle and culture. The Archäologisches Landesmuseum Brandenburg im Paulikloster aims to draw the public closer to nature and show people the effects that civilization has had on the environment. Further, it endeavors to teach people what they can be doing to have a positive effect in their daily lives.
The garden Volkspark Friedrichshain lends its name to Friedrichshain and is situated at the northern end of this prominent Berlin neighborhood. Friedrichshain is bordered by other city districts like Lichtenberg, Kreuzberg, Mitte and Prenzlauer Berg, and the River Spree in the south. It was initially known for its low real estate prices and attracted numerous youngsters looking for inexpensive accommodation. Today, it has seen a rapid increase in housing rates and is known as one of the trendiest districts in the city. It is the hub of fashionable boutiques, design studios and media houses and its streets are dotted with bars, restaurants and cafés. This borough is especially known for its happening nightlife. Popular tourist attractions in the area include East Side Gallery, Frankfurter Tor and the Molecule Man sculpture.
Constructed between 1884 and 1894, the imposing Reichstag stands witness to Germany's past and present. It was established as a parliamentary house for the German Empire under Otto von Bismarck and has since seen more than a century of European history unfurl. After World War II, the Reichstag was neglected until the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, at which time, work began on returning the building to its original purpose. This new attention led to such additions as the iconic glass dome, which was added by British architect Sir Norman Foster. Today, visitors can climb up to the dome and enjoy panoramic views of brilliant Berlin from the terrace.