Bothmer Palace

Schloss Bothmer in Klütz is one of the largest Baroque palace complexes in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, set just four kilometers from the Baltic Sea coast. Its red-brick wings, moats and pavilions look more like an English country house than a north German manor, and that was exactly the idea. Today a modern museum tells the story of its globe-trotting builder, and the park is open year-round. It makes an easy and rewarding outing from Baltic resorts such as Boltenhagen or from the Hanseatic town of Wismar.

A bit of England on the Baltic

Count Hans Caspar von Bothmer was a diplomat for Hanover and Great Britain who, at the height of his career, lived at 10 Downing Street in London. From there he commissioned this estate in his home region, built between 1726 and 1732 by Johann Friedrich Künnecke, with Het Loo in the Netherlands and Buckingham House among its models. The family held it for about 200 years. After World War II it became a retirement home and fell into decay, until the state took it over in 2008, spent about €36.5 million on restoration and opened the museum in May 2015.

Things to see

• The main house, home to a museum on the count's life between Mecklenburg, Hanover and London.
• The courtyard ensemble, about 13 buildings arranged around a moated forecourt.
• The Festoon Avenue, a 270-meter alley of Dutch lindens pruned into garland shapes, considered unique in Germany.
• The palace park, open daily from 9 a.m., with a historic wooden bowling alley and a pirate-ship playground.
• The palace shop, which sells genuine British goods alongside souvenirs.

Opening hours and tickets (as of October 2026)

• October: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• November to March: weekends only, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; last entry 30 minutes before closing.
• Summer: up to daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in July and August.
• Admission: €9, reduced €7, free under 18. Audio guides are free.

How to get there

Klütz lies in the countryside between Lübeck and Wismar. By car, take the A 20 to the Grevesmühlen exit and follow signs to Klütz/Boltenhagen. Free parking is available on the L 03, a five-minute walk from the palace. Without a car, regional buses connect Klütz with Boltenhagen and the surrounding area; check the regional transit planner for times.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you are spending time on the Baltic coast. Allow two to three hours for the museum, the park and coffee at the Orangerie café. The palace is wheelchair accessible with an elevator, families get free play rooms and a playground, and dogs are welcome in the park but not inside. Come in late spring or summer to see the Festoon Avenue in full leaf.