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FEATURE (Category: Europe | Germany | summer | scenic drives | cultural-historical | gardens)
Germany: Gardens and Castles in the East
Germany: Gardens and Castles in the East
Much longer than other European countries Germany consisted of feudal states in varying sizes. It took until 1871 for this situation to change, when Bismark molded the territories into one unified nation. For us, travellers, the caleidoscopic map of former countships, duchies and kingdoms is a treasor trove of castles, palaces and country houses, parks and gardens. Because no monarch or duke, however small, had deemed his power complete without these status symbols.
![Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.MECKLENBURG 1]
'Schlosspark Ludwigslust.'
In 1757 Christian Ludwig II, duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, moved his residence and court from the city of Schwerin to his hunting lodge. Here he erected a baroque court town that still exists today, expanded by the classicist expansions of his successors. The hunting lodge made place for a huge palace dating from the late Baroque, surrounded by an equally huge park. A century later the famous landscape architect Lenné transformed it into a romantic English landscape park, offering beautiful views on the landscapes, the waterworks and of course the palace. The only thing he left untouched were the straight canals of the original baroque design, as he was fond of the 100 year old trees growing alongside them. Which have grown another 150 years older since then... Photo Paul Smit.](http://paulsmit.smugmug.com/Features/Europe/Germany-Parks-and-Castles-in/02/139247533_PnAjt-Ti.jpg "Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.MECKLENBURG 1]
'Schlosspark Ludwigslust.'
In 1757 Christian Ludwig II, duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, moved his residence and court from the city of Schwerin to his hunting lodge. Here he erected a baroque court town that still exists today, expanded by the classicist expansions of his successors. The hunting lodge made place for a huge palace dating from the late Baroque, surrounded by an equally huge park. A century later the famous landscape architect Lenné transformed it into a romantic English landscape park, offering beautiful views on the landscapes, the waterworks and of course the palace. The only thing he left untouched were the straight canals of the original baroque design, as he was fond of the 100 year old trees growing alongside them. Which have grown another 150 years older since then... Photo Paul Smit.")
![Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.MECKLENBURG 2]
'Restaurant Rote Saal, Orangery, Schlosspark Neustrelitz.'
The palace of Neustrelitz was destroyed during the last days of the Second World War. But the park, partly baroque, partly English in style, has remained intact. Just like the Orangerie, with roof paintings resembling those of Pompei and copies of antique statues. The best spot to experience the neoclassicist atmosphere is the Rote Saal while you are dining... Photo Paul Smit.](http://paulsmit.smugmug.com/Features/Europe/Germany-Parks-and-Castles-in/03/139247546_SVYMY-Ti.jpg "Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.MECKLENBURG 2]
'Restaurant Rote Saal, Orangery, Schlosspark Neustrelitz.'
The palace of Neustrelitz was destroyed during the last days of the Second World War. But the park, partly baroque, partly English in style, has remained intact. Just like the Orangerie, with roof paintings resembling those of Pompei and copies of antique statues. The best spot to experience the neoclassicist atmosphere is the Rote Saal while you are dining... Photo Paul Smit.")
![Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.MECKLENBURG 3]
'Schloss and Park Rheinsberg.'
The Rheinsberg castle is situated at Lake Grienerick, in the southern corner of the Mecklenburg lake plateau. This is where Prussian king Friedrich der Große (Frederick the Great) used to live as crown prince. Around 1900 the wealthy Berlin bourgeoisie discovered the baroque village as a health spa. As did writer Kurt Tucholsky, who got so excited about the place he situated his next novel there: "Rheinsberg - ein Bilderbuch für Verliebte" ("Rheinsberg, a picture book for lovers"). It made the town famous, and since the fall of the Berlin Wall pilgrimage to the city started once again, not by health seekers but by lovers!
It was in Rheinsberg that I met this couple, baby in pram, reading each other pages from Tucholsky. I saw Claire and Wolfgang, protagonists from the book, come alive in their eyes. And though they never got each other, they experienced a few happy days in Rheinsberg. Photo Paul Smit.](http://paulsmit.smugmug.com/Features/Europe/Germany-Parks-and-Castles-in/04/139247589_qg5Ku-Ti.jpg "Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.MECKLENBURG 3]
'Schloss and Park Rheinsberg.'
