Cecilienhof 🇩🇪

You will find Cecilienhof Palace tucked away in the northern part of Potsdam's Neuer Garten park, resting near the shore of Jungfernsee lake. Built between 1914 and 1917, this unique estate was designed in the style of an English Tudor manor house, complete with half-timbered walls, decorative brickwork, and 55 unique chimney stacks. As the final palace built by the House of Hohenzollern, it carries deep historic weight.

You can explore its sprawling layout, whose clever design hides 176 rooms across multiple courtyards, including the central Ehrenhof and the charming Prinzengarten. The primary reason to visit is its pivotal place in modern history. In 1945, Cecilienhof hosted the famous Potsdam Conference, where leaders from the Soviet Union, United Kingdom, and United States gathered in the great hall around a custom ten-foot round table to shape post-World War II Europe and Asia.

Inside, you can see historic spaces like Crown Prince Wilhelm’s former library and smoking room, along with Duchess Cecilie’s ocean-liner-inspired breakfast cabin. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, the palace offers a fascinating glimpse into royal life and world-changing diplomacy, though you should note it closed for renovations starting November 1, 2024.

What to see at Cecilienhof

• English Tudor design featuring 55 different decorative chimney stacks and half-timbered walls.
• The Great Hall, site of the historic 1945 Potsdam Conference and its round table.
• Former royal quarters, including a breakfast room designed like an ocean liner cabin.
• Picturesque location within the UNESCO-listed Neuer Garten park beside Jungfernsee lake.

Visiting tips

Keep in mind that Cecilienhof Palace closed to the public for renovations on November 1, 2024, so be sure to check its latest status before planning your itinerary.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Cecilienhof is easy to reach on Potsdam’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Sanssouci Palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Potsdam travel guide.