Living in Potsdam

Potsdam ranks among Germany's federal state capitals with the youngest population and the most children. The city is home to more than 30 research institutions and, apart from the Film University, two other public universities: the University of Potsdam and the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam. Some 15 percent of the population are students. In addition to being close to Berlin, Potsdam has a lot to offer in terms of arts and culture, leisure time activities, sports, and nightlife.

On the doorstep of Germany's hip capital city

A vibrant and intriguing metropolis, Berlin is characterized by cultural diversity as well as affordable nightclubs and bars. For globetrotters and passionate travelers, Germany's capital city offers fast train and flight connections to must-see places in and outside Europe. Moreover, Berlin provides space for young artists and creatives and is considered Europe's new startup capital. From Potsdam, Berlin can even be reached on foot, e.g., with a stroll over Glienicke Bridge. Public transport provides convenient travel to Berlin's city center.

Arts & Culture

Potsdam is well-known for being a film city, but it also has a buzzing arts and culture scene. Kunst Potsdam provides a quick overview of the broad range of Potsdam-based art institutions and initiatives – from the city's independent art scene to Museum Barberini, a main attraction for international visitors. Potsdam's theater landscape is characterized by both Hans Otto Theater Potsdam (HOT), which is located in the Schiffbauergasse quarter, and the creative theater scene that can be found at T-Werk, fabrik Potsdam, and other independent cultural institutions.

Sports & Nature

Potsdam is an island completely surrounded by water, but that's not all: With more than 3,000 swimming lakes and bathing beaches, Brandenburg offers a number of opportunities for leisure time sports activities such as standup paddle boarding, sailing, windsurfing, rowing, fishing, or canoe and raft tours – even right on the doorstep of the Film University at the Griebnitzsee lake. During the frosty winter months, thermal baths and water parks provide alternatives. Numerous spacious parks allow for walks, jogs, or bicycling. Plus, there is a reason why Potsdam is an Olympic center: Apart from the university's sports programs, countless sports clubs cater to all types of interests and all levels of ambition.

A Strong Location for Research and Development

Several world-class research institutes contribute to Potsdam's reputation as a city of science. Potsdam is home to strong research institutions in the fields of media, IT, and communications, life sciences and health management, materials science and photonics, geosciences and climatology, astrophysics and gravitational physics, design (graphic, interface, and product design), nutritional science, and the humanities. Moreover, Germany's only privately financed university institute – the Hasso Plattner Institute for IT Systems Engineering – is located in Potsdam.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

As the former residence of the Prussian kings, Potsdam is well-known for its palaces and parks. The city's entire cultural landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its most famous attraction is Sanssouci, the former  summer palace of Frederick the Great. Moreover, historical quarters such as the Russian colony of Alexandrowka and the Dutch Quarter add to Potsdam's cosmopolitan character. Tourism is an important economic driver for the city.