A visit to the Marstall Garten-A walk ON the Schweriner Lake?

The spacious Marstall Garten (Stables Garden) incorporates inspirational garden themes, fantastic flowerbeds and a remarkable rose garden. The Marstall Garten is located north east from the BUGA main entrance. Begin the trip by travelling north over the Schwimmende Bruecke (bridge). This temporary pontoon pathway provides rare views of Schwerin Castle. The 350-yard long (325 m) bridge offers BUGA patrons a chance to walk on water and the opportunity to enjoy views only boat owners are privy to.



The last step off the bridge is the first step into the Marstall Garten. The garden’s lakeside path gives way to stunning views of the Schweriner See (lake). The path curves subtly through flowerbeds of various shades of violets and blue, entering and exiting through garden themed exhibits.

The garden themed exhibits are islands of yard and garden inspiration. Each island has a theme such as: elements of nature, catching clouds, feather light concrete and living in the forest. Inspired visitors may wish to incorporate one or more of these themes into their own home garden. Drift a shore, after sailing through the islands of yard and garden ideas, to a large land mass of roses.

The Marstall Garten features a brilliant exhibit of roses. The rose garden sits directly behind the Marstall building. A reminder of the Marstall building's original inhabitants divides the rose garden in two. Playful blue horse sculptures on blue bark are pleasant reminders of the horse stables once housed in the Marstall for Schwerin Castle’s royalty.

After drifting through all the islands and meandering the land of roses, enjoy a snack, drink and take in the sights and sounds of the Marstall. The Marstall features an excellent eatery and a sound stage for musical entertainment.

Double back through the garden and along the lakeside path. Sailboats abound the blue waters of Schweriner See (lake) and so do an assortment of ducks, mergansers, sea birds, swans and songbirds. Follow the path to the ausgang (exit) onto the streets of Schwerin.



Insider Tip: A walk through Altstadt
Outside the Martstall Garten, proceed right to Grosser Moor strasse. The Marstall building resides on the right-hand side. Currently the Marstall is hosting the Technisches Landesmuseum, a history of technological advancements in Schwerin and surrounding areas. A left on Grosser Moor strasse leads the way into Schwerin Altstadt (old town).

Schwerin Altstadt is made up of cobblestone streets and classic European architecture. The streets of Altstadt are classic and cozy. Small shops, cafes and pensions make this area of Schwerin a convenient and quiet place to stay. In fact, pensions are a less expensive style of lodging while travelling anywhere in Europe. Purchase goods and services from local vendors and cut eating costs by preparing your own meals in a rented pension.


Take a right on Schlachterstrasse and wander into a delightful town square. The square lays in the shadow of towering deciduous trees. The area features a few restaurants with patio seating, more pensions and hotels. Every Wednesday local vendors fill the square selling the freshest local produce, fish, meats, breads and cheeses.


An inviting tunnel is an open door to the heart of Schwerin. Schwerin Zentrum (city center) is where visitors will find Schwerin’s famous Der Marktplatz (Market Place), Rathaus (City Hall) and Der Dom (St. Paul’s Church). St. Paul’s Church dominates the skyline from all vantage points in downtown Schwerin. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary and Saint John, St. Paul’s church was built in the 12th century. Its tower looms 385 feet (117.5 m) over the Marktplatz and can be seen from miles away.


Opposite from the tunnel is Schmiedestrasse. Follow Schmiedestrasse to Mecklenburgstrasse. The cobblestone streets contain more local shops, restaurants and other amenities. Take a right on Mecklenburgstrasse and visit another famous Schwerin focal point⎯the Pfaffenteich. The Pfaffenteich is a picture perfect waterside wayside. Several restaurants and snack stands provide visitors with necessary nourishment needed to fulfill a travel day in the picuresque Altstadt of Schwerin.

A day trip to Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg, Germany is a one hour and twenty minute train ride west of Schwerin. Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany with 1.8 million inhabitants. There are numerous tourist activities in Hamburg. A judicious destination plan will help optimize an entertaining day spent in Hamburg.

Consider visiting the Miniatur Wunderland (Miniature Wonderland) museum and take a boat ride on Alster Lake. The former necessitates a walk through the culturally rich city center of Hamburg including cathedrals and other awe-inspiring architecture. The latter provides a one of a kind experience introducing visitors to the numerous canals, green spaces and lavish neighborhoods in Hamburg.

Miniatur Wunderland
Miniatur Wunderland takes the concept of train model railway construction to the nth degree. It is the largest train model railway in the world and the most successful permanent exhibition in Northern Germany. More than 500,000 hours of labor were spent to construct the nearly 6,000 square foot miniature display of trains, planes, automobiles and more. Prototypes of areas from around the world including Germany, America, Switzerland and Scandinavia cover three separate floors of the museum. From underneath rivers to the top of mountaintops, meticulous attention to design and detail creates a world where young and old alike want to spend hours exploring.



