Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Enchanted by Originality

Between the Baltic Sea, the Elbe and Lake Plauer See stretches a stretch of land whose natural diversity awakens the senses in its relaxing way, inspires the soul and is able to give the body new strength. Surprisingly close to the metropolises of Berlin and Hamburg and far away from the hustle and bustle, relaxation is waiting right outside the door.

A couple with bicycles stand on a jetty on Lake Schwerin and look at Schwerin Castle in the evening light.

A stretch of land between the Baltic Sea, Elbe and Lake Plau, surprisingly close to Hamburg and Berlin and yet so pleasantly far away from everyday life.Glide along quiet waterways Kanus there.Ospreys can be spotted on the lakes, and hikes lead through nature reserves. Between enchanted gardens and gnarled trees, there is space to breathe deeply, and castles, palaces and manor houses tell of the splendor of times gone by. From to Ludwigslust – their stories come to life and invite you to dream and linger. Charming small towns and villages are waiting to be discovered, as are regional markets, courtyards and studios. Between half-timbered houses and brickwork, there is an opportunity for a relaxed chat on every corner. Here you can find your very own personal taste of English.

The vacation experts for Mecklenburg Schwerin

Travel between castles and lakes

Schwerin

Schwerin Castle sits majestically on the lake, surrounded by idyllic gardens. The historic old town enchants visitors with its lovingly preserved half-timbered houses, museums and important cultural monuments. In summer, the castle festival transforms the town into a stage full of impressive open-air performances.

Ludwigslust

Ludwigslust, the „Versailles of the North“, impresses with its baroque splendor. The palace and park are perfect for a stroll. Cultural highlights include the small festival in the large park and the baroque Advent market.

Wittenburg

The medieval ramparts bear witness to Wittenburg's importance as a trading town. The MehlWelten Museum shows flour from a new perspective. The Alpincenter Hamburg-Wittenburg offers action-packed fun in the snow with a year-round snow slope at -1°C.

Plau am See

The climatic health resort combines a historic old town with a water experience. The listed Hubbrücke and the castle tower dominate the townscape. Cafés along the promenade invite you to linger, while Lake Plau, nature trails and forests promise active recreation.

The monastery town of Rehna

The monastery town is a place to take a deep breath. The monastery garden and the Mühlenteich pond offer quiet retreats. Art exhibitions and concerts provide cultural inspiration. Pilgrimage routes lead through unspoiled nature for extensive hiking tours.

Zarrentin am Schaalsee

Zarrentin lies on the deepest lake in northern Germany and is the gateway to the Schaalsee UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The monastery complex, half-timbered houses and natural shores characterize the townscape. The Schaalsee invites you to swim, paddle and observe nature. Hiking and cycling trails lead through unspoiled forests, moors and meadows.

Sternberg lake landscape

Numerous lakes, moors and woodlands characterize the natural paradise in the heart of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. Perfect for canoe tours, hikes and swimming days. The Groäological open-air museum in Raden offers exciting insights into the life of the Slavs.

 

Castles and manor houses

in Mecklenburg-Schwerin

  1. Manor house Settin am See

    Read more: "Manor house Settin am See"
  2. © Gut Vorbeck / Stefan von Stengel

    Vorbeck Manor

    Read more: "Vorbeck Manor"
  3. © Sönke Gill

    Schönhof Manor House

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  4. © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    Schwerin Palace

    Read more: "Schwerin Palace"
  5. Wiligrad Castle

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle"
  6. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Renaissance castle Gadebusch

    Read more: "Renaissance castle Gadebusch"
  7. Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

    Read more: "Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake"
  8. Kaeselow Castle

    Read more: "Kaeselow Castle"
  9. Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  10. Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

    Read more: "Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)"
  11. © Schlosshotel Wendorf

    Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

    Read more: "Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf"
  12. Good Zahren

    Read more: "Good Zahren"
  13. Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  14. Unique castle complex in Passow, © Manuela Engel-Dahan

    Passow Castle

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  15. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

