Schwerin celebrates its first UNESCO castle festival: a feast for the senses!

Schwerin celebrates its first UNESCO castle festival: a feast for the senses!

Schwerin celebrated a very special castle festival at the weekend, which was a premiere not only for the city but also for the entire region. For the first time, the historic festival could take place under the newly awarded title “UNESCO World Heritage Site”. Hundreds of visitors flocked to the grounds of the majestic castle from June 13th to 15th, 2025 to celebrate the festivities in style. According to that Uckermark courier The castle festival opened with an impressive light show that was a homage to the nightly productions at Chambord Castle.

On Saturday morning there was a lot of activity at Schwerin Central Station, where Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II and his partner, the Grand Duchess, received the homage of the people. The citizens shouted “Up, up, up” and the monarch wished everyone a “wonderful day and a nice castle festival”. The residential ensemble combining natural and cultural treasures on the shores of Lake Schwerin, which has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 27, 2024, provided the ideal setting for the festivities. It reflects the historic style of the 19th century and includes over 30 historic buildings, squares and gardens that are well preserved and retain their original charm.

Festive program items

Saturday was packed with a colorful program: over 140 costumed actors accompanied the historic carriage ride through the city center, while music and dances captivated the audience. On the market square, the members of the state police orchestra led the musical entertainment, which was very well received by the festival visitors. Welcomed to the festival community by State Parliament President Birgit Hesse (SPD), who symbolically handed over the castle to the Grand Duke for this special occasion.

The many entertainment offerings also included historical fashion shows and fencing demonstrations. Visitors were able to learn more about the history of the castle during lectures and try on historical robes in the castle garden. Particular attention was paid to the close ties that actors such as Henry Menzel and Juliane Schmalz have developed with these events over the years. Menzel has played the Grand Duke for over 30 years and his partner Schmalz has played the Grand Duchess for 14 years.

Insight into history and culture

The importance of the castle festival is also reflected in the involvement of the population, who were able to express their wishes and concerns directly to the Grand Duke. This also included support for an important project: a drinking water pipeline. On Saturday evening, the atmosphere was rounded off with the “Sound of Germany” show, which presented music from Bach to Kraftwerk. Both performances were freely accessible and therefore offered a nice end to the festivities.

Sunday, June 15th, is also dedicated to openness and transparency: the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania state parliament invites you to an open day where citizens can gain insights into the work of state politics. You can also visit the Niklot statue, the tea pavilion and the newly designed conference rooms. The free opening of the castle museum and the castle church further enriches the festival program. On the edge of the castle grounds, an arts and crafts market awaits guests, offering a wide range of handmade goods with over 40 exhibitors.

In total, the castle festival attracted an estimated 20,000 visitors, marking a grand conclusion to an eventful weekend that celebrated Schwerin's cultural roots. It was not only a festival in honor of the castle, but also a celebration of the entire region and its proud heritage as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its impressive architectural diversity. Schwerin.de emphasizes that the entire event impressed with a charming mix of history, art and contemporary culture and gave the citizens of Schwerin the opportunity to experience their city and its history in a unique way.