We had been told to expect 25 to 30 guests. When the coach stopped in front of the park gate on Wednesday, 30 September 2026, 35 got off. This year the regional association URANIA-Zentrum Neubrandenburg e.V. is offering a series of excursions to castles and manor houses in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Members of the group had repeatedly expressed the wish to visit Gültz as well. We could not have wished for a lovelier day for it: blue sky, mild autumn light, and the old weeping willows by the circular lawn glowing a vivid green one last time.
Through the manor house
The tour began where the history of the house begins. Between 1868 and 1872 Helmuth Freiherr von Maltzahn had the manor house built to plans by the Schwerin building officer (Baurath) Georg Daniel. He was a member of the Reichstag, State Secretary at the Imperial Treasury and later Oberpräsident of Pomerania. The construction dates 1868 and 1872 can still be seen in the gable today. Inside, the tour led through the vestibule and the coffered hall into the Mirror Hall with its sky-blue stucco, gilded mirrors and a ceiling height of 6.80 metres. People have been celebrating here since 1872, and quite a few guests lingered a moment longer to imagine the hall full of people.
Out into the Lenné park
Then it was out into the park. Peter Joseph Lenné drew up the improvement plan for Gültz in 1840. Many of the old trees, sightlines and stretches of water can still be found in it today. The conversation also turned to how such a large listed monument can be brought back to life step by step without public funding.
A break in the autumn sun
Between the house and the park, tables and chairs were set out on the lawn: garden furniture on the park side of the manor house, under the large copper beech, and a seating area by the freshly restored wash house, where drinks were also ready. After an hour and a half on their feet, the break in the sun was very welcome. Our four-legged housemate had long since found his spot in the shade.
What pleased us most were the many questions: about the von Maltzahn family and its connections to the houses of Pomerania and Mecklenburg, about the progress of the restoration and about what comes next. Our honest answer remains: everything is in flux, and we are a long way from finished. But every group that walks through the house shows us that the work is worthwhile.
A lovely response
A few days later we received warm thanks from Neubrandenburg: the organisers reported an exceptional amount of positive feedback from the participants – many would remember the trip to Gültz fondly for a long time to come. Particular praise went to the homemade pumpkin soup and the cake that was served as an extra during the break. A return visit has been pencilled in for next year’s programme. We are delighted.
Many thanks to all our guests and to URANIA for organising the visit. Do come again – in spring, when the park comes into leaf, at the latest.
Group tours
Tours of the manor house and the Lenné park last around 90 minutes and are available all year round by appointment. Enquiries by email to schlossgueltz@gmx.de or by phone on 0176 427 16 280. If you would like to support us on a lasting basis: The friends’ association is being founded, and founding members are very welcome. More about the house: History · Family connections of the von Maltzahns · The Lenné park · The Mirror Hall.