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  16. Manor house Zarchlin

    Read more: "Manor house Zarchlin"
  17. © Jagdschlösschen Schwartow / Jan Haeselich

    Schwartow hunting lodge

    Read more: "Schwartow hunting lodge"
  18. © Hotel Schloss Basthorst/Michael Frahm

    Hotel Schloss Basthorst

    Read more: "Hotel Schloss Basthorst"
  19. Park view Goldenbow manor house, © Herrenhaus Goldenbow

    Goldenbow Manor

    Read more: "Goldenbow Manor"
  20. © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

    Read more: "Dobbertin Abbey and church"
  21. © SSGK MV / Jörn Lehmann

    Ludwigslust Castle

    Read more: "Ludwigslust Castle"
  22. Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

    Read more: "Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld"
  23. Castle ghost Dieter is up to mischief in Dreilützow Castle, © Schloss Dreilützow/Baerens

    Dreilützow Castle

    Read more: "Dreilützow Castle"
  24. Kaarz Castle and Park with plenty of open space, © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

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  25. Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

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Activities

Out and about by bike, on foot or on the water

Bike tours

&p>The diverse network of cycle paths is a relaxed way to explore Mecklenburg-Schwerin. The  combines magnificent castles with culinary stops in Schwerin and the Sternberg Lake District. In addition, the Blue Eight around Lake Schwerin, the VeloLust in Ludwigslust, the DiscoveryRoutes and the Elbe Cycle Path with tales of Enni, the water droplet,

.

Hiking trails 

Mecklenburg-Schwerin offers a variety of hiking trails through forests, lake landscapes and protected natural areas. A highlight for families are the Pilzy‘s nature experience trails in Hagenow, Brüel and Goldberg, which make it possible to experience nature in a playful way. In addition, guided tours through the Schaalsee Biosphere Reserve and the Star Park  to special nature experiences.

Lakes & rivers

The extensive water network with its countless lakes makes Mecklenburg-Schwerin a paradise for activities on and around the water. A Houseboat vacation on the Müritz-Elde-Wasserstraße is the most relaxed way to experience the region from the water. Those who like it more active will find happiness sailing, surfing and diving on Lake Plau, SUP on Lake Schwerin or on a canoe tour on the Warnow.

Culinary & Art

Mecklenburg-Schwerin is a place for connoisseurs and creatives. Lovely finds are created in manufactories and studios, while courtyards and regional markets offer culinary delights. A mixture of enjoyment and inspiration unfolds between rivers and lakes. Our tip: Für  at Pentecost ömany artists open their doors and allow guests to immerse themselves in their creative world.

165 results

  • Old artillery barracks

    • Johannes Stelling Straße, 19053 Schwerin

    The artillery barracks in Schwerin, built between 1856 and 1861, represent the style of medieval fortress buildings and are a striking example of 19th century military architecture. Its exposed location on Ostorfer Berg and the architectural design underline the political stability of the monarchy at a time of social upheaval.

    Read more: "Old artillery barracks"
  • Trend HOTEL

    • Plater Straße, 19079 Banzkow

    The Trend Hotel is located on the edge of a tranquil village in the middle of a landscape rich in forests and lakes. Schwerin, one of the most beautiful cities in northern Germany, can be reached in a few minutes by car. The surrounding area offers many activities and nature experiences for you.

    Read more: "Trend HOTEL"
  • Castle tower Plau am See

    • Open today
    • Burgplatz, 19395 Plau am See

    The castle tower in Plau was built in 1448/49 and is still completely preserved. The 3 m thick walls and the 11 m deep dungeon, as well as the tower ascent, amaze locals and guests alike when they visit.

    Read more: "Castle tower Plau am See"
  • Castle Museum Plau am See

    • Open today
    • Burgplatz, 19395 Plau am See

    Children and museums - you might think that doesn't fit. In Plau am See, that's not true. The town has a museum where even the young won't get bored. The former Plau Castle offers interesting insights into history, and it also houses a unique museum of local history and technology.

