Discover Burg Stargard: Hilltop Castle, Culture and Routes

Hilltop Castle and Art History

Stargard Castle is considered Germany’s northernmost hilltop castle and the oldest secular building in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Its 38-metre-high keep offers views across a landscape shaped by the Ice Age. The castle grounds also include a museum, a herb garden and a vineyard. This historic site brings together a range of subjects to explore while discovering the town.

The Marie Hager House is dedicated to the life and work of painter Marie Hager. It is located in her former home and studio. Since 1996, the house has served as a gallery and biographical museum, with a permanent exhibition and special exhibitions several times a year. If you would like to include art and local history in your trip, the house offers a distinct cultural focus alongside the castle.

St John’s Church is also part of the town’s older architectural history: it dates from the 13th century. The former Hospital of the Holy Spirit was built in 1290. Together with the hilltop castle and the Marie Hager House, these sites offer a range of historical themes to explore during your stay, without limiting your trip to a single period or attraction.

On Foot, by Bike or on the Summer Toboggan Run

For a longer hike, the Castle Trail runs from Burg Stargard to the Old Castle in Penzlin. The route is about 27 kilometres long. Public bus and train services provide a return to Burg Stargard. This information can help you plan the hike as a route between two castles and factor in your return journey.

Two cycling routes of different lengths start in Burg Stargard. Cycle Route 1 starts and ends here, passes through Neubrandenburg and Fünfeichen, and is about 17 kilometres long. Cycle Route 2 also starts in Burg Stargard and is 23 kilometres long. If you prefer a loop that returns to its starting point, this difference is relevant to your choice: the first route is described as a loop, while the starting point and length are given for the second.

Another activity is the Burg Stargard Summer Toboggan Run. Its track is 720 metres long and includes eight steep turns and two bridges. If you want to plan a day out with a variety of experiences, you can consider this option alongside hiking, cycling and culture, without treating the activities as interchangeable.

The Year’s Events and the Wine-Growing Tradition

Events held every year at Burg Stargard include Walpurgis Night on 30 April, the Castle Festival on the second weekend in August, the Indian Summer Market on the last weekend in September, and the Castle Christmas Market on the second Sunday of Advent. These dates are spread throughout the year and offer different opportunities to plan your stay around a market or festival.

The vineyard at the hilltop castle is reviving a wine-growing tradition dating back more than 400 years; there are 1,200 vines growing there. This detail adds a local connection to wine-growing to the history of the castle and art. Together with the recurring events, it creates a picture of the town shaped by more than just its historic buildings.

Burg Stargard as a Starting Point

Train connections may also factor into your plans: a direct service between Berlin and Stralsund runs via Burg Stargard. Trains also run regularly from Neubrandenburg and Neustrelitz to Burg Stargard. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for your stay in the town, you can base your choice on your planned activities—for example, train travel, a hike, the cycling routes or cultural attractions. Check the location of your accommodation to confirm the specific routes to these destinations.

Discover more places here: Lindetal, Cölpin, Holldorf, Pragsdorf, Cammin, Groß Nemerow.

For the broader travel overview: Amt Stargarder Land.