Güstrow Castle

On the edge of Güstrow's old town, one of the most important Renaissance castles in northern Europe surprises visitors with its southern charm. Magnificent stucco ceilings from the time of its construction have been preserved. The castle is currently undergoing extensive renovation work. The castle museum is therefore not open to the public. The historic residential town of Güstrow boasts one of the most important castles of the late Renaissance. The original medieval princely castle was destroyed by fire in 1557, but just one year later Duke Ulrich of Mecklenburg initiated a comprehensive reconstruction and rebuilding of his residence. Additional extensions and alterations planned by architects of different origins resulted in a synthesis of Italian, French, Dutch and German architectural ideas - unique for the region and the time! The castle complex was last extended under Duke Gustav Adolph, who had the gatehouse and castle bridge built in 1670. After the Güstrow ducal line died out at the end of the 17th century and the town became the secondary residence of the dukes of Schwerin, the castle fell on hard times and slowly fell into disrepair. Changing uses followed until a large-scale restoration in 1963 restored the interior to its former glory, allowing it to be used as a museum from 1972. The 16th-century pleasure garden, which was painstakingly restored between 2011 and 2014, is well worth a visit. Since then, fragrant flowers and the enchanted pergola have invited visitors to take relaxing strolls against the impressive backdrop of the palace. Restoration work The castle is currently being extensively renovated and repaired. The collections and the interior of the castle are not open to the public during the construction work. The garden The reconstructed garden is open to the public and invites visitors to stroll and linger with its lavender beds, hornbeam arbors and moat.

Güstrow Castle - a Renaissance castle with European appeal

One of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe stands on the edge of Güstrow's old town. Güstrow Castle combines Italian, French, Dutch and German architectural elements to create a unique architectural synthesis for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The foundation stone for this extraordinary complex was laid by Duke Ulrich of Mecklenburg, who commissioned a comprehensive rebuild and conversion in 1558 - one year after the original princely castle burned down.

History and architecture: from ducal residence to monument

Over generations, the castle was extended and altered. Most recently, Duke Gustav Adolph had the gatehouse and castle bridge built in 1670. After the Güstrow ducal line died out at the end of the 17th century, the castle fell into increasing disrepair. It was not until 1963 that extensive restoration work began, restoring the interiors to their historical splendor - including impressive stucco ceilings from the time of construction. The castle has served as a museum since 1972. Extensive renovation work is currently underway, which is why the castle museum and interiors are temporarily inaccessible.

The pleasure garden at Güstrow Castle - historic greenery to linger in

The reconstructed pleasure garden from the 16th century is open to the public and well worth a visit. Extensively restored between 2011 and 2014, it now features lavender beds, hornbeam arbors and a moat, inviting you to take a relaxing stroll against the impressive backdrop of the castle. Anyone traveling along the Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - such as Rostock, Wismar or Fischland-Darß-Zingst - will find Güstrow a worthwhile detour inland.

