What was planned as a quiet retirement home for the Prussian King Frederick William IV turned, decades later, into the entrance to a dark secret laboratory. In the heart of Brandenburg lies a central setting for the sci-fi horror film “Resident Evil.”
Lindstedt Palace in Potsdam: A Shattered Royal Dream
Originally, an old estate stood on the site of the palace, which belonged to the ancestors of the comedian Loriot (the von Bülow family). They raised carp here. In 1828, they sold the estate to Frederick William III. A building in the neoclassical style was commissioned to serve as a retirement home for Frederick William IV. However, he died before it was completed.
The asymmetrical complex, with its striking round tower and picturesque garden, exudes a melancholic romanticism. It lies somewhat off the beaten path of the large tourist crowds at Sanssouci, allowing you to enjoy more peace and a mystical atmosphere here. No wonder Hollywood location scouts have also discovered this spot for themselves.
From a Prussian Idyll to the Setting for Resident Evil
The elegance of the exterior façade perfectly contrasts the sterile interior in the thrilling blockbuster *Resident Evil* (2002). In the film, the castle served as the setting for the secret entrance to the “Hive, ” the infamous underground genetic laboratory.
Even though there are no zombies lurking in the garden today, you might still get goosebumps during an evening stroll through the grounds. Right where the Prussian aristocracy once strolled, action heroine Alice battled the ruthless Umbrella Corporation!
(Originally, Resident Evil was based on a video game series. If you want to learn more about the world of video games, check out the Computer Game Museum in Berlin.)
What you can discover there today
Although the interior of the palace is rarely open to the public —usually only for special architectural tours, events, or weddings—the magnificent park grounds alone make a visit worthwhile.
Stroll past the historic sculptures, admire the columned architecture, and snap the perfect photo in front of the imposing portal you’ll recognize from the movies.
🚗 By car , you can reach the grounds via the B273 toward Potsdam Nord; limited parking is available in the immediate vicinity.
🚇 By public transit, take bus 614 or 695 from Potsdam Central Station; the ride takes just under 15 minutes and goes directly to the Schloss Lindstedt stop.
📍 Lindstedter Chaussee 1, 14469 Potsdam
📆 Park open year-round during the day; interior spaces open only during events
⏳ About 1 hour for a leisurely stroll
💵 Outdoor grounds free of charge
ℹ️ More info
