Just a few kilometers south of Lake Müritz in Müritz National Park lies the village of Retzow, home to the castle of the same name. It is an ideal wedding venue and serves as a dreamlike backdrop for unique celebrations. The public salons offer plenty of space for presentations, events, and receptions. The castle shines after an authentic renovation, exudes luxury, and offers 13 individual and spacious vacation apartments. A self-catering vacation in the style of the landed gentry is also possible here.

One of Mecklenburg’s most beautiful castles has awakened from its “Sleeping Beauty slumber”! Built around 1800 in pure Neoclassical style, the castle is the ideal venue for a grand wedding in the countryside, just as they were once celebrated in grand style. The castle has been faithfully restored to its original state. No compromises are made for hotel operations; instead, the castle in all its grandeur belongs to its temporary lords.

The centerpiece is the Belle Etage, featuring the grand hall for 120 guests, which opens onto the terrace and into the English castle park with its ancient giant trees. To the left and right of the hall are the Green and Red Salons. The English Drawing Room with the bar and the large Fireplace Room or Hunting Room complete the Belle Etage ensemble. The setting is also ideal for events, conferences, or receptions.

Thirteen stunning, individually furnished vacation apartments with bathrooms and kitchens have been freshly renovated and offer a total of approximately 43 beds. They can be booked individually for vacations or as part of the “rent a Castle” package.

History:

Southeast of the Müritz, on the edge of the national park, lies the originally Slavic village of Retzow. The estate was a centuries-old possession of the von Kerkberg family. In 1787, the von Hammerstein family acquired Retzow and, around 1800, had the manor house built, which remains unaltered to this day in its pure Classicist style. The castle-like country estate is a wide, plastered building with 17 axes. The central risalit, featuring Tuscan columns, is topped by a triangular pediment. In front of it lies an open staircase and a stately driveway. Toward the garden, the central axis is accentuated by pilasters, and an open staircase leads into the park, which has since become overgrown. The mansion is flanked by the stables and the cavalier’s house, thus forming a U-shaped layout. An approximately 7-hectare English landscape park borders the estate to the south. Even before World War II, Retzow was taken over by the Luftwaffe, and the mansion was operated as a German aviation training center due to its proximity to the Luftwaffe test facility in Rechlin. After the war, it served as temporary housing for refugees from the German eastern territories. From 1951 to 1994, it was used as a nursing home. It has stood vacant ever since. In 2012, Danish businessman Lars Fogh acquired it, and work began on carefully restoring the castle complex.

There are several public salons.

Accommodations: 13 spacious vacation apartments furnished in a country-elegance style, some with four-poster beds and antiques, all with bathroom/toilet (some with a bathtub), fully equipped kitchens, apartments for 2–6 people.

Photos: DOMUSimages