Real Estate Market Schwerin & Umgebung
Median purchase price 2.098 €/sq. ft. · 8.685 listings
Arsenal
The Grand Ducal Arsenal on the southwestern shore of the Pfaffenteich in Schwerin, built between 1840 and 1844, is an impressive example of Tudor Gothic architecture.
Today, it serves as the headquarters of the state’s Ministry of the Interior and combines historic architecture with a central waterfront location. The impressive Grand Ducal complex of the Arsenal stretches along the southwestern shore of the Pfaffenteich. The imposing structure draws the passerby’s gaze across the water and holds it captive. Georg Adolf Demmler had drawn up the plans for the Arsenal. These were implemented from 1840 to 1844 by the architects Herrmann Willebrand and Gottlieb Ruge—specifically as an armory. The Grand Duke’s decision to move his residence from Ludwigslust to Schwerin also entailed the relocation of the Guard Regiment’s garrison. Consequently, the new building was to serve as both a barracks and an armory—a task entrusted to Demmler. The building housed all the facilities required for military administration, namely the military court, the prison, the recruitment commission, classrooms, training halls for the enlisted men, a mess hall, and stables. The Pfaffenteich, which had previously been located outside the city limits, was now incorporated into the urban planning as a design element, as further development soon took place there adjacent to the arsenal. This made it necessary to fortify the western shore. Grand Ducal administrative construction projects provided the impetus for fortifying the area and initiating the planned development. To the west, the medieval city had hardly expanded at all in the vicinity of the historic Pfaffenteich until then. After World War I, the police were housed in the Arsenal. Refugees found shelter here after the end of World War II until 1947. Following the founding of the GDR, the Schwerin district administration used the large administrative complex as the headquarters of the People’s Police. On the Style The style of the Arsenal is Tudor Gothic, modeled after late English Gothic, which is typical of the early decades of Historicism. The massive towers of the central risalit and the corner pavilions are connected to the elegant corner turrets by the continuous crenellated cornice along the eaves. The building derives its castle-like character from the continuous ashlar masonry of the wall surfaces. Refined with a light coat of paint in keeping with the times, the grand ducal administrative complex had the appearance of a stately, representative palace on the waterfront. In the course of the extensive renovation, the impression of a stately, representative palace on the waterfront was lost. The Arsenal was initially used as an armory and, after World War I, as a police barracks. During the Third Reich, it was known as the Adolf Hitler Barracks. From 1945 to July 1947, it served as housing for refugees. Afterward, the building became the headquarters of the district authority of the German People’s Police. Since 1990, the Arsenal has been the headquarters of the State Ministry of the Interior.
The Schwerin Arsenal – a historic landmark on the Pfaffenteich
The Grand Ducal Arsenal in Schwerin is one of the most striking buildings in the state capital of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. It stands on the southwestern shore of the Pfaffenteich and dominates the cityscape with its massive, castle-like silhouette. Designed by Georg Adolf Demmler, it was built between 1840 and 1844 by architects Herrmann Willebrand and Gottlieb Ruge to serve as an armory and barracks for the Grand Duke’s Guard Regiment.
Tudor Gothic in Schwerin: Architecture Between Castle and Palace
The style of the Arsenal is based on Tudor Gothic, the English Late Gothic style that was widespread during the early decades of Historicism. Crenellated gables, massive corner towers, and elegant corner turrets give the building its characteristic castle-like appearance. The continuous ashlar masonry of the wall surfaces reinforces this impression and once made the complex appear like a stately, representative palace on the water.
From Armory to Ministry of the Interior—The History of the Schwerin Arsenal
The building originally housed numerous military facilities under one roof: a military court, a prison, classrooms, stables, and a mess hall. After World War I, it served as a police barracks; after 1945, it temporarily housed refugees. During the GDR era, it was the headquarters of the district authority of the German People’s Police. Since 1990, the Arsenal has housed the Ministry of the Interior of the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Anyone planning city trips along the Baltic Sea coast—from Wismar through Rostock to Stralsund or Greifswald—should consider Schwerin, with its unique ensemble of buildings around the Pfaffenteich, as a starting point or stopover.
