Discover the Secrets of Soviet Potsdam: Private Tour of Cold War Sites and the Potsdam Conference

Uncover the hidden Soviet history of Potsdam on this intriguing tour, taking you through the heart of Cold War espionage and diplomatic intrigue. Learn about the Potsdam Conference of 1945, the covert KGB activities in Soviet-occupied Potsdam, the mysterious “Forbidden City,” and the famous Bridge of Spies.

Our journey begins with the historic Cecilienhof Palace in Neuer Garten, where the Potsdam Conference took place during the summer of 1945. For this pivotal moment in history, the palace and its surrounding park were closed to the public, as world leaders including Joseph Stalin, US President Harry S. Truman, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill (later Clement Attlee) gathered to decide Europe’s post-war future. Here, WWII formally concluded, but the seeds of the Cold War were also sown, as tension between East and West began to take shape.

From here, we delve into the mysterious Soviet military town No. 7—known as the “Forbidden City”—which stood just outside the New Garden park for nearly five decades. This secluded town was one of the Soviet Union’s most important intelligence hubs in East Germany, housing the KGB’s German headquarters and a remand prison used for counterintelligence. This tour offers a rare glimpse into the activities of Soviet intelligence during the Cold War and the lives of those within this highly restricted area. Learn about the KGB’s military counterintelligence operations, the detainment of suspected spies, and the overall atmosphere of secrecy that shrouded life in the Forbidden City.

The tour concludes at the legendary Glienicke Bridge, world-renowned as the Bridge of Spies. Here, the border between East Germany (GDR) and West Berlin became a symbolic site for Cold War espionage, as captured spies from East and West were exchanged between the superpowers. The bridge stands as a lasting reminder of Cold War tensions and covert diplomacy, immortalized in film and literature.

On this immersive Soviet Potsdam tour, you’ll gain unparalleled insights into Potsdam’s role in WWII’s closing chapter and the subsequent Cold War era. Explore Potsdam’s most famous and lesser-known Soviet sites, where diplomacy, intelligence, and espionage converged to shape the world order.

Individual arrangements are possible at any time.

Please note: The permanent exhibition at Cecilienhof Palace, which includes the conference room, is currently closed due to construction until at least 2027.

Meeting point:

In front of the Cecilienhof Palace, to the left of the main entrance to the commemorative courtyard. Calculated address:
Im Neuen Garten 10, 14469 Potsdam, Germany 

End point:

Glienicke bridge 

Duration:

Approx. 2.5 hours, easy three kilometer walk.

The tour takes place in all weathers, so dress appropriately.

Price:

1-4 persons = 170,00 €

5-7 persons = 200,00 €

8-10 persons = 220,00 €

11-15 persons = 250,00 €

16-20 persons = 280,00 €

21-25 persons = 320,00 €

26-30 persons = 350,00 €

Unclear number of persons? No problem. If you end up being more people, you can pay the difference on the spot.

Language:

English (Simple English)

What you can expect:

• + A private group tour

• + A experienced and friendly local guide

• + An exciting tour from the specialist for tours about the Soviet history of Berlin and Brandenburg

• + Coverage of the the UNESCO world heritage site New Garden
  

• + A booking confirmation by email with further information