The Miniatur Wunderland sits in the Speicherstadt, storehouse district, of Hamburg. The district is an integral part of the Port of Hamburg. The Port of Hamburg is the second largest in Europe. More than 13,000 sea vessels pass through the port each year. Barges and boats of all sizes fill the port’s harbors. The amount of commerce taking place at any given time in this area is staggering, and this is why the Port of Hamburg is referred to as the “Gateway to the World.”

Alster Lake boat tour
An Alster Lake boat tour, or steamer tour, takes visitors across the lake, into the canals of Hamburg and under its bridges. Hamburg contains more than 2300 bridges⎯more than Venice and Amsterdam combined! Once aboard an Alster steamer ship visitors can sit back, relax their feet and have a drink. Enjoy panoramic views of Hamburg city center, verdant shoreline gardens, inviting canals and the most sought after canal-side properties in all of Hamburg.


After a fulfilling day of fun in Hamburg, visit one of Hamburg’s gastronomical world-class restaurants or snatch up a simple but delicious snack at a Bratwurst stand. Enjoy a day of travel adventure in one of the world’s most culturally rich and intriguing Hanseatic cities⎯Hamburg, Germany.

Directions

From Hamburg Hauptbahnhof to Miniatur Wunderland
After leaving the Hauptbahnhof (train station) in Hamburg, cross Glockengiesserwall Strasse and proceed one half mile (0.8 km) on Moenckeberg Strasse to Rathaus Square. At Rathaus Square go to the left of the Rathaus building and proceed one-third mile (0.5 km) down Grosse Johannisstrasse. This street will change names to Grosser Burstah Strasse and curve slightly to the right. At Kleiner Burstah Strasse take a left, and proceed down this street for one-third mile (0.8 km) until you cross a river and enter the Port of Hamburg. Here you will find the Miniatur Wunderland and other museums, coffee shops and stores.

From Rathaus Square to Alster Lake boat ride
Return to the Rathaus Square and proceed to the opposite side of the square. Follow Schleusenbruecke Strasse briefly to Neuer Wall Strasse and take a right. Proceed down Neuer Wall Strasse to Alster Lake waterfront. Boat rides depart several times daily.

Waterfronts and Wetlands: A visit to the Ufergarten and Naturgarten

The Ufergarten and Naturgarten are located east of the main entrance. A walk through the Castle Garden, along the southern shores of Schweriner See (lake) and past the shoreline eateries is the beginning of the Ufergarten.

The city of Schwerin boasts seven different lakes. The largest of these is Schweriner See (lake). The Ufergarten (Waterfront Garden) and Naturgarten (Nature Garden) provide a sublime stroll along the southern shores of Schweriner See and an intimate look at its dense and diverse wetlands.

Ufergarten
The waterfront walk through Ufergarten is cool and comfortable even on the hottest of days. Fanciful foliage and wondrous wildflowers line the pathways of this lush waterfront garden.

A few lakeside garden houses are incorporated within the boundaries of the BUGA. These lakeside residents have owned these properties many years before the garden show came into Schwerin and they will remain for years to come when the BUGA disappears on October 11, 2009. The Hansel and Gretel style cottages not only sit lakeside, they also enjoy front row views of the magnificent Schwerin Castle.

The Ufergarten is the smallest of the seven gardens at the BUGA. Take the time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak, in this brief but dense garden.


Naturgarten
After passing through the Ufergarten continue past (or stop for a rest) the lakeside restaurant, Cafe’ Schlossbucht, to the Naturgarten.

The Naturgarten is a peaceful escape from the busier Castle Gardens. The Naturgarten (Nature Garden) is true to its name. The BUGA has carefully considered the delicate nature of this area. They have constructed elevated walkways so visitors can wander over the wetlands and experience the delicate ecosystems that line the shores of all seven Schwerin lakes.

Foliage fanatics and families will enjoy all the Naturgarten has to offer. Birding, beekeepers, a petting zoo and playground offer hours of entertainment, education and relaxation. Pack a picnic lunch and prepare to lounge around on the ample green spaces.

Families with children can spend a day at the Naturgarten. A football field sized playground with climbing walls, a zip line, trampolines and a myriad of other playground pleasures provide plenty of fun. In fact, don’t be surprised if you find yourself among the adolescents enjoying this incredible playground.

Fun and education go hand in hand in the Naturgarten. A beekeeper station educates visitors on the importance of bees and how they help our Earth’s ecosystem. Visitors young and old will enjoy the sweet taste of honey and a chance to observe active beehives. No worries, the bees keep to their hives but the beekeepers will educate and entertain. Past the beekeeper station is a petting zoo. The petting zoo adds an additional fun factor that is also educational.

The last area to visit in the Naturgarten, Adebors Nas, is the eastern most point of the BUGA. The BUGA has constructed a brand new wooden path over the wetlands. The path provides a place for visitors to experience lakeside wetlands firsthand without damaging the fertile and fragile ecosystems.

