Bützow
approx. 7,700 inhabitants
One of the old rights of the people of Bützow gave them permission to let their geese move freely through town. When this privilege was abolished, the people of Bützow started protesting and set their penned-in geese free. "Freedom for the geese!" The town authorities had soldiers smother the unrest. The supposed "spearhead" of the revolt, a master tailor by the name of Schmidt, was even put in prison for half a year. This 1794 episode went down in the annals of history as the "Geese War".
Approaching the town of Bützow, the steeple of the municipal church, the Stadtkirche, is the first sight that will catch your eye: It towers above the town houses giving account of the the town's former prosperity. The Geese Fountain, the Gänsebrunnen, on the market square is reminiscent of the "Geese War of Bützow". Across from the fountain you have a gorgeous view of the town hall with its numerous turrets and crenellates.
Historical facts
Bützow was granted town status already in 1236. At that time the town was the principle residence of the bishops of
Schwerin.
In the course of the Reformation, Bützow was turned over to the dukes of Mecklenburg who did not, however, officially
annex the town before 1648.
At the onset of the 18th century many Huguenots immigrated to Bützow and introduced wool crafting and the cultivation
of tobacco.
Touristinformation
Am Markt 1
18246 Bützow
phone: 038461-50120
fax: 038461-50120
e-mail: info@buetzow.de
Internet: www.buetzow.de