Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: June 2026 | Schwerin Castle is one of Germany's most impressive castles and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can visit the magnificent halls, stroll through the castle park and enjoy the view of Lake Schwerin.
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Schwerin Castle
Schwerin Castle is a popular destination among both Germans and foreign tourists, and it's not hard to understand. The castle, which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024, offers both beautiful interiors and lovely gardens.
Schwerin Castle is located on an island near the shore of Lake Schwerin, in the city of Schwerin in the federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The city is located about a hundred kilometers east of Hamburg, in northern Germany.
Schwerin Castle - with a thousand-year history
Schwerin Castle has more than a thousand years of history behind it. In 965, a Slavic fortress was built on an island in Lake Schwerin. Almost 200 years later the castle was captured and destroyed, but it was rebuilt and in 1161 the city of Schwerin was founded.
In 1358, the county of Schwerin was purchased by Duke Albrecht II of Mecklenburg, who was married to the Swedish princess Eufemia Eriksdotter and the father of Albrecht of Mecklenburg, king of Sweden from 1364 to 1389.
In the 19th century, the castle was in poor condition and Duke Frederick Francis II of Mecklenburg-Schwerin commissioned a new stately castle. The castle you see today was completed in 1857.
The castle was the residence of the Dukes and Grand Dukes of Schwerin until 1918, and since 1990 it has been the seat of government of the federal state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The castle also welcomes tourists.
Schwerin Castle became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024
In 2024, Schwerin Castle and the surrounding residential complex were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The reasons given include the well-preserved castle environment, its historical significance as the residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg and its unique 19th-century architecture. Today, Schwerin Castle is one of Germany's newest World Heritage Sites.
Visiting Schwerin Castle
At Schwerin Castle you can combine a visit to the magnificent halls (for a fee) with a walk in the large castle park (free of charge). Many choose to start inside the castle and then continue out into the gardens.
Visiting the halls of the castle
In Schwerin Castle you are allowed to walk around on your own, with or without an audio guide. There are signs in the rooms to tell you about the rooms and their history.
Schwerin is a beautiful castle, with many fine halls and rooms. Well worth visiting we thought!
The castle also has several rooms with exhibited paintings, artefacts and gifts.
If you look out the windows, you have a fantastic view of the castle gardens and the Schweriner See lake.
The castle garden
The castle garden at Schwerin Castle is fantastically beautiful, and yet we have the feeling that we didn't visit all of it. The fact that you always have water near you makes the environment even more beautiful.
In the garden you will find greenery and flowers, but also arcades, arches, statues, monuments and caves.
Lunch in the Orangery
When you walk around in castles and castle gardens, you eventually get hungry. During the summer months there is a restaurant in the orangery and here we chose to have a schnitzel and a beer each. Good!
More to see and do in Schwerin
Is there anything else to do in Schwerin? For our part, the focus was entirely on the castle, but right next to the castle you will also find the "Staatliches Museum Schwerin", where you can see art.
You can also check out Schwerin Cathedral or perhaps the Castle Church, visit the central marketplace, stroll along the waterfront or go on a boat trip.
Where can you stay or park your motorhome?
There are of course many different hotels and accommodation options in Schwerin. We visited the city with a motorhome, and had to drive around for a while before we found a free site. At the site closest to the castle, the electricity did not work, and then we drove past two sites that were full.
Eventually we ended up at Am Hauptbahnhof car park. Here we paid only 10 euros/day, which includes garbage collection and emptying of grey and black water. Electricity is also available, but you pay extra for that. We walked from the site to the castle, so good location too!
More to see and do near Schwerin
Schwerin is close to several other interesting places to visit. Here are some tips:
Have you visited Schwerin Castle in Germany?
Have you visited Schwerin Castle in Germany? How was your experience? Or do you have tips for other beautiful German castles?
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Schwerin Castle
Is Schwerin Castle worth visiting?
Yes, Schwerin Castle is considered one of Germany's most beautiful castles and is well worth a visit. Here you can experience magnificent halls, beautiful gardens and a unique setting surrounded by lakes.
How much time do you need at Schwerin Castle?
Allow at least 2–4 hours to visit the castle and stroll around the castle park. If you also want to visit the museum or stop for lunch, it may be worth setting aside half a day.
Can you go to the castle park for free?
Yes, the castle park at Schwerin Castle is free to visit and is open all year round. Here you can stroll among statues, arches, flowerbeds and fine views of the lake.
How much does it cost to enter Schwerin Castle?
There is usually an entrance fee to visit the palace's halls and museums, while the gardens are free. Prices can vary, so it's a good idea to check current prices before visiting.
Is Schwerin Castle a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, Schwerin Castle and its surrounding residential ensemble were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024. It is one of the newest World Heritage Sites in Germany.
What not to miss at Schwerin Castle?
Don't miss the magnificent castle rooms, the throne room, the castle chapel, the beautiful castle park and the view over Schweriner See. Many also find it worth looking for the legendary castle sandman, Petermännchen.
Is there parking at Schwerin Castle?
Yes, there are several parking options in Schwerin, both near the castle and in the city center. During high season it may be a good idea to arrive early.
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Anette says:
What a beautiful castle.
There are so many beautiful castles in Germany, unfortunately we usually rush through this country on our way to Italy.
When I hopefully have more free time again in the future, I will definitely visit several of them.
Thank you for all the great tips and reports 😀.
27 July 2022 - 6:34
Helena says:
I know what you mean! In the past, we also often only travelled through Germany to get to southern Europe. Now we have really become fond of travelling in Germany as well 🙂 But the country is still there!!! Funny that the reports have been appreciated! 🙂
27 July 2022 - 9:43
Anna i Portugal says:
We were never inside the castle, but liked the city and all the walking & cycling routes, so explored the surroundings instead.
27 July 2022 - 8:51
Helena says:
That sounds lovely too! 🙂
27 July 2022 - 9:43
Lena+i+Wales+och+Spanien says:
Such a wonderful place!
A lot has changed there since the wall fell. Was there the first time just after the fall and only remember that it was not very well organised, but beautiful. On subsequent visits so different. Love walking around this incredible interior, sometimes a little too much of a good thing, but fascinating.
Interesting post, thank you!
27 July 2022 - 13:49
Husisblogg says:
My owners had the same feeling as you seem to have had for this beautiful castle. Of course, the owners also wanted to see the inside and they didn't regret it, so nice.
I also had to stand in the same place as FREEDOM the first night. The owners became so fond of the city that they found another site, closer to a lake, which I was allowed to stay on the second night but still within cycling distance of the centre.
All good
27 July 2022 - 18:48
BP says:
Germany knows its castles. And this castle is no exception:-)
27 July 2022 - 18:57
Lena - gott för själen says:
What a beautiful castle! Like in a fairy tale!
Wow, what a trip you made in Germany and Teckien! And managed to keep such good quality on all posts. I think we have a lot of time when we are out for a week or so, and feel completely wrapped up in my head. So impressed with you and what you deliver! It really feels like a clear path if you are going to look around in Germany (and the Czech Republic).
Hug Lena
20 October 2022 - 5:55