This is the first in a series of articles on Europe and my adventures while living there.
Potsdam offers a beautiful Dutch Quarter that is filled with shops, cafes and restaurants as well as a farmers market and festivals throughout the year. Here you will experience the flavor of Dutch culture. Visitors can taste Dutch food, experience dancers in traditional Dutch costumes and enjoy wandering through quaint shops and the Bassinplatz Farmers Market at their pace.
I’ve experienced the Hollandisches Viertel (Dutch Quarter) in all seasons. I particularly love the spring when daffodils and tulips are in bloom and the shop windows are thrown open to take advantage of the welcoming warmth and sunshine. With shop windows beautifully dressed for spring it makes for a pleasant and relaxing walk.
In winter the Dutch Quarter of Potsdam comes alive with the Weihnachtsmarkt. Here you’ll find Christmas unfolding with warm Gluevien, roasted chestnuts and homemade Dutch waffle treats. Christmas music and beautiful Dutch gifts fill the outdoor market. The Christmas Markets traditionally run from the end of November to the day after Christmas and are open every Saturday and Sunday. A really enjoyable video showing the German Christmas Market.
Photo Credit: Potsdam Dutch Quarter Lisa Overman