Güstrow Travel Guide

Discover everything you need to know about Güstrow including information on places to visit, outdoor adventures, local culture, safety and health, and transportation logistics.


Introduction to Güstrow

Located in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, in Germany, Central Europe, Güstrow is a charming town with a rich history and cultural heritage. It is a popular destination among tourists, who come to explore the city’s historic sites, natural beauty, and culinary scene.

The town is located in a picturesque valley, surrounded by hills and forests, and is characterised by its beautiful old architecture, narrow streets, and quaint squares. It is also home to several museums and art galleries, as well as a number of outdoor activities that are perfect for exploring the natural beauty of the region.

In this guide, we’ll take a comprehensive look at everything you need to know about Güstrow, including a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, activities and tours, where to stay and what to eat, as well as local culture, safety and health, transportation logistics, and nearby destinations and excursions.

List of Places to Visit in Güstrow

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Güstrow is rich in culture and history, and there are numerous sites and museums that offer visitors the opportunity to learn more about the town’s past.

  • Güstrow Castle: This impressive Renaissance castle was built in the 16th century and is home to several museums, including the Mecklenburg State Museum and the Ernst Barlach Museum.
  • Heimatmuseum Güstrow: Located in the heart of the town, this museum showcases the social and cultural history of Güstrow and the surrounding area. The museum is also home to several art exhibitions.
  • St. Mary’s Church: This stunning Gothic church dates back to the 16th century and is a popular spot for visitors to explore its beautiful architecture and religious artwork.
  • Güstrow Cathedral: This domed cathedral was built in the late 13th century and is home to a number of impressive art pieces, including the famous Triptych of St. Mary’s Church.

Natural Attractions of Güstrow: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Apart from its rich cultural history, Güstrow is also known for its natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

  • Inselsee: This stunning lake is located just outside the town and is a popular spot for swimming, boating, and hiking around its picturesque shores.
  • Güstrower Tannenwald: This forested hill area is perfect for hiking and offers a spectacular view of the town and surrounding countryside.
  • Ivenacker Eichen: This ancient oak forest located 30 minutes away from Güstrow features towering trees, winding paths, and a 250-year-old tree house that visitors can explore.
  • Naturpark Nossentiner-Schwinzer Heide: This picturesque nature reserve is located an hour’s drive from Güstrow and is a great spot for hiking, biking, and observing wildlife, including Eurasian lynxes and wild boars.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Güstrow

As mentioned, Güstrow is known for its scenic natural surroundings, and there are many trails and parks to explore.

  • The Inselseerundweg: This 12km-long hiking route circles the Inselsee, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding forests.
  • The Güstrower Klosterniederung Trail: This 42.5km biking route spans from Güstrow to the town of Rostock, taking riders through the beautiful Mecklenburg countryside.
  • The Mecklenburg Lakes Cycle Route: This 645km biking route passes through several scenic towns and natural areas and is perfect for more experienced bikers who want to explore the region’s beauty in-depth.

Best Things to Do in Güstrow: Activities and Tours

Apart from hiking and biking, there are many other things to do in Güstrow, including:

  • Güstrower Knast Museum: This museum in the town’s former prison showcases the history of crime and punishment in the region.
  • Güstrow Christmas Market: Held annually, this festive market features a variety of vendors selling local crafts and food, along with plenty of Glühwein (mulled wine).
  • Güstrower Kino: This small, historic cinema shows a range of films, including indie and international flicks, in a vintage setting.
  • Boat tour: Local companies offer boat tours of the Inselsee and the River Warnow that take visitors through stunning natural scenery and give an insight into the region’s history and culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Güstrow

Here’s an example itinerary for spending a week in Güstrow:

  • Day 1: Güstrow Castle and Mecklenburg State Museum
  • Day 2: St. Mary’s Church and Güstrower Knast Museum
  • Day 3: Hike around Inselsee and relax at the lake beach
  • Day 4: Bike the Güstrower Klosterniederung Trail or enjoy a boat tour
  • Day 5: Ivenacker Eichen and Naturpark Nossentiner-Schwinzer Heide
  • Day 6: Visit the Güstrow Christmas Market and Güstrower Kino
  • Day 7: Explore the town’s quaint squares and art galleries

Food and Drink Scene of Güstrow

Güstrow is home to several local delicacies that are worth trying:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Buletten: German meatballs served with mashed potatoes and pickles
  • Karpfen: Traditional carp fish prepared in different ways, often served with potatoes and veggies
  • Rote Grütze: Red fruit pudding served with vanilla sauce

