The ensemble of residences around Schwerin Palace is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And these historic buildings include three historic court purveyors, who still maintain traditions, live history and fortunately invite you to stop by.
When you walk through Schwerin, you breathe history. After all, it is the älst city in today's Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. And it is a beauty, peppered with a total of twelve lakes and plenty of culture. So much so that UNESCO nodded its approval when it came to the title of World Heritage Site. The commitment to the coveted award comes from the people of Schwerin. According to the tenor, their city is definitely one of the great cultural highlights of this planet.
Whoever stands in the middle of the city knows that they are right. Schwerin Castle alone, picturesquely situated on an island in Lake Schwerin, is fabulously beautiful. It also looks back on a long and eventful history. Its origins date back to the 10th century, when a Slavic castle stood on this site. In the 19th century, under Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II, the castle was given its current neo-Renaissance appearance. It served as a residence for the dukes and grand dukes of Mecklenburg and is an outstanding example of the architecture and splendor of the time.
Visitors to Schwerin Palace can discover a multitude of treasures and sights. The magnificent halls and paintings are richly decorated and offer an insight into the life and culture of the nobility in the 19th century. The throne room is particularly impressive, but not the only one.
However, the UNESCO cultural heritage site is not just the Residential Palace. There are also 36 other buildings well worth seeing, which often conjure up a wow on the lips of those who see them. These include classic Schwerin sights such as the State Museum, the Court Theater and the cathedral. But there are also lesser-known sights, such as Demmler's house or the Fridericianum grammar school. The court purveyors Uhle, Wöhler and Krefft are also included. Practically all in operation today.
Court suppliers were specialized companies and craftsmen who supplied products and services of exceptional quality directly to the Grand Ducal Court. From the wine merchant, who sourced the finest wines from all over Europe, to the court tailor, who made the garments, to jewelers, carpenters and confectioners. To name just a few examples. In 1893, there were a total of 436 title holders, not all of whom were based directly in Schwerin.
The path to becoming a purveyor to the court was by no means easy. First of all, you had to draw attention to yourself over the years through consistent quality and reliability and then submit an application. The candidates were usually assessed by members of the court or by the Grand Duke himself. Naturally, the court also paid for this distinction. The stamp cost 300 marks. He was then allowed to mark business cards and business papers with the coat of arms or decorate a store with a certificate. A successful marketing strategy even back then, as the title of purveyor to the court was just as significant and meaningful as today's „Stiftung-Warentest-Siegel“.
Thus, a network of experts and tradesmen developed around Schwerin Castle, which not only met the needs of the court, but also had a significant impact on urban life.
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.
Founded in 1819, the Weinhaus Wöhler has lost none of its appeal over the centuries.
„Our task is to preserve tradition and at the same time be open to new things,
explains Nicole Menke-Borchers, who runs the business with infectious enthusiasm. „We not only want to offer our customers excellent food, but also convey a piece of culture and history. That's why I like to give guests a personal tour of the premises. And a tour is worthwhile.
“We want to bring people together and warm them up. And, of course, to show them a piece of Schwerin's history. After all, we are part of the cultural heritage.
The Weinhaus Wöhler, the Café Prag and the Weinhaus Uhle not only have the fact that they were purveyors to the court and are now part of the UNESCO ensemble in common, they also combine past and present to create a unique symbiosis. In Schwerin, history is preserved and kept alive. The whole world knows that now, because hey! Schwerin is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many congratulations.
All components of the residential ensemble can be found on the Schwerin World Heritage site.
Das Weinhaus Wöhler mitten in der Schweriner Altstadt mit Hotel, Restaurant und Weinhandel ist ein geschichtsträchtiges Wahrzeichen von Schwerin. Im historischen Ambiente der Gaststube oder im einladenden Sommergarten können Sie sich auf saisonale Küche mit frisch zubereiteten Fisch-,Fleisch-, und Wildgerichten freuen.
The Mecklenburg State Theater in the beautiful state capital Schwerin has a lot to offer: a talented acting ensemble, a versatile musical theater, the third oldest orchestra in Germany, an international ballet ensemble, the Young State Theater Parchim and the traditional Fritz Reuter Stage - up Platt, as well as the highlight of the season every summer, the Schwerin Castle Festival with a diverse program.
Schwerin Palace is located on an island in Lake Schwerin and is among the most important historicism edifices in Europe.
In a prominent location on Schwerin Lake, visitors will find a top collection of Dutch paintings, as well as paintings from the 16th to the 21st century and works of handicrafts and graphic art.
Wine house Uhle
The building complex was built from 1837 to 1842 according to plans by Georg Adolf Demmler as a riding hall with stables and coach house as well as adjoining apartments for the servants. It is located on a peninsula and surrounded by a spacious green area with trees and walking paths. Today the building houses two ministries
The proverbial highlight of the churches in Mecklenburg: Schwerin Cathedral. This imposing masterpiece of brick Gothic is the oldest building in the city of Schwerin, has the highest church tower in Mecklenburg at 117.5 meters and is the only true cathedral in the state. The cathedral is open daily. Those who climb the 220 steps of the tower are greeted by a breathtaking view over Schwerin's lake landscape.
It is a rare beauty - the only pure brick Baroque church in the West Mecklenburg region. An architectural cousin of the Michel in Hamburg. Worth seeing is the crypt of the Mecklenburg dukes. The church is open daily and can be visited.