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Five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow

Published: March 25, 2025

Cycle tour through the Barlach town of Güstrow, © TMV/Gross

Published: March 25, 2025

The old town of Güstrow is a feast for the eyes. Quaint half-timbered houses and impressive buildings in the brick Gothic style characterize the townscape. The classicist town hall is surrounded by town houses and Renaissance buildings. The narrow streets are lined with picturesque courtyards and charming cafés and restaurants. Güstrow Castle is one of the most important Renaissance castles in northern Germany. But where to go first? These are the five sights in the Barlach town of Güstrow.

Ernst Barlach's "The Floating Man" in Güstrow Cathedral, © TMV/Werk3

1. the cathedral and the "floating man"

In Güstrower Cathedral, you can clearly see the transition from Romanesque to Gothic, as is the case with many church buildings from the 13th century. Construction of the cathedral began in 1226 after Henry Borwin II, the grandson of Henry the Lion, decided on the project on his deathbed. However, the altar was not consecrated until 1335, as it took so long to complete this venerable building.

The massive west tower rises a proud 44 meters into the air. However, the interior of the cathedral is particularly significant. Works of art from the 15th and 16th centuries can be admired here. But one work is particularly important: the sculpture »The Floating Man« by Ernst Barlach. The sad fate of this work of art, which was stolen and melted down by the Nazis, is closely interwoven with the cathedral. Anyone who is now thinking: »Well, why is ›The Hovering Man‹ still visible in the church today?« It is a replica that has been housed in the cathedral since 1953.

The Güstrow town hall in the center, © TMV/Petermann

2. the old town and a view for the doors

Güstrow is home to one of the best-preserved old towns in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This can be admired in particular at Güstrower Markt, which is surrounded by elegant classicist buildings and charming medieval gabled houses. This square reflects the early self-confident appearance of the town's citizens. Of course, the Güstrower town hall is also particularly impressive:

After a devastating town fire in 1503, four adjoining buildings were probably erected on the foundations of the medieval town hall and now the building stretches across four gabled houses.

The façade of the town hall is characterized by pilasters and garland decorations, which underlines the magnificent neoclassical style. Inside the building, which was extensively restored in 2002, is the grand Audience Hall with a beautifully designed stucco ceiling - a real highlight.

In addition to the town hall, there is also the theater and the former chancellery, which are worth a closer look and a photo. Oh yes, what you should also look out for: front doors! Even these have been preserved and largely restored. Real eye-catchers.

3rd gallery mile

Stroll into the former horse stable

The Hageböcker Straße in Güstrow is a real art mile. And a very popular one at that. It all began with the opening of »Galerie 21«. Dr. Kersten Klevenow, former director of the Ernst Barlach Theatre in Güstrow, mainly presents works by regional artists in her lovingly designed gallery. In Hageböcker Straße 12, Heike Roesner has opened the charming shop-studio called »Roesnerei«. There she creates small works of art or stories out of paper, as she calls her work. Each piece is unique and individually crafted. Visitors have the opportunity to watch her work live and purchase her pieces afterwards.

The Martina Fregin Gallery also opened its doors right next door. Although this gallery is more of a hobby for the entrepreneur from Bützow, she has an extensive network of contacts to artists both within and outside the Güstrow region. She would like to use this network to further enrich the art treasure in Güstrow.

And then there's the Städtische Galerie Wollhalle. The building alone is a highlight. It is located in a former ducal horse stable. The lower gallery space mainly presents contemporary art in temporary exhibitions. It's always worth taking a look at the calendar.

  • Municipal Gallery Wollhalle, © André Hamann

    Municipal Gallery Wollhalle

    • Open today
    • Franz-Parr-Platz, 18273 Güstrow

    Originally built as a ducal horse stable, the Güstrow city fathers acquired the building in 1817 to store the wool produced in the country. Today, the wool hall houses modern gallery spaces in a historic ambience

    Read more: "Municipal Gallery Wollhalle"
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    4th wine house in the courtyard with tasting

    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 the courage, you can also take a seat for a wine tasting. Leopold Höglinger is happy to share his knowledge of fine wines. And he does so in a humorous and entertaining way.

    Interior of the wine shop "Weinhaus im Hof" with shelves full of wine bottles, delicatessen and decorative gift items.

    If you think of cocktails and espresso when you hear the name Anmut.Bar you're not wrong, but you haven't yet grasped its full splendor. The Anmut.bar is more.
    It's a fantastic place to have breakfast or an aperitivo with friends while enjoying a tarte flambée or a delicious home-style pizza.
    Twice a week there is the living room cinema, where special films are shown in a charming atmosphere. Whether it's the monthly living room theater or a living room concert, private lessons in Tango Argentino or a book from the bookshelf, every guest will find something to suit them. But above all, the Anmut Bar is a beautiful Art Nouveau villa where you can relax with a cup of cappuccino and a home-baked slice of cake, for example.

    That's all you really need to be happy.

    Villa of Grace Bar, © Andy Haensch
    The Anmut.bar from the inside, © Andy Haensch

    Sights & excursion destinations

    in Güstrow

    14 Ergebnisse
    • View into the permanent exhibition of the Atelierhaus, © Christin Sobeck / Archiv Ernst Barlach Stiftung

      Ernst Barlach Museums Güstrow - Studio House

      • Heidberg, 18273 Güstrow

      Ernst Barlach (1870-1938) was not only a draftsman, graphic artist and writer, but also one of the most important sculptors of German Expressionism. In his studio house and the Gertruden Chapel, the Ernst Barlach Museums Güstrow present the world's largest contiguous collection of works by the internationally renowned artist.

