Introduction

The BUGA, short for Bundesgartenschau, is located in Schwerin, Germany. This international horticultural event covers 2 million square feet of land surrounding the spectacular Schwerin Castle. Seven interactive garden exhibits are incorporated within the lush and lavish Castle Gardens, adjacent lakes, forests and wetlands of Schwerin.

This blog exists to encourage and inspire others to visit the BUGA, Schwerin and the entire Northern region of Germany. The event began in April and runs through October 11, 2009. There is enough time to book a flight and visit the BUGA.

As your BUGA Blog host, I will be uploading ‘in the field’ reports, pictures and video from the BUGA and other points of interest in Northern Germany from May 15 through the month of June 2009. Please post your comments and questions on this blog. I am pleased to help any travelers who wish to visit this area.

The 2009 Bundesgartenschau

Monday, May 25, 2009

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.

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