Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site

In the heart of Schwerin's old town, just a few steps away from the castle, lies the Café Prag. The building on the corner of Schloße and Puschkinstraße is a feast for the eyes with its high and impressive stepped gable. In 1755, the then owner Johann Gottlob Hering was appointed court confectioner by Duke Christian Ludwig. His confectionery and café in a baroque half-timbered house changed hands several times until Carl Friedrich Leopold Krefft took over the Schwerin confectionery in 1791. In 1909, the building was remodeled by Betty Krefft according to plans by master builder Ludwig Clewe to give it its present appearance. In 1936, Carl Krefft sold the house and the associated café was run by the then master confectioner. The restaurant names also changed. Only since 1959 has the former pastry shop been called Restaurant Café Prague.

There is a mural at the front with the motif of Charles Bridge and Hradčany in Prague, so the name is clear. But a mural from the old Krefft building was also discovered during the restoration work after reunification.

„13 layers of paint had to be removed to reveal the painting again,

says Thomas Hildebrandt, who now runs the Café Prag. Thomas Hildebrandt knows that he not only sells coffee and cake, but also an experience. „With us you get to touch Schwerin history!“ That is why the historical charm is maintained at all costs. „The carpet is part of the history. Just like the original wall coverings. The armchairs will also remain.

Guests who know nothing of the long history will sense that this place is something special when they enter the Café Prague.

„I don't care about cake“, says Thomas Hildebrandt. Nevertheless, there are ten different varieties in the display case every day. The marzipan cake is the one with the hardest story. For those who like it lighter, the mango buttermilk tart is recommended. Yes, it really does make you want to visit.

The charm of days gone by is impressive at the next purveyor to the court, Weinhaus Uhle, which is, after all, Schwerin's oldest shop.

At least as impressive as the quantities of wine that were once sold over the counter here. The business was so successful that external storage space had to be rented in Schwerin for up to 900,000 liters of wine in barrels and one million bottles. The success began in 1751, when Duke Christian Ludwig II granted Johann Georg Uhl the privilege of a Frey wine-giver, making him part of the purveyors to the court.

Today, Weinhaus Uhle skillfully combines tradition and modernity. The stylishly renovated building houses an elegant gourmet restaurant, which is widely known for its sophisticated cuisine and exquisite wine selection. The chef and his team create culinary masterpieces that combine regional specialties with international influences and are waiting for their first Michelin star. The wine bistro „George“ üconvinces with a carefully selected wine list and delicacies for lunch and dinner.

The historic rooms have been beautifully renovated. On the first floor with its wooden wall paneling and barrel-vaulted ceiling, guests are transported to a bygone era. This impression can be topped by the Knights' Hall on the second floor. The representative, elaborate wall and ceiling design is well-preserved and incredibly impressive in the neo-Renaissance style. The existing stained glass windows are decorated with city and family coats of arms. A feast for the eyes par excellence.

If you like, you can also book a room here. The house is now also a four-star superior hotel, which is a wonderful place to stay. The married couple Annika and Dirk Frymark run the hotel, which is now also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a lot of heart and soul.

„Our aim is to keep the history of Weinhaus Uhle alive and to convey an authentic piece of Schwerin tradition to our guests,“ explains Annika Frymark. „We are working with passion to further develop our gastronomic offer (or: to raise it to the highest level) and to get a Michelin star.“ Dirk Frymark adds: „The combination of tradition and innovation is our recipe for success. It is a great honor for us to run this historic house and at the same time set modern culinary standards."

Back in the 19th century, the “wine wholesaler” Wöhler was a purveyor to the court of the Grand Duke. The main focus at the time was on Bordeaux. It was very popular at court. „Today I only have one Bordeaux on the menu“, says Nicole Menke-Borchers, who gave up her banking career to devote herself to this historic place. And without any gastronomic experience. But with a lot of passion for „everything that is old“. 

History has been preserved, nurtured and lived with great attention to detail. The restaurant, which has always been a meeting place for the people of Schwerin to celebrate important festivals, has a quaint, winding atmosphere. Roulade is a must on the menu. Because, like every corner of Wöhler, it has a tradition here. „I took it off the menu once, there was a revolution in Schwerin.“ Because you come to Weinhaus Wöhler to enjoy stews with a glass of fine wine. In peace and quiet. 

However, the term "wine wholesaler", which adorns the shop front in golden letters, is misleading. Today it is more about gastronomy and the modern hotel. The wine trade is rather small. And only 1,000 bottles are stored in the wine cellar. When a wine runs out, it is simply reordered - in keeping with the times.

The focus of the restaurant is on the unique ambience. For example, the magnificent stained glass windows, whose wisdom still carries weight today. „While singing beer, I praise myself“ and the detailed painted murals, which have been lovingly restored and tell of a glorious past.