ÐÔÊÓ½ç

It is truly no secret that we love our city. But in order not to seem too one-sided in our taste, we will dare moving out of the city a bit today. Just a little bit. And because our “little sister“ Potsdam really deserves some attention, we will dedicate this and the next mailing in an exclusive newsletter special to federal state Brandenburg´s capital only. By the way - the best thing with a trip to Potsdam is this: in the evening we can quickly get back to .

Today we keep it comfortable and take a car enjoying the trip through our colourful city. App. 45 min. later we arrive at the gate that nowadays connects ÐÔÊÓ½ç and Potsdam: the bridge . In times of the German division this was also a place, which was parted by the Wall. That means the bridge was closed for civilians and only fourty years ago taking the picture on the right, captured from Potsdam´s side of the bridge, would have been life-threatening for our photographer. What a beautiful change time brought us here! Those who want to know a bit more about the exchange of spies and prisoners between Western and Eastern powers during the cold war in an entertaining way will probably like the hollywood movie ““ with Tom Hanks, based on true stories.

This dark chapter of history should not darken our mood, though. So let´s cheer up taking a relaxing walk in nearby . Classical landscape architecture, Italian-like buildings, beautiful flowers and a stunning view on the river Havel – the perfect place to be for us right now.

On our way to Potsdam´s city centre we enjoy our view of , former summer residence of Emperor Wilhelm I. and his wife Augusta. Recommendation for the weekend: on Saturday, from 4 pm on, the palace will be open for the public for a summerly . This date is marked in bright colours in our agendas! By the way the palace is part of the since 1990, just as the other parks and castles of ÐÔÊÓ½ç and Potsdam.

We completely arrive in Potsdam by passing by the beautifully restored colonnades of 1907.

How about a little boat tour now? Fancy a flamingo? Or do you prefer a ride on the SUP board? We take the street Schiffbauergasse on our left and set off at See. 

Or would you rather have a bit of Caribbean beach feeling now? You can feel sand between your toes at the opposite shore at .

The focus of Schiffbauergasse, though, lies on something else: culture.

as Potsdam´s city theatre is surely the flagship of the quarter, with a stunning architecture created by Gottfried Böhm. Director Bettina Jahnke provides a broad variety of plays, from classics to new contents as well as readings and musicals. One of our everyyear highlights is the open air theatre with direct view of the river Havel.

On our way to the city centre we get by the event space , which has been playing a major role in Potsdam´s cultural scene for 30 years now. Readings, club events, comedy and concerts at the main building, , for contemporary Fine Arts and the provide for nearly everything a culture lover´s heart can wish for. How about Jamaican food, drinks and music at ““ on September 29 for example?

is – unlike Hans-Otto-Theater – home to various independent theatre groups. The small auditorium creates direct, intimate theatre moments. In summer, at open air Schirrhofnächte in the courtyard, everything is a bit more spacious, but not less personal. A glass of wine with the actors and actresses after the show is almost a must-do here.

The special thing about the ship Sturmvogel is surely that this barge from 1924 is still fit to drive and acts as industrial memorial as well as cultural site. Readings, concerts and cabaret at its best combined with a cosy Brandenburg pub – is absolutely unique!

Wow, so much culture – we need a break! Whether you prefer a little nap on the comfortable loungers of Hans-Otto-Theater or a snack at Italian restaurant – here is something for everyone. And then we quickly head back home. We are missing our elephants (© photo: Fridolin Full).