CASTLE-TOUR

Jürgen Drews sang "Ich bau dir ein Schloss" (I'll build you a castle) and hit the "poodle at the core," as the saying goes. Long before Mr. Drews' time as an island bard, however, people in Potsdam apparently thought along similar lines. 16 imposing castles can be found in the beautiful capital of Brandenburg. 16 castles? Yes, 16...

How about a fairytale castle hopping? We'll show you Potsdam's most worthwhile castles, which, just as a side note, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Potsdam thus has the highest number of castles per inhabitant in Germany. So let's lustwalk. Après vous, s'il vous plaît.

Welcome to Frederick II's favorite palace, where to this day the remains of "Old Fritz," as Frederick II was popularly known, can be found in the crypt on the top vineyard terrace. In fact, no other castle is so closely associated with a personality as the pleasure palace of Old Fritz. The latter was known as a composing flute player, battle-hardened general. Some called him tolerant, others said he was tactless. Either way, Old Fritz is and his pompous vision are still imposing today and definitely worth a visit.

Address: Sanssouci Palace, Maulbeerallee, 14469 Potsdam

You are impressed by the Sanssousi Palace? Then a visit to the neighboring New Palace will impress you even more. By far the largest palace, it has 200 rooms, four imposing ballrooms and a rococo theater. It was planned and completed in 1769 by Frederick the Great as the last palace in his reign. Emperor Wilhelm II (1888-1918) made it his summer residence. Who could blame him? Unlike the intimate and rather modest Sanssouci Palace, the New Palace served as a venue for official, prestigious occasions. Pomp as pomp can be!

Address: Neues Palais, Am Neuen Palais, 14469 Potsdam

It reminds a bit of the residence of the Queen-Regent Cercei of the Seven Kingdoms from "Game of Thrones". To all, to whom this comparison tells nothing, only one thing is put to the heart: Take a look at this imposing ensemble. It will stimulate your very own imagination. The Belvedere Pfingstberg has two observation towers, the so-called Pomonatempel and a magnificent garden. The view, dear ones, the view from "up there" is breathtakingly beautiful. Period. The romantic lookout castle was built by order of Frederick William IV starting in 1847. In the architecture of the building you can clearly see his enthusiasm for Italy. The Villa Medici in Rome and the Villa d'Este in Tivoli were the inspiration and model.

Should Cupid's arrows hit you up here (we wouldn't be surprised...), be advised that nothing officially stands in the way of a marriage at the Belvedere Pfingstberg. As a branch of the Potsdam registry office, the Belvedere is one of the most romantic places to get married.

In addition, the palace is used almost year-round for concerts and events. Private and business celebrations, events and receptions can also be held here. And an extra tip at the end:

You can reach the Belvedere Pfingstberg wonderfully via the Havel River. From Easter to autumn, you can take the Potsdam water cab to station 3 "Cecilienhof - Meierei - Belvedere". After a walk (about 800 m) you will reach the magnificent palace.

Address: Belvedere Pfingstberg, Neuer Garten, 14469 Potsdam

Do you know the Czech fairy tale "Three Hazelnuts for Cinderella"? It could have been filmed in Peacock Island Castle. It looks absurdly like a movie mockup. Everything about this pleasure palace is fairytale-like. No wonder, in 1794 the wonder building was also to serve as a love nest for Frederick William II of Prussia and his mistress Wilhelmine Encke, later Countess Lichtenau. His successor, Frederick William III, recognized the lustful and unceremoniously declared the palace a summer residence for himself and his wife, Queen Luise.

Address: Peacock Island Palace, Nikolskoer Weg, 14109 Berlin.