The Rheinsberg castle is situated at Lake Grienerick, in the southern corner of the Mecklenburg lake plateau. This is where Prussian king Friedrich der Große (Frederick the Great) used to live as crown prince. Around 1900 the wealthy Berlin bourgeoisie discovered the baroque village as a health spa. As did writer Kurt Tucholsky, who got so excited about the place he situated his next novel there: \"Rheinsberg - ein Bilderbuch für Verliebte\" (\"Rheinsberg, a picture book for lovers\"). It made the town famous, and since the fall of the Berlin Wall pilgrimage to the city started once again, not by health seekers but by lovers!
It was in Rheinsberg that I met this couple, baby in pram, reading each other pages from Tucholsky. I saw Claire and Wolfgang, protagonists from the book, come alive in their eyes. And though they never got each other, they experienced a few happy days in Rheinsberg. Photo Paul Smit.")
![Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.MECKLENBURG 4]
'Park Rheinsberg.'
The Rheinsberg castle and park are situated at Lake Grienerick, in the southern corner of the Mecklenburg lake plateau. This is where Prussian king Friedrich der Große (Frederick the Great) used to live as crown prince. Around 1900 the wealthy Berlin bourgeoisie discovered the baroque village as a health spa. As did writer Kurt Tucholsky, who got so excited about the place he situated his next novel there: "Rheinsberg - ein Bilderbuch für Verliebte" ("Rheinsberg, a picture book for lovers").
It made the town famous, and since the fall of the Berlin Wall pilgrimage to the city started once again, not by health seekers this time but by lovers! Photo Paul Smit.](http://paulsmit.smugmug.com/Features/Europe/Germany-Parks-and-Castles-in/05/139247608_jWg8B-Ti.jpg "Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.MECKLENBURG 4]
'Park Rheinsberg.'
The Rheinsberg castle and park are situated at Lake Grienerick, in the southern corner of the Mecklenburg lake plateau. This is where Prussian king Friedrich der Große (Frederick the Great) used to live as crown prince. Around 1900 the wealthy Berlin bourgeoisie discovered the baroque village as a health spa. As did writer Kurt Tucholsky, who got so excited about the place he situated his next novel there: \"Rheinsberg - ein Bilderbuch für Verliebte\" (\"Rheinsberg, a picture book for lovers\").
It made the town famous, and since the fall of the Berlin Wall pilgrimage to the city started once again, not by health seekers this time but by lovers! Photo Paul Smit.")
![Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.MECKLENBURG 5]
'Park Rheinsberg.'
The Rheinsberg castle and park are situated at Lake Grienerick, in the southern corner of the Mecklenburg lake plateau. This is where Prussian king Friedrich der Große (Frederick the Great) used to live as crown prince. Around 1900 the wealthy Berlin bourgeoisie discovered the baroque village as a health spa. As did writer Kurt Tucholsky, who got so excited about the place he situated his next novel there: "Rheinsberg - ein Bilderbuch für Verliebte" ("Rheinsberg, a picture book for lovers").
It made the town famous, and since the fall of the Berlin Wall pilgrimage to the city started once again, not by health seekers this time but by lovers. Photo Paul Smit.](http://paulsmit.smugmug.com/Features/Europe/Germany-Parks-and-Castles-in/06/139247650_8MxH2-Ti.jpg "Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.MECKLENBURG 5]
'Park Rheinsberg.'
The Rheinsberg castle and park are situated at Lake Grienerick, in the southern corner of the Mecklenburg lake plateau. This is where Prussian king Friedrich der Große (Frederick the Great) used to live as crown prince. Around 1900 the wealthy Berlin bourgeoisie discovered the baroque village as a health spa. As did writer Kurt Tucholsky, who got so excited about the place he situated his next novel there: \"Rheinsberg - ein Bilderbuch für Verliebte\" (\"Rheinsberg, a picture book for lovers\").
