Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel)

On Gingerguide's self-guided Potsdam audio tour, Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel) is a stop worth about ~30 min. Stand in front of it, press play for a short narrated story, and put any follow-up question to the built-in AI guide.

Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel), Potsdam
Photo: Wikimedia Commons

About Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel)

A district of 134 red-brick gabled houses built in the Dutch style from the 1730s. The recruitment of Dutch craftsmen had little success, and few actually settled.

The Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel) is a district of Potsdam built of red Dutch brick, with the stepped and curved gables of the Dutch style. It was constructed under Frederick William I of Prussia, the Soldier King, with sources giving dates between 1733 and 1740, and some extending the work to 1742. Designed by Jan Bouman, it comprises 134 brick houses arranged in four blocks around two western and two eastern squares. After the king's death in 1740, his son Frederick the Great completed it.

Frederick William I invited Dutch craftsmen to settle here, but by several accounts the recruitment had little success and relatively few Dutch actually came. Under Frederick II the quarter became a colony of artists and craftsmen, also drawing military families and French and German artisans. Almost all of the houses have been renovated, and the quarter is regarded as the largest ensemble of Dutch-style houses outside the Netherlands.

Did you know? With 134 red-brick houses set in four blocks around two western and two eastern squares, the quarter is regarded as the largest ensemble of Dutch-style houses outside the Netherlands.

How much time do you need at Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel)?

Around ~30 min works well for Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel) — time to look properly and listen to its story on the spot. Linger if you like; nothing on a self-guided walk is on a clock.

Should you stop at Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel)?

Yes — Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel) made the cut as one of 13 places the Gingerguide team researched and narrated across Potsdam. The story tells you why it is worth the stop, and the AI guide fills in anything you still wonder.

Nearby stops in Potsdam

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Hear the story of Dutch Quarter (Holländisches Viertel)

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