The lakes and rivers of the Havel system around Potsdam make one of the finest cycling landscapes in Germany. A network of well-maintained cycle paths traces the shores of the Templiner See, the Schwielowsee, and the Glienicker See, connecting the palaces of Sanssouci and Babelsberg, the Glienicke Bridge, and the wooded shores of the Neuer Garten in a sequence of continuous parkland. The paths are flat, well-signposted, and for most of the route separated from motor traffic.
The classic Potsdam cycling day covers the full heritage circuit: from the city centre through Sanssouci Park to the Neues Palais, then south along the Havel to Babelsberg Park and around to the Glienicke Bridge, returning along the Havel shore to the old town. This takes about three to four hours at a leisurely pace and covers most of the major sights. Bike rental is available near the main station and in the Dutch Quarter; e-bikes are increasingly available for those who want to cover more ground without effort.