It made the town famous, and since the fall of the Berlin Wall pilgrimage to the city started once again, not by health seekers this time but by lovers. Photo Paul Smit.")
![Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.BRANDENBURG 6]
'Gate and Bisschofsburg of Wittstock.'
In the federal state of Brandenburg time seems to have stood still, even though it surrounds the hot and trendy capitol Berlin. Like here in Wittstock, with its almost complete town wall. The tower behind it belongs to the Bisschofsburg (Stronghold of the Bishop). In the Middle Ages not only counts and dukes, but also bishops strived for worldly power. They waged war, had enemies and needed fortified buildings to protect themselves. These days the castle has a far less dangerous destination being a regional museum. Photo Paul Smit.](http://paulsmit.smugmug.com/Features/Europe/Germany-Parks-and-Castles-in/07/139247664_e4poD-Ti.jpg "Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.BRANDENBURG 6]
'Gate and Bisschofsburg of Wittstock.'
In the federal state of Brandenburg time seems to have stood still, even though it surrounds the hot and trendy capitol Berlin. Like here in Wittstock, with its almost complete town wall. The tower behind it belongs to the Bisschofsburg (Stronghold of the Bishop). In the Middle Ages not only counts and dukes, but also bishops strived for worldly power. They waged war, had enemies and needed fortified buildings to protect themselves. These days the castle has a far less dangerous destination being a regional museum. Photo Paul Smit.")
![Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.BERLIN 7]
'Schloss Charlottenburg.'
When roaming through the baroque, rococo, romantic, classicist and Biedermeier interiors it is hard to believe that bombs devastated Schloss Charlottenburg in 1943. Originally it was built as a present of elector Friedrich III to his wife Sophie Charlotte, and post-war Berlin went into full overdrive to return this architectural and historical jewel to its citizens. Berliners love to go there, especially on hot summer days when the park and waters offer shade and cooling. Photo Paul Smit.](http://paulsmit.smugmug.com/Features/Europe/Germany-Parks-and-Castles-in/08/139247677_XGKRM-Ti.jpg "Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.BERLIN 7]
'Schloss Charlottenburg.'
When roaming through the baroque, rococo, romantic, classicist and Biedermeier interiors it is hard to believe that bombs devastated Schloss Charlottenburg in 1943. Originally it was built as a present of elector Friedrich III to his wife Sophie Charlotte, and post-war Berlin went into full overdrive to return this architectural and historical jewel to its citizens. Berliners love to go there, especially on hot summer days when the park and waters offer shade and cooling. Photo Paul Smit.")
![Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.BERLIN 8]
'Park and Schloss Charlottenburg.'
When roaming through the baroque, rococo, romantic, classicist and Biedermeier palace interiors it is hard to believe that bombs devastated Schloss Charlottenburg in 1943. Originally it was built as a present of elector Friedrich III to his wife Sophie Charlotte, and post-war Berlin went into full overdrive to return this architectural and historical jewel to its citizens. Berliners love to go there, especially on hot summer days when the park and waters offer shade and cooling. Photo Paul Smit.](http://paulsmit.smugmug.com/Features/Europe/Germany-Parks-and-Castles-in/09/139247685_J6jJe-Ti.jpg "Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.BERLIN 8]
'Park and Schloss Charlottenburg.'
When roaming through the baroque, rococo, romantic, classicist and Biedermeier palace interiors it is hard to believe that bombs devastated Schloss Charlottenburg in 1943. Originally it was built as a present of elector Friedrich III to his wife Sophie Charlotte, and post-war Berlin went into full overdrive to return this architectural and historical jewel to its citizens. Berliners love to go there, especially on hot summer days when the park and waters offer shade and cooling. Photo Paul Smit.")
![Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.BERLIN 9]
'Old friends at Schloss Charlottenburg.'
