Seemingly floating over the water, Schwerin Palace in northern Germany looks like the creation of a powerful magician. With turrets, wings and golden domes gleaming under the sun, it can surely enchant any visitor.
Settled on an island in the main lake of Schwerin, the capital city of the federated state Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schweriner Schloss (Schwerin Palace) is regarded as one of the most profound works of romantic historicism in all Europe. Built between 1845 and 1857, as the cooperation of four renowned architects, the palace features a wide range of architectural style, including Gothic, Slavic, Hanseatic and French Renaissance.
In centuries past, this romantic fortress served as the residence of the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg. But during the 20th century, its role switched back and forth between a Landtag (the seat of the state parliament) and a museum. Today, the palace houses parliamentarians from the federated state, as well as a museum illustrating the castle’s history.
A part of the appeal also lies in the surrounding lake and garden. The beauty of the Neo-Renaissance formal garden can be described in one word “magic”. Statues, flowers, trees, and water are cleverly combined to give the whole area a fairytale impression.
Practical Information in Schwerin Palace
- Schwerin is an ideal day trip destination from Hamburg. It’s located just 70km from the port city and easily accessible by regional trains. The trip takes approximately 45 minutes.
- Admission fee to the palace is 8.5€, including photography permission.
Very beautiful and picturesque indeed!
Have not been to that part of Germany though
Then you should include this part on your next Europe trip 😉 I think Northern Germany is underrated because it doesn’t match the typical image of Germany. There is neither Oktoberfest nor the Alps. Personally, I think it looks more like the Netherlands or Denmark 🙂 But it’s still worth visiting though.
Oh yes that is probably true. No one thinks about Hamburg or Bremen or cities of the north, least of all in the north eastern end!
Oh my! What a stupendous castle this is! I love the eclectic architectural styles applied to this magnificent building, and in the golden hours, this surely shines. Since this castle is now used as the regional parliament of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, I wonder if it’s similar with Austria’s parliament building in Vienna in the sense that visitors can visit some parts of the compound during certain times of a year.
Thanks for your compliments, Bama! As far as I can remember visitors are not allowed wandering freely inside the palace. There is a designated route which runs through the most beautiful chambers. However, you can stay in a room as long as you like. I especially like the throne room, but it was difficult to make a human-free photo 🙂
Okay now I rue not choosing Schwerin all those years ago when I was in Hamburg and dithering between Schwerin and Schleswig! Schwerin is so pretty. The palace certainly makes it worth it.
Such a pity! For a romantic person like you, I think you would love this palace (and garden). Now you have a reason to go back there 😉 Perhaps a weekend trip. If I remember correctly, there are countless of flights from the UK to Hamburg each day.
Now how I wish that were true, but we shifted last year across the pond. Those frequent weekend trips are now a distant dream. But hopes are always up for the future 🙂
How magnificient, marvelous, wondrous, awesome!
Many thanks! 🙂
Wow!! that is a very beautiful Palace!
It surely is! 🙂