This Majestic Castle In Germany Is A Stunning Sight Full Of Storybook Charm

Travelers visit Germany for a wide variety of different things. Whether it's Berlin's hipster, artistic neighborhoods, the elegant wineries of the Mosel Valley, or the raucous debauchery of a Bavarian Oktoberfest, Germany has a lot to offer almost every type of traveler. One thing that's on almost every traveler's bucket list is Germany's must-see fairytale castles. This is the home of the mesmerizing cliffside castle that inspired Disney's "Sleeping Beauty", as well as the storybook wonder of Hohenzollern.

One gorgeous German castle that doesn't always get the recognition it deserves is Schwerin Castle, ancestral home of the dukes of Mecklenburg. This stunning castle floats on an island in the middle of the city of Schwerin, surrounded by a shimmering lake, and is considered one of the most important works of Romantic historicism in Europe, the equal of showstoppers like Chambord Castle on the Loire in France.

Schwerin Castle is at the heart of Schwerin, the state capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in northern Germany. It's about 68 miles from Hamburg, and 130 miles from Berlin. The nearest major international airport is Hamburg Airport, just over an hour and a half away by car. Lübeck Airport is closer, reachable in just under an hour, but serves a more limited range of destinations.

There's been a fortification on the site of Schwerin Castle since the 10th century, but the modern incarnation was reconstructed in 1845 on the orders of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II to create a more consistent, homogeneous architectural feel. With six wings, 11 floors, and over 630 rooms, it's a vast edifice, an extraordinary demonstration of power and pomp, and a genuine work of art. The views from the outside of this UNESCO World Heritage Site are stupendous, with its enormous bulk offset by the delicate, ornate turrets and oriels. The picture is completed by its remarkable island setting, with the mirror-like lake making it look like it's floating on air.

Inside, the palace is equally impressive. Part museum, part stately home, Schwerin Castle houses an incredible collection of artworks, including some exceptional examples of German 19th-century painting and sculpture, as well as silver artifacts, some remarkable ducal and ceremonial weaponry, and an exquisite selection of fine Meissen porcelain. The historic furniture is beautiful, the stained glass in the chapel is outstanding, and the carefully curated interior decor is sumptuous, drawing visitors into the glamor and pageantry of 19th-century Germany.

The expansive grounds surrounding the castle are also worth exploring. Laid out to conform to the French Baroque style, Schwerin's gardens are incredibly picturesque. The Burggaten hugs the castle itself, and boasts a delightful orangery overlooking the lake, complete with a restaurant and cafe. Across a narrow causeway, the Schlossgarten is intersected by a number of peaceful canals, and is filled with delightful flower displays, statues, and even a grotto.

The city of Schwerin itself is a treat, and there's plenty to do in addition to a trip to the castle. Surrounded by seven lakes, it's the gateway to the Mecklenburg Lake District, a huge network of lakes and canals known as 'the land of a thousand lakes'. Unlike many other German cities, Schwerin did not suffer many bombing raids during World War II, meaning its historic architecture remains largely intact.

Exploring the twisting cobbled streets and narrow alleys of the old town is one of the best things to do in Schwerin. You'll find beautiful half-timbered houses, pretty churches, and a variety of historic cafes and restaurants. The Old Town Market and the 14th-century City Hall lie at the city's heart, which is a great place to start.

The other main attraction of Schwerin is its majestic cathedral. An excellent example of North German Gothic architecture, it was built in the 12th century and boasts a bronze baptismal font from 1325, a triumphal cross from 1420, and a stunning Ladegast pipe organ. The church tower was added later, constructed in the late 19th century, and at 384 feet is the tallest church spire in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Visitors can climb to the top and enjoy gorgeous views across the lakes to Schwerin Castle itself.