Charlottenhof Palace in Sanssouci Park in Potsdam
Here we would like to introduce you to Charlottenhof Palace in Sanssouci Park. It is near the south entrance of the park.
| The Sanssouci+ ticket is valid for 11 castles, including the Charlottenhof Palace
|
Table of contents
Summer palace of Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm IV.
The castle, modeled on Italian country villas, is a classicistic summer palace of Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm IV and his wife Elisabeth. It is closely related to landscaping. It was originally built between 1756 and 1758 by Johann Gottfried Büring. Later, from 1826 to 1826, it was redesigned into a palace by Karl Friedrich Schinkel and Ludwig Persius. The associated garden was designed by Peter Joseph Lenné, among others.
The castle was named after Maria Charlotte von Gentzkow. She was the wife of a chamberlain and from 1790 to 1794 the owner of the estate.
Architecture of the palace
The original house, the castellan of Frederick II, was built by the construction manager of the Sanssouci Palace, Jan Bouman. The building was converted into a palace by the architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel. The castle has a sloping, slightly rusticated plinth with low, unadorned windows. The windows on the upper floor are much higher. The parapets and shutters painted with shades of blue indicate the Bavarian origin of Princess Elisabeth.
On the western side of the entrance, the central risalit is designed as a monumental portal. The main entrance, which is framed by a wide, antique-looking bottle, has been segmented into two entrances and two skylights by three right-angled columns. The model for this was the Thrasyllos monument in Athens.
Interior of Charlottenhof Palace
The interior of the palace are simple and bourgeois-classical. King Friedrich Wilhelm III. called for thrift, as the palace was only intended to be used for the temporary stay of Crown Prince Friedrich Wilhelm IV. Most of the furnishings in the ten rooms are still original.
Karl Friedrich Schinkel designed many parts of the interior. Among other things, the silver-plated furniture in the writing cabinet of the Crown Princess or the gilded splendid table in the dining room.
Tent room
The tent room is braced with white and blue awning fabric and is designed in the style of Roman general tents. Even if Alexander von Humboldt had lived in it, it was not set up for himself. It was intended for the ladies-in-waiting.
Address
Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 34A, 14471 Potsdam
Potsdam & Sanssouci Park Tours, guided tours and tickets
| The Sanssouci+ ticket is valid for 11 castles, including the Charlottenhof Palace
|
| About this activity | Book now / informations |
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| Tickets | |
combination ticket sanssouci+ The combination ticket sanssouci+ allows for a one-time visit to all* open palaces of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg in Potsdam, including Sanssouci Palace, on a single day. (GetYourGuide, free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.) |  |
Potsdam: Sanssouci Palace Guided Tour from Berlin  Experience the gardens and majestic architecture of the Sanssouci Park on this tour from Berlin. Explore the highlights of Potsdam, the Sanssouci's palace, and the beautiful Peace Church. (GetYourGuide)) |  |
| Guide Tours | |
Berlin: Potsdam - Kings, Gardens & Palaces 6-Hour Tour Explore the city of Potsdam with a English-speaking guide on a half-day tour of its picturesque palaces, lakes and gardens. Steeped in history, from Frederick the Great to Churchill, Truman and Stalin, you will take a trip back in time. (GetYourGuide) | |
Potsdam: Private Sanssouci Palace Walking Tour Visit Potsdam on a private walking tour through the over 1,000-year-old city center and stroll through the manicured gardens of the historical Sanssouci Palace. (GetYourGuide). | |
From Berlin: Potsdam & Sanssouci City of German Kings Tour Explore one of the most beautiful and interesting places in Germany, Sanssouci, with its large palaces and gardens. Hear the fascinating story of how Germany and Prussia came into being. Appreciate the architecture as your guide takes you around Potsdam. (GetYourGuide) | |
From Berlin: Potsdam Private Guided Tour in English Explore the former royal residence of the Prussian kings on a private 6-hour tour of Potsdam from Berlin. See the UNESCO World Heritage palaces and parks, and learn the city’s history from your guide. Go to the Marble Palace, Schloss Cecilienhof, and more. (GetYourGuide) | |
Gardens & Palaces of Potsdam Bike Tour from Berlin Potsdam is Berlin’s most popular destination for day trips and a playground for a bicyclist, with many Prussian and Cold War sights tucked deep in verdant parks and along quiet alleyways. On this 6.5-hour tour from Berlin, explore Potsdam’s many sights. (GetYourGuide) | |
