Potsdam Sanssouci Park | Dutch Quarter
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Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel)
Holländisches Viertel

Upon entering the area south of the Kurfürstenstraße, visitors will feel like they have been transported to the Netherlands rather than being in the heart of Potsdam. The Dutch Quarter, also known as ‘Little Amsterdam’, includes four squares and a total of 134 two-storey houses. The unique district is home to the largest closed Dutch-style buildings outside the Netherlands. The facades of terraced houses consist entirely of red Dutch brick with white joints. Some of the eaves and gable houses also have white-green shutters. The houses originally included a small front garden, although the last building garden was removed in 1928.

Frederick William I, the ‘Soldier King’, originally commissioned the construction of the Dutch Quarter to attract skilled workers from the Netherlands. A large number of well-trained craftsmen were needed to help with the expansion of Potsdam, which at the time was largely a garrison town. The shortage of workers meant many craftsmen were recruited from outside Prussia, including the Netherlands. To attract potential immigrants, workers were offered a home and attractive work contracts. The result was the creation of the new Quarter, which was built by Dutch architect Jan Bouman between 1732 and 1742. The area also attracted military families, as well as French and German artists and artisans.

Although the Dutch Quarter suffered little damage during the Second World War, the area deteriorated during the GDR period. Restoration led by the Potsdam City Council began in the 1970s and involved homeowners, artists, conservationists, private investors and others. Among the restored buildings is the home of the Jan Bouman at Mittelstraße 8, which is open to the public. Largely consisting of the original building, it is considered one of the first urban settlement houses in Potsdam from the eighteenth century. The perfectly preserved ensemble of the main house, courtyard, additional half-timbered buildings and the home garden provides an insight into Dutch life during the eighteenth century.

Today, the picturesque district radiates a very special charm. Small backyard pubs, galleries, art craft shops and antique shops are located alongside cozy cafés and inviting restaurants. Taking a stroll through the Dutch Quarter and visiting its cozy boutiques and exclusive shops is a great way to experience the unique flair of the area. The Dutch Quarter is also home to several annual events that put ‘Little Amsterdam’ on display, including the spring Tulip Festival and an annual traditional pottery market in September. During the Advent season, you can visit the Dutch Christmas market - the Sinterklaas Fest. Be enchanted in what is perhaps the most beautiful area in Potsdam!

Dutch Quarter Map

Events in Potsdam

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Music Festival in Potsdam

The Music Festival in Potsdam will be held again in June. This year's theme "Music and gardens" ubiquitous. So even on the opening day in June. Interesting and unique you can take guided tours and visits to many different places. For those interested there is an Opera Workshop.

TICKETS

Details about the Music Festival in Potsdam can be found here.

The concert on the eve and Night of the Palaces in Potsdam

The Park of Sanssouci and Sanssouci Palace with its terraced vineyards and the New Palace are undisputedly the most important monuments in Potsdam, therefore provides the Night of the Palaces as an excellent temporal orientation, to learn more about the state capital of Brandenburg.

TICKETS

Details about the Night of the Palaces can be found here.

Official Contact

Official Park Sanssouci Contact

The Foundation for Prussian Palaces and Gardens.

Phone : +49 (0)331/9694-0

Fax : +49 (0)331/9694-107