Historic Schwerin Castle Festival

Friday, June 28, 2024
An arts and crafts market will take place around the Victory Column from 10:00 - 19:00. Over 40 exhibitors will be offering leather goods, toys, glass artworks, jewelry, woven goods, pottery and much more throughout the weekend. There will also be plenty to eat and drink.

From 10.30 p.m., you can experience a fascinating spectacle in the Old Garden with a view of the castle: the light show "Son et Lumière". On Friday, Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II comes to life. Accompanied by visual effects and projections on the palace façade, he takes the audience on a journey through the past.

Saturday, June 29, 2024
The wheel of time is turned: the historical castle festival takes you back to the 19th century and begins at 10 a.m. with a parade of over 150 participants in historical costumes from the train station to the castle. The colorful procession, accompanied by the state police orchestra, includes ladies in magnificent dresses, courtly servants, uniforms and citizens in their Sunday best, and sitting in the magnificent carriage: Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II and Grand Duchess Marie von Mecklenburg-Schwerin.

In the palace museum
The program around the palace and in the museum rooms begins at 11.00 a.m. with the arrival of the court at the palace. Visitors will learn interesting and humorous facts about the Schwerin royal court in play scenes, lectures and displays. For example, you can look over the Grand Duke's shoulder during one of his audiences, watch an introduction to society or learn about the language of fans. Court ladies can be overheard chatting and the robed lords answer questions about the historical wardrobe. In addition, children can rediscover old handicrafts in the craft room all day long.

Inner courtyard and castle church
Music can be heard in the inner courtyard and in the castle church. The dance group of the castle association and the show historical, courtly dances. You are invited to try out some of the dances for yourself. At the historical fashion show at around 5.00 p.m., the historical garments will be presented once again and exciting facts about fashion in the mid-19th century will be revealed. The day ends with a church service at 7.00 p.m. in the castle church.

In the castle garden
In the castle garden, visitors will not only meet strolling members of courtly society, but also associations that present themselves there. Guided tours, such as the legend tour, are also offered. At 3 p.m., the historic swing bridge will once again be in action.

At the Victory Column
Traders will also be selling their wares at the arts and crafts marketfrom 10.00 am to 7.00 pm.

The day will end with the light show "Son et Lumiè;re" from 10.30 p.m. Under the motto "Sound of Germany", rousing melodies by well-known German musicians will echo across the square, accompanied by an impressive light and laser show.

Sunday, June 30, 2024
In the castle
Take a look behind the scenes of Germany's most beautiful state parliament! At the "Open Day" of the State Parliament, you can enter into discussion with the members of parliament and visit special rooms such as the plenary chamber and the State Parliament library. You can also take part in guided tours of the north bastion to the tea pavilion, gain an insight into the construction site of the castle wing and watch a varied stage program in the inner courtyard. The castle church and the castle museum, which offers free admission on this day, also invite you to take a journey back in time.

Castle garden and castle island
In the castle garden, stands will be set up by political parties, ombudsmen and state commissioners for data protection and freedom of information as well as initiatives for democracy and freedom. You will also get an exclusive insight into the Weinlaubsaal and the Medaillon Hall. A bouncy castle is available for younger guests.

At the Victory Column
The arts and crafts market around the Victory Column will be open again from 10.00-19.00.