Potsdam, Brandenburg's state capital, lies west of Berlin on the Havel at an average elevation of 37 meters above sea level – in a lake district of numerous Havel lakes. The Havel flows at 29–32 m; the park landscape with Sanssouci Palace sits at 50–70 m. Potsdam's palaces and parks, covering over 800 ha, are UNESCO World Heritage.
That works out to roughly 121 feet above sea level. The nearby cities compared on this page average 49 m, putting Potsdam about 12 m lower.
Quick Facts
| Elevation (above sea level) | 37 m |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 52.3906° N, 13.0645° E |
| Country | Germany |
| Continent | Europe |
Compare elevations – nearby cities
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 34 | Germany |
| Magdeburg | 56 | Germany |
| Hanover | 58 | Germany |
Cities with a similar elevation
The following cities sit at an elevation similar to Potsdam (37 m above sea level):
| City | Elevation (m) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Duisburg | 36 | Germany |
| Oberhausen | 36 | Germany |
| Paris | 35 | France |
| Krefeld | 39 | Germany |
| Düsseldorf | 42 | Germany |
| Brussels | 29 | Belgium |
Frequently Asked Questions
How high is Potsdam above sea level?
Potsdam averages 37 m above sea level. The Havel and its lakes lie at 29–32 m; the park hills around Sanssouci at 50–70 m; the Brauhausberg at 69 m.
What is Sanssouci Palace?
Sanssouci is Prussia's most famous palace, built in 1747 by Frederick the Great on the 'hill without care'. It stands at about 55 m above sea level on terraced vineyard slopes. Together with surrounding parks it is UNESCO World Heritage.
Is Potsdam a suburb of Berlin?
No – Potsdam is an independent state capital of Brandenburg with 185,000 residents, historically more significant as a Prussian royal seat than Berlin itself. Both cities border each other but Potsdam has its own administration, history and identity.