Start our adventure with Potsdam's most famous attraction - Sanssouci Park. This sprawling garden and palace complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true gem of landscape architecture. The park, covering almost 300 hectares, impresses with its baroque gardens, fountains and historic buildings. Walking along the alleys, you can admire the famous terraces of vineyards, the Chinese Tea Room or the New Palace. The park is ideal for long family walks or romantic strolls. Admission to the park is free, making it accessible to all nature and history lovers.

Another place worth visiting is Babelsberg Park, picturesquely located on the banks of the Havel River. This English-style landscaped park offers not only beautiful views of the river and surrounding lakes, but also numerous walking and biking paths. The park's extensive grounds are ideal for jogging or Nordic walking. The main attraction is the neo-Gothic Babelsberg Palace, but it is also worth noting the charming bridges and pavilions scattered throughout the park. Babelsberg Park is the perfect place for a day trip, during which you can combine active recreation with learning about history and admiring architecture.

For those looking for more modern forms of recreation, Volkspark Potsdam will be an ideal choice. This sprawling city park offers a range of activities for the whole family. There are sports fields for various sports, children's playgrounds and even a climbing wall. The park is also a popular place for picnics and barbecues. One of the biggest attractions is the water playground, which attracts crowds of little ones on warm days. Volkspark Potsdam is a place where you can actively spend a whole day enjoying a variety of recreational activities.

Nature and botany lovers should be sure to visit the New Garden, or New Garden. This 18th-century landscaped park impresses with its naturalness and variety of plants. Walking through the park, you can admire the picturesque Heiliger See lake, as well as historic buildings such as the Cecilienhof Palace - the site of the 1945 Potsdam Conference. The New Garden is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and relaxation surrounded by lush greenery.

One of Potsdam's most fascinating attractions is the Biosphäre Potsdam - a tropical hall with a rainforest climate. This place is ideal for those who want to feel like they are in the jungle without leaving Europe. On an area of 5000 m² you can admire exotic plants, butterflies, birds and reptiles. Biosphäre is not only a tourist attraction, but also an important center for environmental education. It hosts workshops and activities for children that teach respect for nature and understanding of ecosystems. It's a great place for a family outing, especially on colder days when the weather outside isn't cooperating.

For those looking for a combination of active recreation and nature education, Bugapark Potsdam is ideal. This park was created to promote sustainability and ecology. It features themed gardens, educational trails and playgrounds for children. Bugapark is also a great place for a picnic or relaxing by the water. It's worth noting the events and workshops held here, which often revolve around environmental issues and healthy lifestyles.

For lovers of real nature and active recreation, Potsdam forest and Havel lakeland is a must-see place. This vast forest and lake and river area offers countless recreational opportunities. Here you can go canoeing, sailing, fishing or simply enjoy peaceful walks among the trees. The area is also popular with cyclists - numerous bike paths allow you to explore the beauty of Brandenburg's nature. This is an ideal place for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse themselves in nature.

For adrenaline seekers and active recreation seekers, AbenteuerPark Potsdam is a place not to be missed. The rope park offers trails of varying levels of difficulty, suitable for both children and adults. It's a great opportunity to test your courage and agility by overcoming obstacles suspended high between the trees. AbenteuerPark is not only fun, but also a great way to integrate and build confidence. The park is open seasonally, so it's worth checking availability before visiting.

For those who prefer a more peaceful form of recreation, the Botanical Garden of the University of Potsdam will be the perfect place. This small but extremely charming botanical garden offers an opportunity to explore the diversity of the plant world. As you stroll through the alleys, you can admire collections of plants from different climatic zones, and learn about their importance to the ecosystem. The garden is especially beautiful in spring and summer, when most of the plants are in full bloom. It's a great place for a leisurely stroll and contemplation of nature, ideal for botany and photography enthusiasts.

Last, but not least, a fascinating place on our list is Freundschaftsinsel, or Friendship Island. This small island in the Havel River is a true oasis of calm in the heart of the city. It features beautifully designed gardens, sculptures and art installations. The island is a popular spot among Potsdam residents, who come here to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's the perfect place for a picnic, reading a book or just relaxing in the fresh air. Freundschaftsinsel also offers beautiful views of the river and surrounding monuments, making it a great place for photography.

All in all, Potsdam offers an extremely rich and diverse range of outdoor activities. From majestic palace parks to modern recreational complexes to wild woodlands, there is something for everyone. It is worth noting that most of the places described are available for free or for a small fee, making them attractive to families and people of all ages.

When planning a visit to Potsdam, it is worth remembering a few practical tips. First, the weather in Brandenburg can be changeable, so it's always a good idea to bring appropriate clothing. Second, many parks and gardens are extensive, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. Finally, consider renting a bicycle - it's a great way to explore the city and surrounding areas.

Potsdam is a city that perfectly blends history and modernity, while offering countless opportunities for active recreation in nature. Whether you are a lover of leisurely strolls or an adventurer, there is something for you in Potsdam. It's the perfect place for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, during which you can combine sightseeing with active recreation in beautiful green surroundings.