The start of the year in Berlin doesn’t have to be hectic. If, alongside all the activities in January, you dream of more peace and quiet, you can simply leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind you – at least for a moment. Among the special castles in Brandenburg, it’s not just a Versailles-style palace that stands out, there are also places of contemplation. At Caputh Castle , you can literally breathe in the silence. The palace is not a pompous symbol of power, but an intimate gem that has survived the passage of time almost unscathed. Especially now in winter, Caputh is a place for those who enjoy tranquility.
A journey back in time to the year 1662
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What makes Caputh special is that while many of Prussia’s palaces have been redesigned over the centuries or destroyed in war, this is the only palace from the time of the Great Elector, Frederick William, that has remained almost unchanged. Walking through the rooms here, you experience Baroque in its purest, most original form, without any of the later flourishes of Rococo. It is the oldest preserved pleasure palace in the Potsdam cultural landscape.
The absolute highlight is in the basement: the legendary Tile Hall. Around 7,500 Dutch blue tilesadorn this magnificent dining room. They depict rural scenes, children’s games, and landscapes. It is the most significant example of Dutch interior design outside the Netherlands. In the cold season, the contrast between the cool aesthetics of the blue and white tiles and the cozy architecture is particularly fascinating.
Famous neighbors: Electors and geniuses
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Friedrich Wilhelm was not the only one who loved this special place. Just a short walk away is the summer house of another famous man: Albert Einstein. He described Caputh as his “paradise” and enjoyed the peace and quiet by the water, which can still be felt today, especially in the deserted month of January.
You can visit Caputh Castle. The tile hall, two cavalier rooms, the ballroom, the apartments of the electoral couple, and the porcelain cabinet are open to the public. A photo and film documentary provides even more information, and special tours, lectures, concerts, and exhibitions take place throughout the year. Find out more on the website. And for those who like it a little more romantic: the ferry in Caputh connects the town with Geltow on the opposite bank and offers a fantastic view of the castle complex.