Jagdschloss Granitz

About the museum

As early as the 18th century, the Counts of Putbus owned a simple hunting lodge with a wooden observation tower in the wooded Granitz area. Prince Wilhelm Malte I wanted a more stately setting to match his elevated rank and, from 1837 to 1846, had a new hunting lodge built on the highest point of the Granitz.

The idea went back to a sketch by the Prussian crown prince; Johann Gottfried Steinmeyer handled the planning before Karl Friedrich Schinkel substantially revised the design. He was responsible for the striking round central tower with its cast-iron spiral staircase rising freely through the interior. Already in the 19th century, the lodge was a popular excursion destination for seaside vacationers.

It remained in the princely family's possession until 1945. After the end of the war, the family was expropriated, the rich furnishings were largely lost, and the building was soon used as a museum of hunting and natural history. Restored several times, most recently and most thoroughly from 2011 to 2014, it is now managed by the Staatliche Schlösser, Gärten und Kunstsammlungen Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (state palaces, gardens, and art collections) and presents a redesigned exhibition on the history of the building and the Princes of Putbus.

Highlights

• 38-meter central tower designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel
• Free-floating cast-iron spiral staircase with 154 steps
• Observation deck with panoramic views over Rügen as far as Binz Bay
• Marble Hall and Knights' Hall
• Exhibition on the history of the Princes of Putbus
• Setting in the Granitz beech forest in the Southeast Rügen Biosphere Reserve

Permanent exhibitions

• Schlossmuseum Jagdschloss Granitz – The redesigned exhibition tells the history of the building and the Princes of Putbus with recovered original pieces, contemporary additions, and media installations; the tour includes the climb up the central tower.

Operated by

Staatliche Schlösser, Gärten und Kunstsammlungen Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (SSGK M-V)

Admission & discounts

The hunting lodge's page does not list individually who is eligible for reduced admission. Free admission also for members of certain professional associations.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

According to the operator, the hunting lodge is not accessible; advice before your visit is recommended. Access only on foot, by bike, narrow-gauge railway, shuttle bus, or the Jagdschlossexpress (no direct car access). Dogs and other animals are not allowed in the lodge; no exception for assistance dogs is stated.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Educational programs for children, events during school holidays and puppet theater for families.

Getting there & parking

No direct access for cars and coaches up to the lodge. The narrow-gauge railway, shuttle bus and Jagdschlossexpress are run by third parties; there is currently no shuttle from the parking lot to the lodge.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant
• Museum shop

Restaurant "Wirtshaus im Jagdschloss" in the vaulted cellar, palace terrace with cake and snacks, Waldbiergarten Granitz beer garden. Palace shop with publications and souvenirs. "Jagdschloss Granitz" parking lot on the L29 (GPS: Süllitz 1, 18528 Zirkow), from there approx. a 2.5 km walk. Educational programs and holiday activities for children.

Events & venue rental

Plan your visit