The federal state of Brandenburg with its regional capital Potsdam is located in eastern Germany surrounding the vibrant city of Berlin. Countless crystal-clear lakes and waterways, broad expanses of countryside, verdant tree-lined roads, fruit orchards and unspoilt natural scenery are the hallmarks of the region. Its sleepy villages and cultural attractions are of great historical significance. In the last 300 years, the former garrison town of Potsdam has become one of Europe's most magnificent royal cities.

Brandenburg has a total of 13 holiday regions, all located around Berlin, Germany's capital city. They include the charming, picturesque villages of the Havelland, the unspoilt countryside of the Uckermark to the north west, the palaces and parks of Potsdam, the castles and dense beech woods of the Fl�ming region and some of the world's most remarkable riverside scenery in the Spree Forest.

Nature as far as the eye can see! Around one third of the state is given over to preserving the natural landscape in areas such as the Lower Oder Valley National Park and its three biosphere reserves, the Spree Forest, Schorfheide-Chorin and Elbe-Brandenburg Riverside. Visitors can also explore large tracts of virtually unspoilt countryside in another 11 nature reserves, by bike, on foot, by boat, on horseback or in a charabanc.

The charming ambience of Potsdam, Brandenburg's regional capital is in marked contrast to the city life of Berlin and can be best experienced by visiting the beautiful palaces and parks designated as UNESCO world heritage sites in this town of islands on the river Havel.