Last Updated on May 14, 2021
This past Easter vacation we found ourselves with a four-day weekend and nowhere to travel to. Travel within Germany is still not allowed – hotels and Airbnbs are closed for tourism – and leaving the country is complicated, between PCR tests and quarantine regulations. Therefore, we had to look closer to our hometown of Berlin for a day trip destination to escape the city and the monotony of our apartment, if only for a few hours. A friend suggested we check out Babelsberg Park, an hour train ride outside of Berlin and just outside the city of Potsdam. Read below on how you too can enjoy a day trip from Berlin to Babelsberg Park and Potsdam.
How to Get to Babelsberg Park from Berlin
Take the S7 Headed Towards Potsdam
Getting to Babelsberg Park from Berlin is quite straightforward. You need to catch the S7 Sbahn headed in the direction of Potsdam Hauptbanhof and get off at the Potsdam-Babelsberg station. From there it is about a 15 minute walk to the entrance of the park.
What to Expect in Babelsberg Park
Enjoy Monuments and Gardens Throughout the Park
Babelsberg Park is well-located on the banks of the Havel River with views across to the city of Potsdam. The park was built in 1833 on behalf of Prince Wilhelm and his wife Augusta. There are numerous monuments erected throughout the park with that have historical ties to the Prussian Empire. In addition, the neo-Gothic style Babelsberg Palace and its gardens are a real highlight.
See the Flatow Tower in Babelsberg Park
Babelsberg Park has many historical landmarks you can view while on your stroll through the lush green park. One such structure is the Flatow Tower, which was built in the 19th century. Due to corona, we were not able to enter the tower; however, it was a nice spot to stop and take some photos.
Walk the Babelsberg Palace Grounds
The Babelsberg Palace was built in 1883 for Prince Wilhelm of Prussia and his wife Princess Augusta. The palace was the couple’s summer residence for over fifty years. While we could not go inside the palace, we could walk the grounds and there even was a food stand selling kartoffelsalat (potato salad), bratwurst and various cakes and drinks, including beer and wine. We set up a little picnic in the grass nearby.
Head to Potsdam City Center Before Heading Back Home
Before heading back to Berlin, we made a quick stop in Potsdam city center. Since it was Good Friday and a holiday, not much was open. But it was nice to take a walk around the city and see the mini Brandenburg Gate. To get to Potsdam city center, just take the 91 tram from the Potsdam station, which is one stop on the Sbahn from the Potsdam-Babelsberg station.
And that’s how we recommend you to spend a day in Babelsberg Park and Potsdam. Do you have other favorite day trip ideas from Berlin, especially during the pandemic? Share them in the comments below!
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Beautiful blog! Thanks for sharing