    Read more: "Castle Museum Plau am See"
  • © Jonas Kurverwaltung

    Playground Burghof Plau am See

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Burgplatz, 19395 Plau am See

    The Burghof Plau am See playground is located in the historic old town. The facility has swings, a climbing tower, slide, suspension bridge, swing and wine press scaffolding,

    Read more: "Playground Burghof Plau am See"
  • Baroque town hall Grabow

    • Am Markt, 19300 Grabow

    Built in 1727, the pretty half-timbered building is still a showpiece in the center of the small town of Grabow. The town hall also houses the tourist information office of the town of Grabow.

    Read more: "Baroque town hall Grabow"
  • CULTURE MILL PARCHIM

    • Fischerdamm, 19370 Parchim

    Theater-Museum - A place of diversity, culture and youth, all under one roof.

    Read more: "CULTURE MILL PARCHIM"
  • Relaxing hours in the guest room of the inn "Zum Fäßchen, © Gasthof & Pension "Zum Fäßchen" / Wilken

    Gasthof & Pension "Zum Fäßchen

    • Consrader Strasse, 19086 Plate Ortsteil Consrade

    Our guesthouse and pension is surrounded by lakes and forests in the middle of the beautiful Lewitz. Here you can enjoy the countryside and are still not far from the State capital Schwerin, where many excursion opportunities await you. Especially popular are our bicycle, hiking and boat tours.

    Read more: "Gasthof & Pension "Zum Fäßchen"
  • © © Roeder

    Schwerin Zoological Garden

    • Waldschulweg, 19061 Schwerin

    A green oasis lies in the centre of Schwerin, which is characterised by a 3 ha large bird meadow as well as semi-natural animal enclosures, which are a second home to the 650 animals from 120 species. Schwerin zoo is one of the most beautiful in Germany.

    Read more: "Schwerin Zoological Garden"
  • © Kurverwaltung Plau am See

    Hotel & Restaurant Fackelgarten

    • Dammstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    The Fackelgarten with its excellent location, on the one hand in the heart of Plau am See and on the other hand in the middle of nature - romantically by the river. From here you can reach all the important sights of Plau am See on foot or watch the boat traffic on our sunny terrace.

    Read more: "Hotel & Restaurant Fackelgarten"
  • Manor house Settin am See

    • Crivitzer Strasse, 19089 Tramm OT Settin

    The Gut Settin resort is situated in a secluded location by the lake. The manor house with its stylish ambience, including the 10 double rooms, is exclusively available to guests. Under the motto "There is strength in tranquillity", it allows you to relax and concentrate on efficient work (workation, offsites...).

    Read more: "Manor house Settin am See"
  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Schwerin Castle - Gardens

    • 19053 Schwerin

    Though the Palace outshines almost everything around it, there is one more attraction on that island which you shouldn’t miss. To the left of the main entrance, walking through the castle garden, you will find the charming orangery. It is a delicate construction made of cast iron and glass, a unique example of 19th century architecture and one of a kind in Germany. With its parkways, arcades, flower beds, sculptures, and the cross channel the baroque-style castle garden knows how to impress. The garden is public and open to visitors.

    Read more: "Schwerin Castle - Gardens"
  • Hotel & Restaurant Niederländischer Hof

    • Alexandrinenstraße, 19055 Schwerin

    Schwerin traditional hotel in the heart of the city of Schwerin directly on the Pfaffenteich. Experience art, culture and nature.

    Read more: "Hotel & Restaurant Niederländischer Hof"
  • School hostel Raben Steinfeld

    • Am See, 19065 Raben Steinfeld

    Our two guest houses are located on a beautiful 15,000m² natural area in the immediate vicinity of Lake Schwerin. We are easy to reach by car as well as by the Schwerin public transport. For groups up to 40 people we offer accommodation, full board and varied programs.

    Read more: "School hostel Raben Steinfeld"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    Court gardener's establishment

    • Schlossgartenallee, 19061 Schwerin

    In connection with the expansion and redesign of the palace gardens in the 19th century, the new "Hofgaertner-Etablissement" was built in 1856/57 to a design by architect Hermann Willebrand. The building served as the court gardener's residence and service building and was therefore located in the immediate vicinity of this garden area.

