Things To Do
in Güstrow
Güstrow is a historic town in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, about 45 minutes south of Rostock, set amid lakes and forests. It is known for Schloss Güstrow and the Ernst Barlach House, blending Renaissance grandeur with a tranquil, walkable town center. The brick Gothic architecture and lakeside promenades give it a distinctly northern German charm, while nearby nature reserves invite outdoor exploration.
It's a family-friendly base for exploring the region, with easy day trips to the Müritz and the Baltic coast.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey by arriving in Güstrow and checking into your accommodation near the Markt. Wander through the cobblestone streets lined with red brick medieval buildings and stop for a coffee at a local café. Let the gentle hum of daily life and the sight of the Renaissance Rathaus set the tone for your stay.
Head to the lively Marktplatz to browse artisan shops and sample traditional Mecklenburg pastries. Admire the intricate façades of the merchants’ houses and chat with friendly locals. Pause at a street-side bench to soak in the atmosphere and watch church bells toll in the distance.
Dine at a cozy eatery serving Mecklenburg specialties like smoked fish or hearty stews. Take an evening stroll past the illuminated Stadtkirche, its spire glowing against the night sky. Cap off your first night with a locally brewed beer at a riverside pub overlooking the Bützow Canal.
Make your way to Güstrow Palace and secure tickets for a guided tour of its opulent state rooms. Marvel at the elaborate stucco ceilings, ornate fireplaces, and the Duke’s private chambers. Learn about regional history as you wander through the Baroque and Renaissance galleries.
Visit the palace’s Court Garden for a leisurely walk among manicured hedges, classical statues, and blooming flowerbeds. Stop by the café nestled beneath ancient linden trees for a slice of Black Forest cake. Continue exploring the nearby Palace Museum’s exhibits, featuring period furnishings and art collections.
Return to the palace terrace as dusk falls and the façade is bathed in soft light. Enjoy a light dinner in the palace restaurant featuring fresh seasonal ingredients. Finish with a moonlit walk along the garden paths, listening to the gentle rustle of leaves.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🚆Public transit 24h pass | $5-10 |
| 🧀Groceries for a week | $40-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich history and architecture
- Stunning castle and lake scenery
- Walkable town center and safe, family-friendly environment
- Good access to natural areas for day trips
- Smaller nightlife compared with bigger cities
- Limited high-end dining options
- Some attractions have seasonal hours and may close in winter
- "Guten Tag" - Hello / Good day
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Danke schön" - Thank you
- "Entschuldigung" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Ich hätte gerne ..." - I would like ...
Places to Visit in Güstrow
Visit one of these nice places.
A grand Renaissance-style castle with brickwork, formal gardens and reflective water features—suitable for wide shots and interior details.
An intimate museum with sculpture and drawings set in a quiet, contemplative setting—great for close-ups and architecture shots.
Historic brick Gothic facades and a lively public space; ideal for street photography and golden-hour exteriors.
Tranquil water views, swans and forested shores offering mood lighting for sunset photography.
Food in Güstrow
Güstrow Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic pear, bean and bacon dish that is quintessentially northern German and widely enjoyed in the region.
Must-Try!
Kale with sausage, a robust winter dish often found in Mecklenburg homes and taverns.
Freshwater carp prepared simply with herbs, a nod to the local lakes and fish markets.
Boiled potatoes served with meat or vegetables, a staple comfort dish in the area.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market on the Market Square offering fresh produce, bread, cheese and regional specialties.
Casual options around the town center offering sausages, pretzels and seasonal quick bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite forms (Sie) with strangers; a friendly hello (Guten Tag) is standard.
Keep voices moderate in public places, especially in residential areas and late evenings.
Safety
Tipping in Güstrow
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. In restaurants, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is common.
Cash and card payments are widely accepted; many places offer contactless payments; some small venues may prefer cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Long daylight hours with mild to warm temperatures; ideal for outdoor exploration, lake activities and al fresco dining. Expect occasional rain showers and comfortable hiking conditions.
Golden forests and harvest markets; cooler temperatures and shorter days, with crisp air perfect for photography walks.
Cold with possible snowfall; atmospheric brick façades and Christmas markets bring cozy scenes, but some attractions may have reduced hours.
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; great for garden and nature photography as trails reopen.
Güstrow at Night
Hiking in Güstrow
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic circuit around the Kummerower See with forest sections and lakeside viewpoints.
A peaceful route along the Recknitz river with woodland and wildlife viewing.
Airports
How to reach Güstrow by plane.
Nearest regional airport; around 50-60 km by road, with regular connections to major German hubs.
Larger international airport within roughly 150-180 km, offering many international and domestic flights.
Major international airport about 180-210 km away, accessible by train or car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families with children enjoy the safe, park-like surroundings and educational museums.
Residents include a mix of long-time locals and regional commuters; English-speaking awareness is increasing.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely practiced and followed at local clubs; opportunities to watch or join amateur matches.
Popular activity due to flat terrain and surrounding lakes; bike rentals often available.
Water-based activities on nearby lakes during warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Güstrow.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many soups, salads and vegetable plates are available; ask for vegetable-based Hauptgerichte or potato dumplings filled with cheese. When in doubt, request a vegetarian version of regional dishes or opt for fish-free plates.