| Potsdam

Potsdam is located about 30 kilometers (18 miles) from Berlin city center and is surrounded by numerous beautiful lakes. It is one of the few german cities that enjoys a population growth probably due to its newly found fame as a center for scientific institutions.

Initially a garrison city and residence of the Hohenzollern dynasty it largely maintained its original character.

Places of interest during a visit to Potsdam are the Dutch quarter, the Alexandrowka, the New Garden with the Marble Palace. Also worthwhile is the Palace Cecilienhof where the famous "Potsdam Conference" took place in the summer of 1945. The highlight is the group of palaces within park Sanssouci. Especially Sanssouci Palace constructed by order of Frederic II. - remains a Rococo jewel.