Northern German Cities

The city of Schwerin has a beautiful castle that was formerly the royal house of Pomerania. More than any other castle we’ve visited, Schwerin Castle has an integrated indoor / outdoor design. 

Every view, whether it be outside or inside is beautifully framed. It is a small, but intricately ornate castle set on a small island on the edge of Lake Schwerin. So far it is Tanya's favourite castle.

The city of Lubeck is closer to the border with Denmark and the old gates to the city are unlike others we've seen. It is made of two brick towers joined by a cathedral like centre section. It looks like it was built as much to impress those who passed though it as it was a defensive structure.   

The Lubeck Radhaus (town hall) is also worth stopping for. Its exterior and parts of the interior are constructed of glossy dark coloured bricks. Inside, the low vaulted ceilings together with the painted walls, tiled floor and dark timber feel rather gothic. Both the interior and exterior design aspects extend to the town square and covered market next door.

Travelling through Northern German cities like Schwerin and Lubeck we noticed the architecture is quite different to southern Germany. The most obvious difference is the use of bricks, and the craftsmanship of laying them. In the south most brick work is covered with render and therefore the quality of the bricks does not need to be as good. In the north the brickwork is left exposed and they are often laid in intricate patterns so the craftsmanship has to be excellent. The colours of the public buildings too have changed from the yellows and whites in the south to red and dark colours in the north.