From Berlin: Potsdam city tour of the emperors The former capital of the Kingdom of Prussia, Potsdam's baroque parks and palaces, have received the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the city with a guide on this small-group tour by train from Berlin. Hear about emperors, kings, and World War II. Stroll through ornate streets and Sanssouci Park. and skip the long lines for Sanssouci Palace itself. Please note: Entrance fees and train tickets are at your own expense. (from € 50.00, Viator) |  |
Private half-day walking tour of Potsdam and Sanssouci Palace Explore the former seat of the Prussian kings on this private half-day tour of Potsdam, including the magnificent Sanssouci Palace. Follow your guide through Potsdam's old town, stopping to snap photos of the Brandenburg Gate. Stroll through the opulent City Palace and admire the red brick buildings of the Dutch Quarter. Then admire the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sanssouci Palace and explore the palace gardens, the Chinese tea house, and the tomb of the Prussian King Frederick the Great. (from € 190.00 per group (up to 10), Viator) | |
Berlin: Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp and Potsdam Tour Discover two of the most iconic sights of the Berlin area on the only tour with transport included. Take a guided tour of the Sachsenhausen Memorial and enjoy a tour of the historic city of Potsdam. (GetYourGuide, Reserve now and pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today) | |
Potsdam: Sanssouci Park Self-Guided Gardens Audio Tour Find out what made Potsdam’s Little Versaille so special to several former kings on this self-guided audio tour. Walk around the garden's landmarks and experience the magic of GPS playback. (GetYourGuide) | |
| Sightseeing Tours & Boat Cruises | |
Potsdam: City and Castles Tour Enjoy a fun city tour of the highlights of Potsdam and visit the fascinating castles of Sanssouci, Cecilienhof and the New Palace. Stroll through the Baroque old town and walk in the footsteps of "Old Fritz". (GetYourGuide, Bestseller) | |
Potsdam: 1-day ticket for the hop-on / hop-off bus tour Discover Potsdam at your own pace with a 1-day ticket for the hop-on and hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Get live commentary as the bus travels past the main sights and attractions, and jump off at any of the 12 stops. (GetYourGuide) | |
Potsdam: Palace Tour by Boat See the most beautiful sights of Potsdam and discover the hill landscape from the water in only 90 minutes. Admire the countless palaces and wonderful parks from the Hohenzollern Dynasty and see a true piece of history. (GetYourGuide) | |
Potsdam by Boat: Island Cruise Discover all of Potsdam on this very special boat trip and explore the unique riverscape surrounded by impressive manor houses and magnificent buildings. Admire Caputh Castle, Babelsberg Castle and other beautiful sights. (GetYourGuide) | |
| Events | |
Potsdamer Schlössernacht in Sanssouci Park ++ Potsdamer Schlössernacht ++ One of the special highlights is the Potsdamer Schlössernacht in Sanssouci Park in Potsdam. The annual two-day event attracts thousands of visitors to Potsdam every year. Tickets are now available from Eventim. |  |
| City Cards | |
Potsdam & Berlin WelcomeCard:  Explore Berlin with a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6-day Berlin WelcomeCard. Ride public transport in the ABC zones, including Berlin Brandenburg Airport, receive discounts of up to 50% with many partners, and benefit from the pocket travel guide. (GetYourGuide) | |
| Tip: With GetYourGuide you can cancel booked activities up to 24 hours before the start and receive a full refund. | |
| Note: Avoid purchasing tickets on the black market. Our ticket partners are exclusively verified vendors. | |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of visiting Sanssouci Park and Sanssouci Palace?
Sanssouci Park is free of charge, though a voluntary contribution to park maintenance is appreciated. You can enjoy guided tours and activities by choosing one of our partners' top offers. The best option for visiting Sanssouci Palace is the "Sanssouci+ Ticket" (including Sanssouci Palace), which grants one-time access to all* open palaces of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg in Potsdam.
How many days should you plan for a visit to Potsdam?
Take your time to explore Potsdam. Plan a multi-day trip to experience the city at a relaxed pace. We have carefully selected the best hotels in Potsdam for your stay. Enjoy your visit!
Which sights should you not miss when visiting Potsdam?
Where can I park near Sanssouci Park?
For a safe arrival by car in Potsdam, we have compiled key information on the best parking lots and parking options around Sanssouci Palace and Sanssouci Park. Enjoy your time in Potsdam worry-free!
Further information about the palace can be found on the official website of the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg.