While googling what there is to see in the area, Schwerin Castle immediately caught my eye. It looked so picturesque that I couldn’t resist adding it to the list. Often nicknamed the “Neuschwanstein of the North” or even “Cinderella’s Castle”, it’s considered one of the most beautiful castles in Germany and a prime example of European historicism.
Schwerin Castle is one of the old ducal residences in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. These days, parts of it are home to the state parliament, while other areas are open to the public as a palace museum. There’s even a restaurant, and the courtyard hosts cultural events like open-air theatre performances – a nice blend of politics, history, and leisure under one roof.
History
The story of Schwerin Castle stretches all the way back to the Middle Ages. The first mention of a castle complex on this little island in Lake Schwerin dates back to 965. Later, after the original structure was destroyed, Heinrich the Lion laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Schwerin Castle we see today, back in 1160. Over the centuries, the castle saw transformations, conquests, and even fires, each leaving its mark on the site.
Most recently, in 2024, Schwerin Castle was officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage List
Inside the castle
For a small fee, you can visit parts of the interior – guided tours are also available, though we didn’t join one this time as the timing just didn’t work out. Despite the castle boasting a whopping 953 rooms, only a handful are open to visitors. Still, the few that are accessible are more than enough to impress, with their detail and beauty making the experience well worth it.
The gardens
The castle gardens are free to visit and make for a lovely stroll. They’re perfect if you want to relax and take in the view of the castle from different angles. We only managed to explore the immediate area around the castle before the rain gods decided to have some fun with us. If you’re luckier with the weather, definitely take the time to wander deeper into the gardens – they’re well worth it.
The city
After finishing up at the castle, our stomachs reminded us it was time to hunt for food. That led us into the city center, where we discovered charming little streets and picturesque houses. Unfortunately, the looming storm clouds pushed us along faster than we would have liked, but under sunnier skies, Schwerin’s city center would definitely be a place to linger and wander.
