2026 Germany Trip ⑨ - Frederick the Great and Sanssouci Palace

The previous post is here.

Of my 8-day, 6-night itinerary, I spent 3 nights in Dresden and 3 nights in Berlin. After touring Dresden and Leipzig in the first half, I traveled to Berlin by German rail. In the second half, I visited the city of Berlin and Sanssouci Park (Potsdam) in the suburbs of Berlin.

Potsdam, a city of palaces

Potsdam is a city with a population of about 180,000, located adjacent to the southwest of Berlin. It takes about 40 minutes to reach Potsdam Central Station from Berlin Central Station by train.

Potsdam is a scenic area surrounded by lakes and rivers, and because it was close to Berlin, the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia, many summer palaces were built there. While the Sanssouci Palace built by Frederick II (the Great) is famous, many palaces have been built in the vast Sanssouci Park (which covers nearly 300 hectares). In 1990, it was registered as a World Heritage site under the name 'Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin'.

It is also known for the meeting of Allied leaders at the end of World War II, where the Potsdam Declaration was issued.

Sanssouci Palace, where the Great King spent his days

If you visit Potsdam, you cannot miss Sanssouci Palace. The name 'Sanssouci' means 'without care' in French. Reflecting the tastes of Frederick II, the 'Great King' who turned Prussia into a powerful nation, it is small compared to other royal palaces in Europe.

In contrast to the simplicity of the exterior, the interior is glittering. It is a representative example of Rococo architecture, which was popular in the 18th century. Although it was originally built as a summer palace, the King came to spend most of his time at Sanssouci Palace.

The flute the King loved to play

Frederick II, who loved music, had flute skills comparable to a professional and is said to have composed over 120 flute sonatas. Famous musicians such as Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach, the son of Johann Sebastian Bach, were invited to perform concerts in the music room of Sanssouci Palace. The flute and music stand the King loved, as well as a piano (1746) made by the famous instrument maker Silbermann, are on display.

The other rooms are also decorated with different concepts.

The chair where the King passed away

A famous portrait of the King was displayed in the King's bedroom and study.

The portrait on the right is the King's father, Frederick William I (the Soldier King). He was the king who laid the foundation for the rise of Prussia, but he did not get along with his successor, Frederick, who had a literary temperament.

The Soldier King subjected Crown Prince Frederick to an education so harsh it bordered on abuse. The young Frederick attempted to flee but failed. His close friend and aide, Hans Hermann von Katte, was held responsible and executed.

On the left wall is a painting depicting the deathbed of Frederick the Great. Due to years of grueling work, the King was plagued by illness in his later years and found it difficult even to lie in bed. He spent most of his days in a custom-made armchair.

On August 17, 1786, Frederick II passed away. The armchair he sat in is still on display at Sanssouci Palace today.

Although Frederick II left a will requesting to be buried at Sanssouci Palace, his wishes were not fulfilled at the time. However, in 1991, after German reunification, the King's tomb was moved to the side of Sanssouci Palace.

Because of his achievement in promoting potato cultivation as a measure against famine, people never cease to leave potatoes at the King's grave.

(Continued here)