Not many people know that Potsdam was once the de facto second capital of the German Empire. This was because this regal city held court for the Prussian kings, and later the German Emperor. A free walking tour in Potsdam is a great way to learn more about this illustrious city, without breaking the bank.

Today, Potsdam is a beautiful modern city, but this wasn’t always the case with the city suffering significant damage during the Second World War. Following the war, Potsdam was incorporated into East Germany, with the communist regime working tirelessly to strip the remaining buildings of German symbols.

Fortunately, many of these have been restored following the fall of the Berlin Wall, and visitors can explore a semblance of the city’s erstwhile grandeur.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging sightseeing tours in Potsdam.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Potsdam have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

Compared to other Potsdam walking tours, these tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between €10 and €15 per person, but some people tip as much as €50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Potsdam?

Free Potsdam walking tour with a historical focus

Potsdam remains a breathtakingly beautiful city, even after many of its impressive buildings were destroyed in WWII, whilst others were willfully defaced while the Berlin Wall still stood.

The city itself is over 1,000 years old and this historical free walking tour was created to explore its rich history. The tour starts at the Old Market Square, near the Obelisk dedicated to 4 of Prussia’s most celebrated architects. Here, you’ll listen while your guide tells you more about the construction efforts that took place after German Reunification. You’ll hear how Stasi agents worked to remove any sign of Prussia or the German Empire, completely changing the essence of the city.

Next, it’s a quick walk to the St. Nikolaikirche, a beautiful neoclassical church built by Joachim II of the Hohenzollern dynasty. During Hohenzollern’s reign, the city flourished thanks to the ruling family devoting more time, money and energy to the city — slowly laying the foundation that would later make Potsdam the royal center of the German Empire.

Following this, you’ll head to the Dutch Quarter, a charming red-brick neighborhood built by a Dutch architect under the command of King Frederick I. Learn how the Edict of Potsdam attracted people from across Europe, all searching for a haven that offered religious freedom.

Another one of Frederick I’s endeavors was the expansion of Potsdam into a military might, giving birth to Brandenburger Street — a community for foreign craftsmen that also served as housing for young soldiers. Today, Brandenburger Street is a chic shopping district, home to a number of high street brands and exclusive boutiques.

As you amble to your next destination, you’ll discuss some of Potsdam’s most famous residents, such as Einstein and Voltaire. Your final destination for the free walking tour is Sanssouci Palace, a stunning sight, built to be the German answer to Versailles. The name translates to “without worries” and it’s easy to imagine Frederick’s cares fading away as he walks through the verdant gardens surrounding his palace.

Potsdam free walking tour in nature with mindfulness exercises

The city planning that went into Potsdam was heavily influenced by the Age of Enlightenment, with the city resembling a “picturesque pastoral dream.” The best place to see this is on a free walking tour in Potsdam and the large gardens of Sanssouci Park.

Unlike other free walking tours, this one focuses on cultivating mindfulness while surrounded by nature. This might sound like a fairly modern idea, but it’s exactly what the city planners had in mind when they created the park.

It’s a wonderfully relaxing way to explore the 300 hectares that make up the palatial grounds. During this 1.5-hour free walking tour, your guide will escort you through the park while teaching you the finer points of Shinrin-yoku.

This Japanese practice literally translates to a “forest bath” and the name is rather accurate as the aim is to fully connect with nature. Your guide will be by your side, helping you control your breathing, de-stress and relax in the park. Along the way, you’ll also pass by the Neptune Grotto, the Chinese House, the New Palace, the Orangery Palace and of course the Sanssouci Palace.

In which languages is it operated?

Free walking tours in Potsdam are a bit limited when it comes to language options and are generally conducted in either English or Spanish. The guides are multilingual, meaning that German is also available, accommodating local travelers.

Where does it start?

Free walking tours in Potsdam usually start from a location in the historic city center, or somewhere close to Sanssouci Park. It’s reasonably easy to get around the city by using public transport — with Potsdam featuring a host of travel options like buses, trams, metro lines and even ferries.

Typically, your guide will wear something noticeable and wait for you at a predetermined time and spot.

How long does last?

Potsdam’s free walking tours usually last between 1.5 and 3.5 hours, depending on the activities or sights that they include. The duration of these trips makes them the ideal activity for a day out in Potsdam — as you’ll still have a large part of the day available to you.

Many travelers choose to combine a free walking tour in Potsdam with another outing, like a boat cruise or city tour. This way you’ll get the most from your day out while minimizing your expenses.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Potsdam?

The best time to join a free walking tour in Potsdam is from late spring to early autumn months, when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom. Mornings offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, providing a comfortable and intimate experience.

Should you book tickets online?

Booking free walking tours in Potsdam online ensures your spot, as they are popular and get booked up very quickly. These tours also have limited spots available to ensure the quality of the tour— with some maximum capacities being limited to as few as 10 people.

Reserving your spot on a tour is completely free and can be done with a few simple clicks through the online booking platform. Arrive in Potsdam with your tour already booked and make the most out of your time.

Free Walking Tours in Potsdam