Brandenburg is the federal state that entirely surrounds the city-state of Berlin without containing it, stretching from the Baltic-facing Uckermark lake district in the north to the Lusatian mining lakes in the south. Its capital, Potsdam, is home to the UNESCO-listed Sanssouci Park and Palace, once the summer residence of Frederick the Great. Beyond Potsdam, Brandenburg is a patchwork of glacial lakes, pine forests, and slow rivers, including the UNESCO Spreewald Biosphere Reserve, where villages are still reached by flat-bottomed punting boats through a maze of canals.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Brandenburg.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
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Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
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- Most Potsdam palaces are operated by the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation (SPSG) and share a common online ticketing system, Regional trains (RE/RB) covered by the Deutschlandticket reach nearly all attractions in this list from Berlin or Potsdam within 30-150 minutes, Cash is still commonly preferred at small rural attractions, harbor kiosks, and market stalls outside Potsdam and Cottbus, Many sites reduce hours or close entirely from November through March - confirm current opening dates before a rural day trip
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Book timed-entry tickets for Sanssouci Palace and the Neues Palais online well ahead for weekend and summer visits
The Deutschlandticket (€58/month) covers regional trains and buses to nearly every attraction on this list, including Chorin, Rheinsberg, and the Spreewald
Spreewald boat tours get very busy on summer weekends - book a specific departure time or visit on a weekday
Many rural sites, including Chorin Monastery and Rheinsberg Palace, close on Mondays or have reduced winter hours - check before travelling out from Potsdam or Berlin
Combine nearby sites where possible: Sanssouci and the Neues Palais share one park; Cecilienhof and the New Garden pair naturally
Frequently asked questions
What is the single best attraction to visit in Brandenburg?
Sanssouci Palace and Park in Potsdam is the most iconic and complete single attraction, combining Frederick the Great's Rococo summer palace with a 290-hectare park of fountains and follies.
How many days are needed to see Brandenburg's top attractions?
A minimum of two to three days covers Potsdam's palace circuit, with additional days needed to reach the Spreewald, Rheinsberg, or Cottbus, which are each roughly an hour or more from Potsdam.
Are Brandenburg's attractions accessible without a car?
Yes, the VBB regional train and bus network, covered by the Deutschlandticket, reaches nearly every attraction listed here directly from Berlin or Potsdam.