The Labyrinth, Potsdam
The Labyrinth in Potsdam is a captivating feature of Sanssouci Park, located directly in front of the New Chambers. This beloved attraction is an integral part of the expansive 700-acre park, which is renowned for its rich history and stunning garden design. The maze itself is crafted from meticulously maintained shrubs that stand over six feet high, creating a simple yet thrilling adventure for visitors. As one navigates through the shrubbery walls, one will encounter a variety of trees, smaller shrubs, cobbled walkways, and statues, enhancing the maze's charm and intrigue.
For those who prefer not to enter the maze, the sloping landscape offers an alternative viewing point from the steps of the New Chambers, allowing them to appreciate the labyrinth's layout from a distance. The area encompassing the Labyrinth is sometimes referred to as "Carre Voltaire," a nod to Frederick the Great's close friend, the French philosopher Voltaire. This designation also extends to a wildlife refuge within the park.
Sanssouci Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, is celebrated for its distinctive terraced grounds and the majestic central fountain. Designed by Frederick the Great in 1743, the park initially featured terraces dedicated to viticulture and the king鈥檚 grave site. The park was later expanded by King Frederick William IV, blending Frederick鈥檚 intimate French pleasure garden with a picturesque 19th-century landscaped park adorned with Neoclassical and German Romantic architectural elements.
Visitors to Sanssouci Park can explore a diverse range of garden styles, reflecting the aesthetics and philosophies of past inhabitants. The park is home to exquisitely designed individual gardens, fountains, and over 1,000 sculptures, offering a glimpse into the artistic and architectural mastery of the most accomplished architects and sculptors of their times.
For those who prefer not to enter the maze, the sloping landscape offers an alternative viewing point from the steps of the New Chambers, allowing them to appreciate the labyrinth's layout from a distance. The area encompassing the Labyrinth is sometimes referred to as "Carre Voltaire," a nod to Frederick the Great's close friend, the French philosopher Voltaire. This designation also extends to a wildlife refuge within the park.
Sanssouci Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990, is celebrated for its distinctive terraced grounds and the majestic central fountain. Designed by Frederick the Great in 1743, the park initially featured terraces dedicated to viticulture and the king鈥檚 grave site. The park was later expanded by King Frederick William IV, blending Frederick鈥檚 intimate French pleasure garden with a picturesque 19th-century landscaped park adorned with Neoclassical and German Romantic architectural elements.
Visitors to Sanssouci Park can explore a diverse range of garden styles, reflecting the aesthetics and philosophies of past inhabitants. The park is home to exquisitely designed individual gardens, fountains, and over 1,000 sculptures, offering a glimpse into the artistic and architectural mastery of the most accomplished architects and sculptors of their times.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Potsdam. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
The Labyrinth on Map
Sight Name: The Labyrinth
Sight Location: Potsdam, Germany (See walking tours in Potsdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Potsdam, Germany (See walking tours in Potsdam)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Potsdam, Germany
Create Your Own Walk in Potsdam
Creating your own self-guided walk in Potsdam is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Potsdam Introduction Walking Tour
Potsdam was likely founded during the seventh century by the Hevelli tribe. The town was mentioned by the name of Poztupimi in a document from Emperor Otto III. The name likely came from an old Western Slavonic term roughly meaning "beneath the oaks."
By the early 1300s, a small town had formed with a town charter. By 1573 the town had around 2,000 people living there. Potsdam rose to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
By the early 1300s, a small town had formed with a town charter. By 1573 the town had around 2,000 people living there. Potsdam rose to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
Neuer Garten Walking Tour
Laid out at the behest of Friedrich William II in 1787, Potsdam's Neuer Garten (New Garden) was indeed "new" compared to the already in place Sanssouci Park.
Between 1816 and 1828, the area was modified further as an English-style, open landscape garden, with an aim to reproduce nature 鈥� trees and plants were left to grow naturally, unshaped and untrimmed. Rural life was also... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Between 1816 and 1828, the area was modified further as an English-style, open landscape garden, with an aim to reproduce nature 鈥� trees and plants were left to grow naturally, unshaped and untrimmed. Rural life was also... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Sanssouci Park Walking Tour
Sanssouci Park is a unique Potsdam landmark that occupies 290 hectares in the heart of the city. The Park is named after the Sanssouci Palace that it surrounds, which in turn takes its name from the French phrase "sans souci", which means carefree, and implies that the palace was designated as a place of fun, rather than a seat of power.
Indeed, the Sanssouci Palace was built in 1747... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Indeed, the Sanssouci Palace was built in 1747... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles