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Schwerin Castle: A charming fairy-tale castle known to be one of Germany's most beautiful
Perched on a picturesque island in the heart of Lake Schwerin, the eponymous castle of Schwerin stands as a majestic testament to centuries of history. Its fairy-tale silhouette dominates the skyline, with numerous turrets piercing the sky with Disney style vibes. This is an enchanting place that is well worth a visit if you get the opportunity!
In this post we take you on a virtual tour of this thousand year-old landmark, delving into its rich past, architectural beauty, and practical information for your visit. From the thrill of discovery to the tranquility of its surroundings, Schwerin Castle is a German gem fit for any bucket list. Literally just a week after we visited, it was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites too!
We absolutely love exploring castles and we were really happy to add Schwerin Castle to our growing collection. Most of our castle adventures have been in Britain, so to add one from Germany was very well received! Read on for our highlights, the history of Schwerin Castle, interesting facts, opening times, tickets prices and more.
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Our Schwerin Castle highlights
The last time we visited Germany was back in 2019, as part of a road trip through Europe. We were driving back from Budapest in Hungary and took the route through the People's Land, enjoying the limitless speeds of the autobahn's on the way to a quick stop off in the 2,000 year old city of Cologne. That was just an overnight stay, and not merely enough to call it a full-on German experience!
So we came back to Germany for a second time, determined to spend a good amount of time here to really immerse ourselves in the culture of this fascinating land. With a 6 week stay in Hamburg ready to go, we decided to take an overnight trip to Schwerin to kick everything off. We landed in Hamburg and headed straight for the train station, taking the famous DB Double Decker train for the first time all the way to the state capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
It was a comfortable journey here, and we were excited to come to this city for its main attraction, the castle on the lake. Needless to say we were not disappointed! After an early start we took a walking tour around the city, finishing up at the castle itself. We had already decided not to go inside, as we were pretty tired by this point, and were more interested in the famous gardens and grounds anyway.
Schwerin Castle is most certainly as picturesque and beautiful as people say it is. After a painstaking renovation it is now almost full restored, and looks every bit the turreted Disney castle reference that so often accompanies its name. Along with its exceptional architecture, this castle takes things one step further with some of the most beautifully manicured gardens and grounds we have every seen. The flower arrangements, fountains and statues are brilliantly co-ordinated, and compliment the castle and surrounding lake so well. The attention to detail here is immaculate and even on a cloudy day this place is a feast for the eyes.
It is all too easy to go photo happy here, that's for sure! The gardens are free to walk around and we spent a good hour enjoying them before deciding to head back. In hindsight maybe we should have gone inside, no doubt it would have been just as beautiful, but perhaps that will be a nice surprise bonus for you if you decide to visit!
While the gardens and castle itself were undoubtedly a highlight of our overall visit to Schwerin, we had to add this stop light in here too. How cool is this?! A nice touch to a place where the finer details are just exceptional. What a place!
Read on for the history of Schwerin Castle, some interesting facts, and information on opening times and ticket prices.
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The history of Schwerin Castle
The history of Schwerin Castle is as rich and layered as its architectural splendor. Its origins trace back to the 10th century when a Slavic fortress was established on the island in Lake Schwerin. This strategic position offered protection and dominance over the surrounding area. However, the castle’s fortunes changed dramatically in 1160 when Henry the Lion, a powerful German duke, conquered the region. The Slavic fortress was destroyed, and in its place, a new fort was constructed, marking the beginning of German rule.
Over the centuries, the castle grew in importance, becoming the seat of the Dukes and later the Grand Dukes of Mecklenburg. It was during the 19th century that the castle underwent its most dramatic transformation. Under the vision of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II, renowned architects like Gottfried Semper and Friedrich August Stüler were commissioned to create a masterpiece of Historicism. This era saw the construction of the castle’s iconic towers, domes, and opulent interiors.
The castle served as the grand ducal residence until the end of World War I, when the monarchy was abolished. In the tumultuous years that followed, the castle was repurposed several times, serving as a school, a museum, and even a temporary seat of government. After the reunification of Germany in 1990, extensive restoration work began to restore the castle to its former glory. Today, it houses the state parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, while also welcoming visitors to explore its magnificent rooms, gardens, and breathtaking views.
10 interesting facts about Schwerin Castle
1. A Thousand-Year History
Schwerin Castle boasts a history spanning over a millennium. Its origins trace back to a Slavic fortress built in the 10th century. This deep-rooted past is reflected in the castle's architecture, which blends various styles from different eras.
2. An Island Oasis
Situated on an enchanting island in the middle of Lake Schwerin, the castle offers a truly magical setting. This idyllic location has inspired countless artists and poets over the centuries, contributing to its romantic allure.
3. A Royal Residence for Centuries
For centuries, Schwerin Castle served as the grand home of the Dukes and Grand Dukes of Mecklenburg. The castle's opulent interiors and lavish decorations are a testament to its former royal inhabitants.
4. A Castle with 365 Turrets
Legend has it that Schwerin Castle has 365 turrets - one for every day of the year. While the exact number might be slightly less, the castle's skyline is undeniably dominated by its numerous towers and spires.
5. A Masterpiece of Historicism
The castle's current appearance largely stems from extensive renovations in the 19th century. It's a prime example of Historicism, an architectural style that draws inspiration from various historical periods.
6. A Seat of Power and Culture
Today, Schwerin Castle not only serves as a popular tourist attraction but also houses the state parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This unique combination of history and contemporary politics adds another layer of intrigue to the castle.
7. A Treasure Trove of Art
The castle's interior is adorned with countless works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects. Visitors can immerse themselves in the world of aristocracy and admire the exquisite craftsmanship.
8. A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Architecture
The castle's beautiful gardens are an integral part of its charm. Carefully designed to complement the architecture, they offer visitors a peaceful retreat and stunning views of the lake.
9. A Source of Inspiration
Schwerin Castle has been a muse for countless artists and writers. Its romantic beauty and rich history have captivated imaginations for centuries, inspiring works of art, literature, and music.
10. A Living Piece of History
Schwerin Castle is not just a static monument; it's a living part of Germany's heritage. The castle continues to evolve, hosting events, exhibitions, and cultural programs that bring its history to life for visitors of all ages. In July 2024, Schwerin Castle was proudly added to UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites.
Schwerin Castle opening times & ticket prices
⪢ Opening times
● Castle Museum
15 April to 14 October Tue–Sun 10am–6pm
15 October to 14 April Tue–Sun 10am–5pm
Closed on Monday's. Hours are reduced on public holidays. Last admission: 30 minutes before closing time.
● Castle Park: Open all year round, 24hours
● Castle Garden: Open all year round, closing at dusk daily
Last admission: 30 minutes before closing time.
⪢ Ticket prices
Tickets can only be purchased on entry; there are no online options available at this time.
● Adult: €8,50
● Concession (students, groups of 15, pensioners, disabled people): €6,50
● Annual Pass: €50,00 / Concession: €30,00
● Children under 18 years: Admission free
● Audio guides: €2.00 (free for children)
Guides (subject to availability)
● Public Tour: €3,00 / Concession: €2,00
● Individual Guidance: €50,00
● Foreign Language Tour: €60,00
● Guided Tour for School Classes and Daycare Groups: €1.00 per child / hour
** Prices and Opening Times are correct at time of writing (August 2024). Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
How to get to Schwerin Castle
Schwerin Castle is located in an island, but is easily accessible by vehicle or by foot. It is connected to the mainland via a road and pedestrian bridge, and Schwerin itself is easy to get around.
⪢ By Air
You can fly into the Lubeck Blankensee Airport (LBC), which is about a 1 hour drive from Schwerin.
⪢ By Train
You can take a train from Hamburg Central Station to Schwerin Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
⪢ By Train
If you're driving, you can take the A24 highway from Hamburg to Schwerin. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. There is a public parking garage at the castle, which costs €10 per day.
Address: Lennéstraße 1, 19053 Schwerin
Phone: (+49) 385 588 41572
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Our Schwerin Castle experience rating
Even though we did not go inside, we are still rating Schwerin Castle 5 stars as its grounds and gardens are absolutely stunning. The attention to detail here is mesmerizing and it is a fantastic place to walk around, even if you do not go inside. The best part is that it is totally free to do so, and this makes it well worth checking out.
Schwerin itself is a pretty town but there is not a great deal to do there, other than visiting its fairy-tale castle and checking out the town center. If you are thinking about coming, we would recommend planning a day trip out, but maybe staying the night is not worth it. You can see pretty much everything within a couple of hours, and there is not really much going on in the evenings. We hope you do stop by though; this castle and its gardens are a real treat!
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