Follow the path to the water’s edge. Here visitors will see beyond the BUGA and notice how Schwerin has been built and incorporated in its natural surroundings, not on top of it.



Insider Tip: What’s behind that gate?
At the eastern most edge of the BUGA within the Naturgarten is an ausgang (exit). There is no re-entry here into the BUGA. Nevertheless, go ahead and go beyond the BUGA and visit a one of a kind Schwerin neighborhood. This side trip is 3.2 km (2 miles) and will loop around to another BUGA eingang (entrance).


Follow the nature path along the southern shore of Schweriner See (lake) for 300 meters (1000 ft). Along this path are more wild wetlands, streams and a lily pad covered pond. Bird and plant enthusiasts will find the nature trail an interesting addition to the BUGA sites they have already seen.

Pass the Yacht Club on the left hand side of the nature trail and begin to look for Kalkwerderring Strasse (street). Take a right onto Kalkwerderring and continue uphill. Admire the unique housing in this upscale Schwerin neighborhood. Each house is original and different than its neighbor. Every house is incorporated within the landscape it sits. Like most Schweriner neighborhoods, all yards and gardens are meticulously taken care of.

Keep an eye out for Thomas’ Kegel Club on the left hand side of the street. Just past this club is the intersection of Kalkwederring and Schlossgartenallee. Take a right onto Schlossgartenallee and follow this street 1.6 km (1 mile) back to a BUGA eingang (entrance). Schlossgartenallee is lined with beautiful houses and their vibrant and lush gardens.

Kuechengarten (Kitchen Garden): more than wine and roses

The Kuechengarten is located east of the main entrance. A short walk through the Castle Garden and along the southern shores of Schweriner See (lake) is the entrance to the Kuechengarten.


The Kuechengarten features a plethora of plants and trees common in most home gardens. The beauty of this botanical exhibit will take home gardeners, plant enthusiasts and anyone else who appreciates a manicured yard and garden aback.

However, there is something symbolic about this particular garden. The Kuechengarten represents a lifestyle that is forgiven but not forgotten. The BUGA and Schwerin are located in East Germany. From 1949 to 1989 five German states and East Berlin were under the communist control of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Schwerin was one of many cities that lived through the trying times of communist control.

Fresh and abundant supplies of fruits and vegetables were scarce during the GDR’s reign. The majority of East Germans lived in small apartments. Many East German residents would also maintain a small garden house in addition to their apartment. These garden houses helped families sustain their sustenance that was missing in the markets. Garden houses provided the needed land so families could grow their own fruits and vegetables, make their own fruit juices and also maintain rabbits and chickens for extra meat and eggs.

Twenty years later after the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the GDR reign, East Germans still maintain their garden houses. Now a hobby for most, garden houses provide a restful respite for residents and their families. However, if their garden house reaps a little less than sowed, East German residents can go to a super market for fresh fruit and vegetables now.


The Kuechengarten is an extravagant display of gardens and gardening. The flowers and trees in this garden are brilliantly beautiful and the scents are sensuous, but their roots lie deep within the ground of the former East German town. Gardens and garden houses are a passionate past time for most East German residents. They provided necessary nourishment and a place to peacefully escape during the questionable but accepted past of GDR times.

Insider Tip: Off the beaten path


A three-mile side trip around Fauler See, pronounced Fowler Zey, is an adventurous flat land walk including a historic grinding mill, birding and a beer garden!

Walk west (left) from Kuechengarten to the Castle Garden and follow the stream south and southeast to an exit (ausgang).

Outside of the BUGA, follow the lake path counter-clockwise around the lake⎯there’s a reason for this.



First stop, the Grinding Mill. The mill was built in 1705 and was used to grind tanbark until 1753. In 1755, the Grinding Mill was converted and used to cut and grind stones for the Schwerin Castle for about a hundred years. The mill was closed in 1904 but still stands today.

Past the mill, the lake path proceeds alongside some immaculate lakeside houses. Only a short half-mile stretch of property provides a few lucky homeowners the privilege of lakeside living. The path remains along the shoreline throughout the entire circumference of the lake.

Ducks, geese, swans and songbirds call this lake their home throughout the year. Birding enthusiasts will find many different species of birds in the trees, shrubs and on the lake.

If you have followed the lake path counter-clockwise and worked up a bit of thirst and an appetite, near the end of the journey sits the Radeberger beer garden. The Radeberger has indoor and outdoor seating. Either seating offers views of the charming Fauler See. The Radeberger features a $5.55 EU a plate menu of authentic German food. And of course, they serve thirst quenching local German brews⎯a great reward after a long walk.

BUGA Basics

Purchase tickets for the BUGA at the information kiosk located on the south side of Schwerin Castle.

Bathrooms are located throughout the BUGA. Look for the WC sign.

To enter exhibits 'Eingang' = Enter
To exit exhibits 'Ausgang' = Exit

The BUGA Blog is live! New reports, video and pictures will be added each day from May 15 through May 30.

In the field reporting from the BUGA located in Schwerin, Germany. 

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