Residence Ensemble Schwerin – Cultural Landscape of Romantic Historicism: The full name of the TWHS indicates that it is about more than the Schwerin Castle with its gardens. And Indeed, the description on the Unesco website mentions a number of other buildings, and this nomination website lists a total of 43 elements. Not only around the castle but also in the city centre and around the artificially Pfaffenteich (Priest's pond).

Two or three decades ago this site would certainly have been nominated as "Schwerin Castle and Gardens" with the focus on the architectural features of historicism. And most likely, they would have been successful and Schwerin would now be on the WH list. But today this category is over-represented, especially also in Germany. Thus, the nomination was extended to all preserved buildings from the 19th century, a "cultural landscape" was created and referred to as a "residence ensemble".
Although I gave Schwerin a "thumbs down" because I think the WH list doesn't need more castles and parks, I have to admit that Schwerin is worth a visit. I visted Schwerin in August 2020 and really enjoyed my day strolling through the gardens and exploring the city centre.

The heart of Schwerin is the castle, its location on a small island on the shore of Lake Schwerin is really beautiful. Today the castle houses the parliament of the federal state Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the castle museum. But on such a sunny, hot summer day I skipped the museum and preferred to take a long walk through the gardens and along the lake shore. Certainly the highlight of my visit.
In the city centre and around the Pfaffenteich are the other buildings that belonged to the Grand Ducal court or were somehow connected to it. As expected, the theatre, the museum, the cathedral and several other churches and palaces are included. But you will also find the impressively large stables on their own peninsula and such buildings as the former stables for sick horses, the court laundry or the bedding and linen store. The sheer size of these outbuildings is impressive and indicates the size and importance of the Grand Ducal court. Most of these buildings are not accessible, they are used by the federal state administration or have been converted into residential buildings. And just to look at the façades does not offer much insight into life at a Grand Ducal court.

All in all, I'm not in favour of an inscription. But after such experiences as the Naumburg nomination, I would not be surprised if, after long discussions, at least Schwerin Castle would be included in the WH list.