Schwerin Castle - Schwerin, Mecklenburg - Germany

Schwerin Castle - Schwerin, Mecklenburg - Germany

Schwerin Castle (German: Schweriner Schloss) is a palace located in the city of Schwerin, the capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state,Germany. It is situated on an island in the city's main lake, the Schweriner See.


Germany Travel Guide - Visit Schwerin Castle in Schwerin Town


For centuries the palace was the home of the dukes and grand dukes of Mecklenburg and later Mecklenburg-Schwerin. It currently serves as the seat of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state parliament (German: Landtag).

It is regarded as one of the most important works of romantic Historicism in Europe. For this rank, it is also nicknamed "Neuschwanstein of the North"

Schwerin Castle, Schwerin Town, Germany


10th century: First reports of a castle on the location were made in 973. There was a fort of the Polabian Slav tribe of the Obotrites on an island in the large Lake of Schwerin.

Complete Tour in Schwerin Castle


Featured hotels near Castle Schwerin

12th century: In 1160, the fort became a target of Germanic noblemen planning to expand their territory eastward under the leadership of Henry the Lion (1129–1195). The Obotrites under Niklot destroyed the fort but left because of the Germanic military dominance.

However, the German conquerors recognised the strategic and aesthetically interesting location of the island and started building a new fort. The foundation of the city of Schwerin took place in the same year. Schwerin became seat of a bishopric.

Walk through the interior and gardens


14th century: In 1358, the County of Schwerin was bought by the descendants of Niklot, who had been elevated to Dukes of Mecklenburg in 1348. Soon, they relocated farther inland from Mikelenburg, near the city of Wismar, to Schwerin. During the late Gothic era, the growing prosperity and position of the dukes lead to a growing need for a representative castle, and this meant architectural changes to the fortress settlement. The Bishop's House (German Bischofshaus) from that period remains intact.

Schwerin City, Germany


Hotels recommended in Schwerin

Ghosts: The small impious ghost Petermännchen reportedly roams the halls of the Schwerin castle. This little spirit is no more than a few feet high, and is often depicted in clothes from the 17th century, something resembling a cavalier. His existence may be in doubt, but he is a popular legend as ever.

Photo via: openwalls.com