The castle tower, known as the 'Burgturm', is the oldest building in the town of Plau am See.
The tower served as a prison until the early 20th century, with the former cells still accessible to visitors.
The site was once part of a larger fortification complex that protected the strategic transition between Lake Plauer See and the Elde river.
During the 19th century, the tower was used as a storage facility before being converted into a museum space.
The museum collection includes historical artifacts from regional guilds and local bourgeois life.
The Burgmuseum Plau am See is housed in a restored 15th-century keep, the final remnant of the historic Plau Castle. Visitors can climb the medieval tower to reach an observation platform overlooking the Elde river and the surrounding Mecklenburg Lake District. The museum documents the regional history of Plau am See, covering local crafts, the development of the town, and the life of its former inhabitants. Displays include original prison cells located in the tower's dungeon, which provide insight into the site's historical function as a regional judicial center. The site features a preserved keep wall thickness of several meters, illustrating typical defensive architecture of the late Middle Ages.
The top of the tower, providing a panoramic view of the lake, the town skyline, and the Elde river.
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear as the climb up the tower involves narrow, original medieval stone stairs.
Check the upper observation deck before exploring the exhibits to gauge the surrounding landmarks from above.
Bring a light jacket for the tower interior, as the thick stone walls remain cool even during summer months.
Attempting to climb the tower with large bags or bulky backpacks, as the stairwells are extremely narrow and winding.
Closed on Mondays; generally operates on a seasonal schedule with extended access during summer months.