      Read more: "Ernst Barlach Museums Güstrow - Studio House"
    • © Historisches Wasserkraftwerk

      Historic hydroelectric power station

      • Temporarily closed
      • Am Berge, 18273 Güstrow

      -temporarily closed- The historic hydroelectric power plant of the Güstrow municipal utility still generates green electricity from hydroelectric power, which is fed into the Güstrow power grid. For interested parties, the Güstrow municipal utility offers a guided tour by appointment.

      Read more: "Historic hydroelectric power station"
    • The Güstrow town hall with classicist facade, © Christoph Nahr

      City Hall Güstrow

      • Markt, 18273 Güstrow

      None of the Mecklenburg town halls of classicism looks as festive and inviting as this one in Güstrow.

      Read more: "City Hall Güstrow"
    • Municipal Gallery Wollhalle, © André Hamann

      Municipal Gallery Wollhalle

      • Open today
      • Franz-Parr-Platz, 18273 Güstrow

      Originally built as a ducal horse stable, the Güstrow city fathers acquired the building in 1817 to store the wool produced in the country. Today, the wool hall houses modern gallery spaces in a historic ambience

      Read more: "Municipal Gallery Wollhalle"
    • © Malmström-Museum

      Malmström Museum

      • Zu den Wiesen, 18273 Güstrow

      The Güstrow Malmström Museum offers an interesting insight into the almost three hundred years of artistic and circus history of the Kolter-Malmströms, who have been based in Güstrow since 1917.

      Read more: "Malmström Museum"
    • © Helga Möbius

      Parish Church of St. Mary

      • Open today
      • Markt, 18273 Güstrow

      The Güstrow parish church stands 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 the center of Güstrow 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 completely restored Jan Borman altar from 1522. This work of art, the ornate pulpit, the impressive organ and a small Barlach angel are already reasons enough to take a look around. But there is one very special highlight that you should not miss: 196 steps lead up to the 41 meter high observation deck of the highest building in Güstrow. A magnificent view over the city and Heidberge, the lakes and the meadows leaves many tourists amazed.

      Read more: "Parish Church of St. Mary"
    • © Uwe Seemann

      North German Nativity Museum

      • Heiligengeisthof, 18273 Güstrow

      Christmas cribs from all over the world can be seen in a permanent exhibition. Interesting are the variety of materials used as well as the different ways of processing. Unusual materials include nuts, bread dough, tree bark or banana leaves. The nativity scenes were, for example, mouth-blown, punched or woven.

      Read more: "North German Nativity Museum"
    • Güstrow Castle is one of the most important Renaissance castles in northern Europe, © SSGK M-V / Timm Allrich

      Güstrow Castle

      • Temporarily closed
      • Franz-Parr-Platz, 18273 Güstrow

      On the edge of the old town of Güstrow, one of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe surprises with its southern charm. Magnificent stucco ceilings from the time of construction have been preserved. Extensive renovation work is currently taking place in the castle. Due to this, the castle museum is not open to the public.

      Read more: "Güstrow Castle"
    • © Christoph Nahr

      Güstrow Cathedral

      • Domplatz, 18273 Güstrow

      Construction of the cathedral began in 1226 and was not completed until 1335 with the consecration of the altar. The transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic period can be clearly seen at Güstrow Cathedral. The cruciform ground plan and the elongated choir room point to the Romanesque concept. The massive west tower is 44 meters high.

      Read more: "Güstrow Cathedral"
    • Gertrude Chapel, © Steffen Hoffmann

      Ernst Barlach Museums Güstrow - Gertruden Chapel

      • Gertrudenplatz, 18273 Güstrow

      Located not far from the center of Güstrow, the Gothic Gertruden Chapel was opened in 1953 as the first Barlach Museum in Güstrow. The chapel houses about 30 sculptures and reliefs by Ernst Barlach, all of which were created during the Güstrow period.

      Read more: "Ernst Barlach Museums Güstrow - Gertruden Chapel"
    • © Güstrow-Information

      Gallery 21

      • Open today
      • Hageböcker Straße, 18273 Güstrow

      Galerie 21 at Hageböcker Straße 103 primarily presents works by artists and craftspeople from the region.

      Read more: "Gallery 21"
    • © Wiebke Hörring

      Children Youth Art House Güstrow

      • Baustraße, 18273 Güstrow

      We show seen and invented from all workshops: painting, graphics, textiles and objects. Figures in the variety of their shape testify to the imagination of the children and young people. The exhibition encourages participation - material is ready.

      Read more: "Children Youth Art House Güstrow"
    • Exhibition in the City Museum, © André Hamann

      City Museum Güstrow

      • Franz-Parr-Platz, 18273 Güstrow

      Since 2003, the Güstrow City Museum has had a new location: it is located above the city archives in the hospital of a country workhouse built in 1826.

      Read more: "City Museum Güstrow"
    • View castle garden, © Stadt Güstrow

      Güstrow castle garden

      • Franz-Parr-Platz, 18273 Güstrow

      The garden of Güstrow Castle was first mentioned in 1570 and was subsequently redesigned several times. On the occasion of the 750th anniversary of Güstrow, the garden was rededicated in 1978. Old plans formed the basis for the design.

      Read more: "Güstrow castle garden"

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