1. Berlin and Potsdam: 5-Hour Tour of Swiss Influences
Discover the traces of Swiss inventiveness that have significantly influenced Berlin’s cultural history. Start the tour at the Swiss Embassy, which has remained almost unscathed from the bombing raids during the Second World War. Learn more about the history of Johan Josty, who moved from Oberengadin to Berlin at the end of the 18th century and became the first Swiss confectioner of the city. His brother Daniel also left a Swiss mark on Berlin and founded Berliner Weiße – his brewery still stands today in Berlin-Mitte. Continue on to Gendarmenmarkt, one of the most beautiful squares in Berlin. Here you can also see Swiss elements – until 1738 the Swiss cemetery was located where the imposing German Cathedral stands today. You will then head towards Potsdam. See the Swiss houses from the 1860s shortly before reaching the Glienicke Bridge. They were an expression of the spirit at that time for a natural and social way of life. The highlight of the tour is the Swiss colonists’ village of Nattwerder, which was settled by 14 families from Berlin in 1685. The church from 1690 is the oldest in Potsdam. Grave stones mark the Dortschy, Kiener, Schweingruber, Garmatter, and Mauerhof families. The main highlights of a general tour of Berlin and Potsdam are also included in this tour.