    Read more: "Court gardener's establishment"
  • Villas on Werderstrasse

    • Werderstraße, 19055 Schwerin

    Annastrasse in Schwerin, built between 1862 and 1866, presents a series of neo-Renaissance villas that served as residences for aristocratic families and wealthy citizens. The picturesque façades are based on the formal language of the residential palace and feature spacious courtyards and elegant conservatories.

    Read more: "Villas on Werderstrasse"
  • Vacation resort Zum See in Plau am See, © Ferienanlage Zum See Plau am See

    Vacation resort Zum See

    • Quetziner Straße, 19395 Plau am See

    Our vacation resort "Zum See" is located directly on the northern shore of Lake Plau in the beautiful and quiet district of Heidenholz. Embedded in meadows, surrounded by almost untouched nature, you will find an idyllic place to relax and unwind.

    Read more: "Vacation resort Zum See"
  • The Fischhaus am Schaalsee is located in a quiet, rural atmosphere, © Fischhaus am Schaalsee

    Fish house at the Schaalsee

    • Amtsstraße, 19246 Zarrentin am Schaalsee

    Welcome to our idyllically situated Fischhaus Hotel at the Schaalsee! The Fischhaus is located directly on the south shore of the Schaalsee. Let us spoil you in our restaurant and enjoy the view of the water. In summer the lake terrace invites you to relax and enjoy. A hall for 100 guests offers space for your celebration!

    Read more: "Fish house at the Schaalsee"
  • Escape from everyday life on the farm Silberweide, © Hof Silberweide/ Alrun Romanus

    Silver Willow Farm

    • Ziegeleiweg, 19399 Wendisch Waren

    Away from the roads lies in solitude Hof Silberweide. For a fulfilling vacation, inexpensive packages are offered for the whole family, combined with horseback riding, canoe tours or sailing trips on Lake Plauer.

    Read more: "Silver Willow Farm"
  • © Ferienwohnung Thien

    Vacation apartment Thien

    • Mestlinerstraße, 19374 Groß Niendorf

    In the 230-souls place Groß Niendorf is our comfortably furnished vacation apartment. The apartment is ideally located to reach the important points of the surroundings. At the same time you will find the necessary peace and quiet to recover from the experiences and stresses of the day.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Thien"
  • © Michel Lask

    Guest House Saint Nikolai

    • St. Nikolai, 19370 Parchim

    We offer you with great attention to detail, comfortably furnished vacation home with a variety of booking options. Our apartments are equipped with shower bath, box spring/comfort beds, wooden or parquet floors, upholstered seating, sunny balcony and a fully equipped kitchen.

    Read more: "Guest House Saint Nikolai"
  • Schwerin State Archives

    • Graf-Schack-Allee, 19053 Schwerin

    The Schwerin State Archives on the Burgsee, built in the early 20th century, preserve the unique collection of documents and files of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. With an impressive mixture of historical style and modern construction technology, it is one of the most important Grand Ducal buildings in Schwerin and has been preserved almost unchanged.

    Read more: "Schwerin State Archives"
  • © Gut Vorbeck / Stefan von Stengel

    Vorbeck Manor

    • An der Warnow, 19065 Vorbeck

    At the gates of the State capital Schwerin, surrounded by a natural landscape, lies GUT VORBECK with its golf hotel, café HerzensGUT and riding stable directly on the Warnow River. With its 20 rooms and suites located directly on course 13 of the WINSTONlink, the estate's golf hotel offers everything for a perfect vacation in the middle of Mecklenburg's unspoiled nature.

    Read more: "Vorbeck Manor"
  • © Pension Niehus

    Pension Niehus

    • Hauptstraße, 19246 Zarrentin am Schaalsee

    Pension Niehaus has 5 guest rooms with WiFi and TV as well as 5 vacation apartments with separate bedrooms, living room, kitchen and terrace.

