Brandenburg is the state of castles and palaces, no question about it. But there are also fortresses worth seeing a little further afield. If you want to take a slightly longer day trip from Berlin, you can visit Stargard Castle in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. As Germany’s northernmost hilltop castle, it is a fascinating example of medieval architecture. After serving as the residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg-Stargard for centuries, it has now become a popular destination for day trips.
A thousand-year history
Stargard Castle was already inhabited in 3000 BC. More precisely, the castle hill – because, of course, there was no fortress here at that early stage. When Slavic tribes later reached the region, they found the remains of a former settlement on the hill. They therefore named the place “Stari Gard” – old castle.
From the 12th century onwards, the area was conquered by Christian princes. In 1236, they built Stargard Castle, and shortly afterwards the town was declared a city. Medieval castle life was bustling here. That only changed during the Thirty Years’ War: the castle was badly damaged and even burned down after being struck by lightning in 1646.
After its reconstruction, the castle remained the seat of the administrative office and was used as a youth hostel during the Second World War. From 1990 onwards, the castle underwent extensive restoration to become the castle we know today. You can now visit all eleven buildings.
Celebrating like in the Middle Ages
The centerpiece of the extensive complex is the accessible keep, from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Stargard region. The castle museum in the former chancellery building provides insights into the life of knights and the strategic importance of the fortress. A special highlight on the grounds is the historic castle garden, which is laid out as a rare herb and teaching garden and preserves knowledge about medieval crops.
Today, the castle is best known for its lively event culture : every year in August, the area is transformed into a medieval backdrop with knight tournaments, market bustle, and craft demonstrations that attract thousands of visitors. A must for anyone interested in history! In addition to the tourist attractions, you can now also get married here—in historical costume. A tailor’s shop will create the knightly backdrop for you.