Roman Baths Visit Guide

The Roman Baths in Park Sanssouci are a picturesque, Romantic architectural ensemble, not an ancient ruin where people bathed. Built for Crown Prince Frederick William (later Frederick William IV) between 1829 and 1840, they reflect his love of classical Italian and ancient architecture. The complex includes several buildings, courtyards, and gardens designed to evoke the feeling of an Italian villa estate.

Note: The complex is currently closed for restoration work as part of the “Prussian Palaces and Gardens Master Plan,” with no reopening date announced. While you cannot go inside, you can still view the exterior from the park.

What to see

Italian-inspired architecture: Wander through the grounds to see the various buildings, including the Court Gardener’s House, the pavilion, and the Gardener’s Assistant’s House. They are designed in the style of an Italian country villa with elements from Roman architecture.
The idyllic setting: The baths are situated on the bank of an artificial lake within the park, providing a peaceful and serene environment for a stroll. The surrounding landscape was designed by the famous garden architect Peter Joseph Lenné.
Classical elements: Look for the various classical Roman and antique Italian details that were incorporated into the design. These include Dionysus herms, fragments of Pompeian columns, and a centaur sarcophagus.

Planning your visit

Access: Entry to the Sanssouci Park grounds is free, allowing you to walk to the Roman Baths to see the exterior.
Tickets: A standard ticket for the Roman Baths (when open) is not required if you have the Sanssouci+ day pass, which includes all open palaces in Potsdam.
Location: The complex is located northeast of Charlottenhof Palace and can be easily combined with a visit to that palace, which is currently open during the summer season.
How to get there:
- From Berlin: Take the S-Bahn (S7) or a regional train (e.g., RE1) to Potsdam Hauptbahnhof.
- From Potsdam train station: From Potsdam Hauptbahnhof, you can walk, take a tram, or take a train to the “Potsdam Park Sanssouci” station, which is a short distance from Charlottenhof and the Roman Baths.
Best time to go: When the baths are open, visiting in spring or summer is ideal to see the gardens and enjoy the pleasant weather.
Time needed: You will likely spend a short amount of time here, as the interior is small. The Roman Baths are best enjoyed as a stop during a longer walk through Sanssouci Park.