Babelsberg Castle (Schloss Babelsberg) and Park is a beautifully-designed building and park in a richly historical setting.
About The Babelsberg Castle And Its History
Schloss Babelsberg was built as a summer getaway palace for (future) Emperor William I and his wife Augusta of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach.
At the time, William I was merely Prince William of Hohenzollern who had to ask permission from his father, King Frederick William III of Prussia, for this great estate. When King Frederick’s approval was given, the architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel began to produce his masterwork, the Babelsberg Castle in 1833.
This castle was the first example of Neo-Gothic architecture on the European continent. Schinkel was mainly inspired by the English Tudor buildings. Babelsberg Castle received some later updating by Ludwig Persius and Johann Heinrich Strack following Schinkel’s death in 1841.
The palace’s big historical moment came in 1862 when Otto von Bismarck was appointed the Minister President from this very place.
Babelsberg Castle Highlights And Features
Castle Park
The lovely hillside garden of the Babelsberg palace complex is not to be missed. Originally designed by Peter Joseph Lenné (who also worked on the nearby Potsdam palace of Sanssouci), this exquisite park and garden is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, part of the Palaces and Parks of Potsdam and Berlin.
Glienicke Bridge
From the park grounds, you will have a terrific view of this historically important bridge.
Glienicke Bridge is not just a physical crossing between the cities of Potsdam and Berlin, it once connected the two sides of the Cold War. The bridge was an important meeting place for spies and agents of the East and West and also a typical location for the exchange of prisoners.
So when you’re checking out the view from the lovely Babelsberg Castle and Park, you’re also glimpsing a significant bit of Cold War history!
Babelsberg Castle Location And Opening Hours
The lovely Babelsberg Castle is situated in the city of Potsdam, which is just about 40 km (24 mi) to the southwest of Berlin.
If you’re driving to the Castle, use the Potsdam-Babelsberg off of the Autobahn A115 and follow the signs to the park and castle.
If you’re bringing your trusty navigation device with you, then input the street address of Park Babelsberg 10 and let your GPS help you find your way.
Potsdam is so close to Berlin that you can reach the castle easily with Berlin’s extensive public transport system. The S-Bahn will run from the city center into Potsdam on a consistent basis. Use the S7 to arrive at the Potsdam Hauptbahnhof. The long-distance rail will also run to Potsdam’s main station. Just hop aboard the RE1 and make your way.
Babelsberg Castle Opening Hours
Babelsberg Castle is open from April to October. It is closed every Monday. The visiting hours are Tuesdays through Sundays from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. The palace may be closed or have shortened hours around holiday times. Be sure to double check before your arrival to avoid any disappointment!