Other attractions in Schwerin
Easyjump trampoline park
● Schwerin
Easyjump is not only Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's largest trampoline hall but also one of the latest adventure highlights in Schwerin. EasyJump Trampoline Park & Action Arena is Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's largest trampoline hall with a total area of over 3,500 m². Whether open jump area, ninja parkour, airbag cushion or dodgeball arena with over 25 attractions, we offer fun for the whole family. Whether child, teenager or young at heart, everyone gets their money's worth here. In addition to the fun of jumping, younger guests can play and romp around in our indoor play area with an XXXL slide, wobbly bridge, ball pool and obstacle courses on 3 levels. As if that wasn't enough, the VR Arena provides a virtual experience where you can immerse yourself alone or with a friend in a multi-dimensional world full of surprises and adventures. The varied offer is extended by an arcade room. This offers fun and entertainment for young and old.
Co-Working Café table
● Schwerin
Wi-Fi, coffee, snacks, events, workshops, business punk, meetings, table tennis, fun - Schwerin's first co-working café offers something for everyone. The co-working café tisch in Schwerin is not just for working. It can also easily become your favorite place in the city. Events and activities such as flea markets, workshops, pub quizzes and regulars' table meetings or business punk: everyone is welcome here. The girls from tisch serve delicious coffee, drinks, snacks and macarons. There are sustainable and regional delicacies as well as high-speed Wi-Fi, printing facilities and table tennis. The restaurant can also be booked exclusively for your private party. On your sightseeing tour, the café in the middle of Schwerin's city center invites you to take a relaxing coffee break. Opening hours: Monday & Tuesday 07 - 16 o'clock Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Equestrian monument to Frederick Francis II in Schwerin Palace Gardens
● Schwerin
The equestrian statue of the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin stands opposite the palace on a square in the palace garden. Surrounded by flowers, rose bushes and the romantic arcades, the grounds are a highlight of the Schwerin Palace Gardens. A monument to the Grand Duke After the death of the popular Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II - the builder of the palace in Schwerin - his son commissioned the construction of a monumental statue. The object was financed by donations. It is considered to be the only historical equestrian statue in the whole of Mecklenburg. An eventful history The work by the Mecklenburg sculptor Ludwig Brunow was ceremoniously unveiled in 1893 - in the presence of high-ranking state guests such as Emperor Wilhelm II and Grand Duke Vladimir of Russia, as well as all the nobility of the Mecklenburg court. Inspired by the equestrian statues of Roman emperors and the Prussian Elector in Berlin, it was designed according to the typical, mostly military-influenced taste of the late 19th century. The figures of the Grand Duke and his horse stand on a marble plinth more than 4 meters high. The ruler's virtues The plinth is surrounded by allegories of the 4 virtues of rulers: Strength, Justice, Wisdom and Faith. Two commemorative plaques show events from Frederick Francis II's reign - the construction of the new university building in Rostock and the Grand Duke's entry into Schwerin in 1871. The monument was lucky to survive two wars and two dictatorships. It escaped being melted down for war purposes, the iconoclasm after the end of the war and being scrapped.
Events in Schwerin
Today, 05. September 2026, 16:00–20:00
The somewhat different wine festival in the Schleifmühlengarten
● Museum Schleifmühle Schwerin
Wine festival
Today, 05. September 2026, 19:00–21:00
Alvaro Soler - El Camino Tour 2026
● Freilichtbühne Schwerin
The internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Alvaro Soler will be back on stage in Europe from April 2026, delighting audiences with his unique blend of pop, Latin and Spanish flair.
Today, 05. September 2026, 20:00–22:00
Alexander Scheer | Andreas Dresen & Band
● Schweriner Schloss - Innenhof
Playing (not only) Gundermann
Accommodations auf Schwerin & Umgebung
Vacation rentals, hotels, and more in the region
AMEDIA Plaza Schwerin
● Schwerin
Our hotel is located directly on the Ostorfer See in beautiful Schwerin, just a few minutes' walk from the famous Schwerin sights such as Schwerin Castle, the Mecklenburg State Theater and the historic old town.
AWO SANO - Holiday Center Schweriner See
● Schwerin / Mueß
Whether it's a school trip, vacation camp, conference or vacation together - the Schwerin vacation center offers its guests numerous opportunities for relaxation and entertainment.
Alpaca farm on the Iserberg
● Hamberge
The alpaca farm is located in idyllic Hamberge at the end of the village. Our fascinating animals enchant all guests and vacationers!