The squirrel of Park Charlottenburg and the palace museum's concierge know each other well. While the squirrel is more interested in nuts than art, the other visiters come for the stunning baroque, rococo, romantic, classicist and Biedermeier palace interiors. Photo Paul Smit.](http://paulsmit.smugmug.com/Features/Europe/Germany-Parks-and-Castles-in/10/139247691_Q7Kzs-Ti.jpg "Smit & Palarczyk > [GERMANY.BERLIN 9]
'Old friends at Schloss Charlottenburg.'
The squirrel of Park Charlottenburg and the palace museum's concierge know each other well. While the squirrel is more interested in nuts than art, the other visiters come for the stunning baroque, rococo, romantic, classicist and Biedermeier palace interiors. Photo Paul Smit.")
[GERMANY.BRANDENBURG 6]
'Gate and Bisschofsburg of Wittstock.'
In the federal state of Brandenburg time seems to have stood still, even though it surrounds the hot and trendy capitol Berlin. Like here in Wittstock, with its almost complete town wall. The tower behind it belongs to the Bisschofsburg (Stronghold of the Bishop). In the Middle Ages not only counts and dukes, but also bishops strived for worldly power. They waged war, had enemies and needed fortified buildings to protect themselves. These days the castle has a far less dangerous destination being a regional museum. Photo Paul Smit.
'Gate and Bisschofsburg of Wittstock.'
In the federal state of Brandenburg time seems to have stood still, even though it surrounds the hot and trendy capitol Berlin. Like here in Wittstock, with its almost complete town wall. The tower behind it belongs to the Bisschofsburg (Stronghold of the Bishop). In the Middle Ages not only counts and dukes, but also bishops strived for worldly power. They waged war, had enemies and needed fortified buildings to protect themselves. These days the castle has a far less dangerous destination being a regional museum. Photo Paul Smit.
![> [GERMANY.BRANDENBURG 6]
'Gate and Bisschofsburg of Wittstock.'
In the federal state of Brandenburg time seems to have stood still, even though it surrounds the hot and trendy capitol Berlin. Like here in Wittstock, with its almost complete town wall. The tower behind it belongs to the Bisschofsburg (Stronghold of the Bishop). In the Middle Ages not only counts and dukes, but also bishops strived for worldly power. They waged war, had enemies and needed fortified buildings to protect themselves. These days the castle has a far less dangerous destination being a regional museum. Photo Paul Smit.](http://paulsmit.smugmug.com/Features/Europe/Germany-Parks-and-Castles-in/07/139247664_e4poD-S.jpg "> [GERMANY.BRANDENBURG 6]
'Gate and Bisschofsburg of Wittstock.'
In the federal state of Brandenburg time seems to have stood still, even though it surrounds the hot and trendy capitol Berlin. Like here in Wittstock, with its almost complete town wall. The tower behind it belongs to the Bisschofsburg (Stronghold of the Bishop). In the Middle Ages not only counts and dukes, but also bishops strived for worldly power. They waged war, had enemies and needed fortified buildings to protect themselves. These days the castle has a far less dangerous destination being a regional museum. Photo Paul Smit.")
[GERMANY.BRANDENBURG 6]
'Gate and Bisschofsburg of Wittstock.'
In the federal state of Brandenburg time seems to have stood still, even though it surrounds the hot and trendy capitol Berlin. Like here in Wittstock, with its almost complete town wall. The tower behind it belongs to the Bisschofsburg (Stronghold of the Bishop). In the Middle Ages not only counts and dukes, but also bishops strived for worldly power. They waged war, had enemies and needed fortified buildings to protect themselves. These days the castle has a far less dangerous destination being a regional museum. Photo Paul Smit.
'Gate and Bisschofsburg of Wittstock.'
In the federal state of Brandenburg time seems to have stood still, even though it surrounds the hot and trendy capitol Berlin. Like here in Wittstock, with its almost complete town wall. The tower behind it belongs to the Bisschofsburg (Stronghold of the Bishop). In the Middle Ages not only counts and dukes, but also bishops strived for worldly power. They waged war, had enemies and needed fortified buildings to protect themselves. These days the castle has a far less dangerous destination being a regional museum. Photo Paul Smit.
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