home | contact | imprint | terms | privacy | guestbook

2000 castles and manors in the country!

The federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania was always dominated by a feudal system. The Dukes of Mecklenburg and the noble families of the area have left us a rich cultural treasure with their residences. Many have been sold to new owners now and have undergone careful restoration. Others still paint a picture of the cultural damage done by the dispossesment and misuse during the communist era. Nethertheless there is a lot to see for all lovers of royal architecture and garden art. We list some of the most significant constructions here. When we design your individual tour we can offer some more hidden gems to be visited.

Gelbensande

This charming little mansion is nestled in the woods close to the city of Rostock. It is one of the many residences of the ducal family. Built from 1884 - 87 it was a family hideway and hunting lodge. The architect G.L. Möckel blended different styles, e.g russian elements, half timbering and english cottage style. After WW2 it served as a military hospital and sanatory and was later used by the community. Since 1996 extensive restoration takes place. A small museum opens up the rooms for the public. The interior has been preserved or carefully restored. A gem.

Güstrow

This 16 th century Renaissance chateau is home to a renowned collection of german, italian and dutch art from the Renaissance period and run as part of the federal museums of Mecklenburg. The garden is a fine piece of landscape art as well, especially during the bloom of the lavender in June and July. The city is well known for the art of the sculptor Ernst Barlach, e.g. the war memorial "The Hovering" in Güstrow Cathedral.

Ludwigslust

Within the 18 th century the main residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg moved to Ludwigslust where a whole new town was created after baroque ideas. The palace is a rare piece of baroque architecture with one of the best preserved interiors in Northern Germany. Please be aware – not everything is what it seems to be within the lush decoration. The park is an English landscape garden and a nature preservation area as well.

Schwerin

Schwerin was the main residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg. This fairytale chateau, nestled on the banks of lake Schwerin, was finished in 1857 and designed after the model of the french Loire palaces. A selection of rooms including the audience room, library and reception rooms can be visited as part of the federal museum. The castle today also houses the parliament of Mecklenburg. The beautiful palace gardens at the lake will be the host of the german national gardening exhibition in 2009.