Freundschaftsinsel (Friendship Island), Potsdam

Friendship Island (Freundschaftsinsel) is a scenic and historically rich island in the heart of Potsdam, nestled between two branches of the Havel River, the Alte, and Neue Fahrt. It lies adjacent to significant landmarks such as the Old Market with the Saint Nicholas Church, the Potsdam City Palace, the Barberini Museum, and the Potsdam Central Station. The Lange Brücke bridge on the island’s western side connects the city center and the train station, while a pedestrian-only bridge spans the Alte Fahrt near Burgstrasse, providing easy access for visitors.

The island is named after an inn that stood there for 150 years and is famous for its show and teaching gardens, designed by Karl Foerster and Hermann Mattern between 1937 and 1940. Despite heavy damage in World War II, the gardens were revitalized in the 1950s by Walter Funcke, who added a water axis with fountains, plant basins, and swamp and bank vegetation. Further improvements were made by Funcke and Göritz in the early 1970s.

The island underwent extensive restoration and redesign in preparation for the Federal Horticultural Show in 2001. Today, Friendship Island features a variety of attractions including an open-air stage, a playground, a sun café, and an exhibition pavilion. Its lush gardens now encompass over 1,000 different perennial species and more than 250 iris species within a water garden, spanning an area of 6.5 hectares. Since 1977, it has been designated as an area monument.

During the summer, a boat rental service operates on the Alte Fahrt, offering another way for visitors to explore the island’s natural beauty. The island continues to be a vibrant green oasis in the city, blending historical elements with contemporary design and recreational opportunities.