Local Beverages

  • Mecklenburger Pils: A light, refreshing beer that is brewed locally
  • Rostocker Bier: Another local beer with a slightly sweet and malty flavour
  • Rostocker Rum: A dark rum with a slightly sweet flavour that works well in cocktails

Where to Stay in Güstrow: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are numerous accommodation options to choose from in Güstrow:

  • Schloss Güstrow: A luxurious hotel located inside the castle itself, with spacious rooms and excellent service.
  • Gästehaus am Güstrower Dom: A charming guesthouse located near the town’s cathedral, with affordable rooms and a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Jugendherberge Güstrow Hostel: A modern hostel located in a tranquil area of Güstrow, with family-friendly rooms and on-site activities.

What to Buy in Güstrow: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When visiting Güstrow, you should consider buying some of the following locally made items:

  • Clay pottery from Güstrow Potters: This local pottery studio produces handcrafted items such as vases, bowls, and plates, all made from high-quality clay.
  • Wool blankets from Wollstube: This charming shop sells cosy wool blankets and scarfs, all made from local sheep.
  • Local honey from Imkerei Aberle: This small beekeeping business produces delicious local honey, which is perfect for drizzling over cheese or breakfast.

Local Culture and Customs of Güstrow

Güstrow is proud of its heritage, and you will find that its residents are friendly and welcoming. It’s important to respect local customs and etiquette, such as saying hello when entering a shop or cafe and not crossing the street until the pedestrian light turns green.

Best Time to Visit Güstrow

The best time to visit Güstrow is during the summer months, from June to August when the weather is pleasant and the town is bustling with activity. However, if you’re on a tighter budget, you may want to visit in spring or autumn when hotel rates are lower, but you will still enjoy the town’s beauty and activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Güstrow

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Güstrow:

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine: Güstrow is known for its traditional dishes, so don’t miss out on the chance to try some of the local delicacies.
  • Respect local etiquette: Be polite and courteous, adhere to traffic signals, and remember to always say please and thank you.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Make sure to dispose of any rubbish appropriately and respect the environment.
  • Ignore safety precautions: Always take notice of any safety precautions, whether it’s related to outdoor activities or animal encounters.

Safety and Health

Safety in Güstrow

While Güstrow is generally a safe town, it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. When visiting natural areas, ensure you follow the trail’s marked pathways to minimise the risk of accidents. Furthermore, don’t leave valuables in your car or unattended to minimise the risk of theft.

Health in Güstrow

Germany has excellent healthcare services, with modern facilities and qualified professionals. In case of an emergency, you can find several hospitals and clinics in Güstrow that can provide you with the necessary medical assistance you require.

Getting to Güstrow: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several ways of getting to Güstrow:

  • Airports Near Güstrow: The nearest airport to Güstrow is the Rostock-Laage Airport, located 40 km away. The Hamburg airport is also a distinct possibility, but it’s 200 km away.
  • Bus Stations Near Güstrow: Haus am See and Güstrow Bahnhof are the two main bus stations in the town.
  • Other Options: You can also reach Güstrow by train through the Güstrow station or by car via the A19 motorway.

How to Get Around in Güstrow

Güstrow is a small town, and most attractions and sites are within easy walking distance of each other. However, if you plan on venturing outside the town centre, renting a bike or taking a bus is a good option. Several bike rental services and bus companies operate in the town, and it’s easy to travel short distances.

Where to Go Next from Güstrow: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several nearby towns and attractions you can visit after you’re done exploring Güstrow:

  • Schwerin: This stunning town is located a 40-minute train ride from Güstrow and is home to numerous historic buildings, gardens, and a stunning palace.
  • Rostock: This historic town is located 30 km from Güstrow and is home to several museums, art galleries, and a stunning Gothic church.
  • Kühlungsborn: This charming seaside town is located a little over an hour from Güstrow and is known for its beautiful beach and water sports opportunities.

Conclusion

Güstrow is a charming town that offers visitors a wealth of nature, history, and culture. Whether you’re interested in hiking, biking, or trying the local cuisine, or just want to relax and soak in the region’s beauty, there’s something for everyone in Güstrow. We hope you found this guide helpful, and that it inspires you to visit and discover this beautiful town and its surrounding region.

Post Office Building (Postamtsgebäude) Post Office Building (Postamtsgebäude)