Open Air Opera

About

Open Air Opera Schwerin is a spectacular annual event that transforms the courtyard of Schwerin Castle into a grand stage for world-class opera under the summer sky. Hosted by Mecklenburg State Theatre, the festival—known as Schlossfestspiele Schwerin—has become one of Germany’s most enchanting outdoor cultural experiences. Since its inception in 1993, it has drawn thousands of visitors each season with lavish productions of classics like Aida, Carmen, and The Magic Flute. The castle’s illuminated façade serves as a dramatic backdrop, enhancing the theatrical magic with its romantic setting on the lake. The open-air format combines high artistic standards with a festive atmosphere, attracting both opera aficionados and newcomers. Performances typically run from June to August, with seating for over 1,700 guests and options for group bookings. The event contributes significantly to Schwerin’s cultural identity, blending heritage, music, and summer celebration in one unforgettable experience.

Schwerin Germany
Open Air Opera
Location

The Open Air Opera in Schwerin is staged in the “Alter Garten,” a stunning historic square located opposite the palace island and near Schwerin Castle. This picturesque venue is surrounded by prestigious buildings including the State Theatre of Mecklenburg, the State Museum, and the Old Palais, creating a cultural atmosphere against the backdrop of the lake “Schweriner See.” During summer, from May to September, the square hosts outdoor opera performances and other events, offering a unique experience where music blends harmoniously with nature. The location is easily accessible from Schwerin’s city center by foot or public transport, with nearby attractions like the castle, museums, and scenic lakesides enhancing its appeal. Visitors can enjoy a memorable summer evening under the open sky in this historic setting, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. For royalty-free images of this scenic location, Wikimedia Commons and local cultural websites provide suitable options for web content.​

Staatliches Museum Schwerin Staatliches Museum Schwerin Museum Schlossmuseum Schwerin Schlossmuseum Schwerin Museum Freilichtmuseum Schwerin-Mueß Freilichtmuseum Schwerin-Mueß Museum Kulturforum Schleswig-Holstein-Haus Kulturforum Schleswig-Holstein-Haus Cultural Centre Museum Schleifmühle Schwerin Museum Schleifmühle Schwerin Museum Internationales Feuerwehrmuseum Schwerin Internationales Feuerwehrmuseum Schwerin Museum Dokumentationszentrum Schwerin Dokumentationszentrum Schwerin Museum Güstrow Palace Güstrow Palace Castle Flippermuseum Schwerin Flippermuseum Schwerin Museum Stiftung Mecklenburg Stiftung Mecklenburg Museum Mecklenburgisches Staatstheater Mecklenburgisches Staatstheater Theatre Mecklenburg State Theatre Mecklenburg State Theatre Theatre M*Halle M*Halle Theatre KlangWert KlangWert Theatre Freilichtbühne Schwerin Freilichtbühne Schwerin Events Venue Dezernat 5 Dezernat 5 Gallery Kunst-Wasser-Werk e.V. Kunst-Wasser-Werk e.V. Gallery KUNSTraum Schwerin KUNSTraum Schwerin Gallery Kunstverein für Mecklenburg und Vorpommern Kunstverein für Mecklenburg und Vorpommern Gallery Gallery Berger Gallery Berger Gallery Schwerin Castle Schwerin Castle Castle Schweriner Dom Schweriner Dom Church Pfaffenteich Pfaffenteich Lake Marstall Halbinsel Marstall Halbinsel Tourist attractions Heckengarten Schwerin Heckengarten Schwerin Garden Schwimmende Wiese Schwimmende Wiese Park Zoo Schwerin Zoo Schwerin Zoo Deck Adebors Näs Deck Adebors Näs Park Freibad Kalkwerder Freibad Kalkwerder Swimming Pool Reppiner Burg Reppiner Burg Castle Göhrener Tannen Göhrener Tannen Forest Graureiherwald Krebsförden Graureiherwald Krebsförden Forest Fahrradbrücke Fahrradbrücke Bridge Kaninchenwerder Observation Tower Kaninchenwerder Observation Tower Observation deck Sternwarte & Planetarium Schwerin Sternwarte & Planetarium Schwerin Planetarium