Further sights in Güstrow

St. Mary's parish church

📍 Güstrow

Güstrow's parish church is located on the market square in the immediate vicinity of the town hall. The first documented mention of the parish church dates back to 1308. After the fire in Güstrow city center in 1503, which also destroyed the church, it was rebuilt and consecrated in 1508. When you enter the parish church, the first thing you see is the fully restored Jan Borman altar from 1522. This work of art, the ornate pulpit, the impressive organ and a small Barlach angel are reasons enough to take a look around. But there is one very special highlight that you should definitely not miss: 196 steps up to the 41-metre-high viewing platform of Güstrow's tallest building. Many tourists are amazed by the magnificent view over the town and Heidberge, the lakes and the meadows. The first documented mention of the parish church dates back to 1308. After the fire in Güstrow town centre in 1503, which also destroyed the church, it was rebuilt and consecrated in 1508. According to plans by architect Georg Daniel, it was extensively rebuilt between 1880 and 1883 into a three-nave hall church with a straight east end, three gabled roofs over the naves and a side hall with a west tower. The large winged altar from 1522, a work from the workshop of the Brussels carver Jan Borman, is one of the church's outstanding artistic treasures. The panels of the altar were painted by the Brussels artist Bernaert van Orley. The triumphal cross group (1516), the Madonna in the aureole, the sandstone pulpit (1583) by the Antwerp master Rudolf Stockmann, the council stalls with valuable inlay work (1599) by Michel Meyer from Rostock and numerous Renaissance epitaphs are among the valuable furnishings. The organ with 41 stops was built by Paul Schmidt in 1764/1765. The magnificent organ façade and the rococo baroque-style gallery also date from this period. The oak figure of the mourning Mary with the body of Christ, a Pietá from the end of the 15th century, is the oldest work of art in the church, but modern art is also represented in the imposing brick church. Since 1979, the "Angel of Hope" (1933), a terracotta relief by Ernst Barlach, has been located on the right pillar of the chancel. It is not easy to climb up the tower to the baroque spire. But the effort is rewarded with a sweeping view of the Mecklenburg countryside. St. Mary's parish church is certified as "Partially barrier-free for people with walking disabilities and partially barrier-free for people with hearing disabilities" according to Travel for All. Detailed information can be found under Travel for All. Information on accessibility: There are two marked parking spaces for people with disabilities directly next to the church (parking space size: 250 cm x 500 cm). The path from the parking lot to the entrance is 20 m long. The Am Markt bus stop is 50 m away. The church is steplessly accessible via a ramp. The ramp at the entrance has a maximum gradient of 3 percent and a total length of 50 cm. All rooms and facilities that can be used by guests are accessible without steps or via ramps. The ramps in the church have a maximum gradient of 11% and a total length of 2.20 m. All doors/passages that can be used by guests and are raised are at least 90 cm wide. The checkout counter is 69 cm high at its lowest point. Assistance dogs may be brought into all relevant areas/rooms. There is an inductive hearing system. There is no accessible toilet, but there is an accessible toilet in Güstrow Town Hall (60 meters away). There are no guided tours for people with walking disabilities or wheelchair users.

Gallery ''Art at the old harbor''

📍 Güstrow

Textilreinigung Güstrow, a traditional company from the Barlach town of Güstrow, is giving various artists and creators the opportunity to exhibit their pictures and objects in the corresponding rooms at Speicherstraße 11a under the theme ''Art at the old harbor''. In the meantime, the gallery '' Kunst am alten Hafen '' with its '' KunstCafé im Waschhaus '' has established itself in the art scene. The exhibitions are always changed at the beginning of April and on October 2nd of each year. Exhibitions have already featured regionally renowned painters and photographers, as well as amateur painters and exhibitions of media art and graphic design.

Wine shop - Weinhaus im Hof

📍 Güstrow

When Leopold Höglinger offers a wine in his exquisite vinotheque, it is only because he is personally convinced of it. That's why his small wine shop is so popular. He not only has classic wines and sparkling wines in his range, but also all kinds of delicacies that also indicate good taste. And if you have the time and leisure, you can also take a seat for wine tastings. Leopold Höglinger is happy to share his knowledge of fine wines. And he does so in a humorous and entertaining way.

Events in Güstrow

Event

10. May 2026, 09:00–15:00

36TH NATIONWIDE ART SHOW

📍 Städtische Galerie Wollhalle

The 36th state-wide art exhibition of the BBK Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is dedicated to the field of tension between identity and space as well as the role of art and culture in public spaces under the title "Hochstapeln".

DasStudioZwei - Studio concert with Les Bummms Boys

Event

15. May 2026, 18:00–18:00

DasStudioZwei - Studio concert with Les Bummms Boys

📍 DasStudioZwei

Les Bummms Boys - energetic live action from Rostock

Event

23. May 2026, 08:00–15:00

Creative studio "Frauenzimmer"

📍 Kreativatelier "Frauenzimmer"

Caricature, photography and watercolor meet in the creative studio FRAUENZIMMER-Humorous and poetic pictures with a red bag, red dress and sharp pencil.

Accommodation auf Mecklenburgische Seenplatte

Vacation apartments, hotels and more in the region

Pension & Gasthaus

Old Schwiessel Manor House

📍 Schwiessel

The old manor house is now run as a guesthouse and houses the hunting school.

Ferienhof & Bauernhof

Anika's vacation and adventure farm

📍 Groß Wokern

Ideal for families who want to enjoy an adventure vacation on a farm in the Mecklenburg Lake District. Would you like to relax and experience nature on a small family-run horse farm near the Baltic Sea and the Müritz? Then you've come to the right place!