Güstrow combines Renaissance history, Barlach art, a distinctive collection of nativity scenes and animal worlds. This offers a range of options for planning your trip: a significant castle, the works of an artist, nativity scenes from around the world, and paths leading to animals at Wildpark-MV. To decide what should define your stay, you can first distinguish between culture, collections and nature experiences.

Renaissance, Barlach and a work in the cathedral

Güstrow Castle is one of the most significant Renaissance castles in northern Europe. Anyone wishing to discover the city through its Renaissance history will find a distinctive cultural landmark here.

The Ernst Barlach Studio House explores the artist’s life and work in an extensive permanent exhibition—from his first plaster models to his final wooden sculptures and bronze works. The focus here is on the work of a single artist; this thematic emphasis differs from the castle’s significance as a Renaissance landmark.

The Studio House still preserves traces of the sculptor, graphic artist and writer, and is located very close to Lake Inselsee in Güstrow. Barlach’s sculpture “The Hovering Angel” can also be seen in Güstrow Cathedral. The Studio House and the cathedral offer two different ways to engage with the artist: exploring his life and work in a permanent exhibition, and seeing one specific, named sculpture.

A collection with its own rhythm

The North German Nativity Scene Museum displays Christmas nativity scenes from around the world all year round. The collection includes around 700 nativity scenes from every continent. Its clear focus is therefore not limited to the Christmas season; the exhibits also come from far beyond any one region. If you choose exhibitions based on their subject matter, you will find a different focus here than at the Studio House: the Nativity Scene Museum centers on a type of collection, while the Studio House focuses on the work of a particular artist.

Animal worlds: compare paths and species

At Wildpark-MV, the five-hectare Predator Shared Habitat is home to wolves, bears, lynxes and wildcats. Visitors reach the animals through underground cave passages and along climbing paths through the treetops. In addition to the four named animal groups, the different routes also shape the visitor experience.

The AQUA Tunnel offers a different nature experience: it is the North’s largest natural aquarium and is home to more than 15 native fish species. The contrast is clear when choosing a theme: the Predator Shared Habitat focuses on wolves, bears, lynxes and wildcats, while the AQUA Tunnel features native fish. You can weigh up these animal groups and the different paths to see them.

Which focus suits your trip?

Your reason for travelling is a good starting point when searching for a hotel in Güstrow. In the arts and culture, Renaissance history, Barlach’s work and the nativity scene collection each offer a distinct focus. For nature, you can compare the routes through cave passages and treetops at Wildpark-MV with views of native fish species in the AQUA Tunnel. Consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay, and plan your trip accordingly.

Discover more destinations: Amt Bad Doberan-Land, Niekrenz, Rostock, Amt Warnow-West, Kavelstorf, Amt Schwaan, Dummerstorf, Amt Laage.

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