The beloved dragon mascot of Schwerin's Pfaffenteich lake is making a comeback in a brand-new form. Nandolino, the lucky dragon that once delighted visitors at the lake's southern shore, will return in September 2025 as a durable bronze sculpture, replacing the original wooden version that succumbed to weather damage over the years.
Artist Nando Kallweit, the creator behind the iconic dragon, is putting the finishing touches on the new bronze version at his workshop in the small town of Badow in western Mecklenburg. "Wood was yesterday, bronze is the future," Kallweit explained, emphasizing the decision to use more durable materials this time around. The original wooden dragon first appeared at Pfaffenteich in 2011 during the 20th Dragon Boat Festival and became an instant hit with locals and tourists alike before weather conditions eventually took their toll.
The creation process for the new Nandolino began in spring and involved meticulous craftsmanship. Kallweit first carved a wooden dragon in his workshop, which then served as the basis for creating a complex mold using layers of silicone, wax, and ceramic. A foundry in Münster used this mold to cast the three-piece bronze figure, standing 1.9 meters tall and stretching 3.5 meters long, using bronze heated to 1,250 degrees Celsius. The finished sculpture now sits outside Kallweit's workshop halls in Badow, complete with a specially applied patina finish.
"When the dragon is installed, touching is allowed," Kallweit revealed with a smile. "At those spots, the golden-colored bronze will become visible, making Nandolino even more beautiful." The interactive nature of the sculpture is designed to engage visitors, particularly the many children who are eagerly awaiting the dragon's return to its lakeside home.
The new Nandolino exists thanks to a successful fundraising campaign organized by maxpress agency. Company CEO Holger Herrmann spearheaded the initiative on behalf of the local canoe racing community, garnering substantial support from both businesses and municipal companies. "We're especially pleased with the donation commitment from Schwerin citizens," Herrmann noted. The campaign successfully raised exactly 15,000 euros, precisely covering the foundry's production costs including materials. Kallweit contributed his artistic labor as personal volunteer time, saying such community projects are close to his heart.
While Nandolino represents a local labor of love, Kallweit's artistic work extends far beyond Schwerin's borders. His distinctive style features angular, sharp-edged figures that have become his signature trademark in the international art world. The bronze sculptures created in his Mecklenburg workshop find their way around the globe, with exhibitions and sales at art fairs in London, Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Singapore. "There's a lot of work," Kallweit acknowledged, noting that international orders primarily keep his workshop operational.
Preparations are currently underway for installing the foundation near the pavilion at Pfaffenteich, where Nandolino will once again serve as the mascot for dragon boat athletes and a popular photo opportunity for visitors. The dragon's return promises to recreate the excitement of 2011, when crowds of Schwerin children gathered to welcome the original figure to the dragon boat racing venue. As September approaches, anticipation builds for the homecoming of this beloved local icon in its new, permanent bronze form.
