Discover the quaint English gardens and Tudor-inspired architecture of Schloss Cecilienhof, a palace in Potsdam’s captivating New Garden. The picturesque palace was completed in 1917 as the residence of Crown Prince Wilhelm and his wife Cecilie. Today, the palace is a fascinating historic memorial dedicated to the 1945 Potsdam Conference, which decided the fate of postwar Germany.
As you approach Schloss Cecilienhof via its long driveway, note the building’s intriguing architecture. Reminiscent of an English country manor, Schloss Cecilienhof features Tudor-style gables and a steeply pitched roof. It was the last building to be constructed in the royal parkland and signaled the end of the Hohenzollern dynasty, which had ruled the German empire and the wider Prussian kingdom until the end of World War I.
Enter the palace to find its collection of historical displays dedicated to the Potsdam Conference. This meeting brought together the leaders of the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States after World War II. It was here that Churchill, Truman and Stalin discussed the shape of postwar Europe and made an agreement to split Germany into two. Learn about this fascinating moment in history as you explore the exhibits.
The palace was beautifully restored after it achieved UNESCO World Heritage status in 1990. Visit the meeting rooms used during the conference and check out the period interiors.
Save some time to explore the spacious gardens. In the heart of the courtyard, spot plantings that represent the Soviet star. Continue toward the Meierei, which is situated within a former dairy farm by the Jungfernsee. This inn and brewery is a great spot to relax with a traditional German-style meal and a refreshing beer. Enjoy the lakeside scenery, as well as pretty views across the King’s Forest, the nature reserve and Glienicke People’s Park.
Schloss Cecilienhof is located to the northeast of Potsdam’s New Garden. Reach the palace by bus from Potsdam’s main railway station. There is a small admission fee to enter the palace, however, entrance for children under the age of 7 is free. The complex is open daily, except for Mondays.
