Why Güstrow
Güstrow is a town located in northeastern Germany within the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, serving as the capital of the Rostock district. Situated approximately 45 kilometers south of Rostock, the town lies along the Nebel River, a branch of the Warnow. Its name originates from a Polabian term meaning "lizard place." Güstrow is surrounded by several forests and five local lakes: Inselsee, Sumpfsee, Parumer See, Grundloser See, and Gliner See. Visitors can also travel along the Bützow-Güstrow-Kanal, a navigable waterway connecting to the Warnow River that is frequently used for boating.
The settlement's history dates back to the early 13th century, developing around a Wendish castle established in 1219. Officially recorded in city rights documents by 1228, Güstrow served as a residence for the lords of Werle and later became the capital of the Duchy of Mecklenburg-Güstrow in 1621. Over the centuries, the town endured multiple destructive fires in the early 1500s that affected both the settlement and its castle. Expressionist sculptor Ernst Barlach lived in Güstrow from 1910 until his death in 1938, prompting the town to officially adopt the suffix "Barlachstadt" in 2006.
Among the principal historic landmarks is Güstrow Palace, an important Renaissance residence completed in 1589 for the dukes of Mecklenburg. Following major restoration work conducted between 1963 and 1981, a Renaissance garden was added based on historical engravings. Located at the central market square, the town hall was originally constructed in the 13th century and rebuilt around 1800. Other historic structures include St. Mary's Church, a Brick Gothic parish building partially remodelled in the 19th century, and the Chapel of the Holy Blood, built on the former site of a synagogue.
Güstrow Cathedral, constructed between 1226 and 1335 in the Brick Gothic style, houses several notable features. Highlights inside include a late Gothic high altar from around 1500, 16th-century tombs of Duke Ulrich III and his two wives, and Barlach's famous 1926 sculpture known as the "Hovering Angel," created as a memorial to World War I victims. Art enthusiasts can also visit Barlach's former studio, the Atelierhaus, which displays a broad collection of his artistic creations.
For local transport, Güstrow acts as the southern terminus of the Rostock S-Bahn network, with inner-city travel supported by local bus lines. Sports activities in the area include motorcycle speedway events featuring the MC Güstrow team at the Güstrow Speedway Stadium.
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