    Read more: "Pension Niehus"
  • Vacation park Mecklenburg

    • Hauptstraße, 19372 Ziegendorf

    Vacation paradise for families, grandma & grandpa with grandchildren and for all dog lovers with their four-legged friends - near the Mecklenburg Lake District, right between Hamburg and Berlin. Our own lake invites you to swim. Not only on rainy days the indoor swimming pool and sauna attract. The restaurant spoils with regional offers.

    Read more: "Vacation park Mecklenburg"
  • © Gasthof zur Guten Quelle

    Inn " Zur Guten Quelle"

    • Schusterstraße, 19055 Schwerin

    A guesthouse with a long tradition. It is situated right in the heart of the historic city centre. In the summer months you can also visit the Biergarten. Does have an English menu and English speaking personnel.

    Read more: "Inn " Zur Guten Quelle""
  • © Frank Burger

    District Agricultural Museum Dorf Mecklenburg

    • Rambower Weg, 23972 Dorf Mecklenburg

    The County Agricultural Museum in Dorf Mecklenburg offers many opportunities to engage directly with the West Mecklenburg region. The permanent exhibition, which was completely redesigned in 2011, takes up the recent history of rural development.

    Read more: "District Agricultural Museum Dorf Mecklenburg"
  • © Stadt Sternberg

    Museum of local history Sternberg

    • Open today
    • Mühlenstraße, 19406 Sternberg

    The museum of local history is located in the oldest house in the town of Sternberg. In a total of 14 exhibition rooms, the prehistory and early history of the town is presented here, among other things.

    Read more: "Museum of local history Sternberg"
  • © Stiftung Tiernothilfe

    Land of the animals

    • Am Lehmberg, 19260 Banzin

    Open sanctuary for former farm animals with educational facility. In the summer half-year there are guided tours of the animals every Sunday. Encounter days "animal and man" incl. introduction to vegan cuisine, as well as environmental, animal and conservation days for youth groups are offered.

    Read more: "Land of the animals"
  • Chick Foundation

    • Friedrichsstraße, 19055 Schwerin

    The representative classicist building on the south bank of the Pfaffenteich was built at the end of the 1860s. Composer Friedrich-Wilhelm Kücken established the foundation that gave the building its name, which supported destitute musicians until 1939. Today, the building houses a restaurant, as well as the state studio of the ZDF.

    Read more: "Chick Foundation"

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Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

  1. Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Read more: "Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site"
  2. River of fun

    Read more: "River of fun"
  3. Guided tour of Schwerin Castle

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    Seven unique filming locations in MV

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  5. Outdoor adventures in spring

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  6. Top

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    Excursion destinations in fall with children

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  7. Switch off and recharge your batteries?

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  8. From castle to castle with pleasure

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    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

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  10. Top

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    Country holiday tips for the fall

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  11. Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber"
  12. Puppet theater at Schwerin Castle: a family trip into the past

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  13. Read more: ""
  14. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  15. Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
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    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  17. Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater

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  18. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

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Perfectly prepared for your vacation in Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Where is Mecklenburg-Schwerin located?

In the west of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – between the Elbe, Schaalsee, Plauer See and Schweriner See. The region includes the state capital Schwerin as well as the districts of Ludwigslust-Parchim and parts of Northwest Mecklenburg.

What makes Mecklenburg-Schwerin special as a travel destination?

The diversity: magnificent canyons, tranquil lakes, dense forests and quaint villages are all close together here. Ideal for anyone who enjoys culture and nature and is looking for peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle.

Is the Schwerin Residence Ensemble a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes! Since July 2024, the residential ensemble with the palace, cathedral and neoclassical villas has officially been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Which castles and historical sites are worth seeing?

In addition to Schwerin Palace, Ludwigslust Palace, the „Versailles of the North“, is well worth a visit. The monasteries in Rehna and Zarrentin, the medieval castle in Neustadt-Glewe and the Slavic village in Groß Raden near Sternberg are also worth a detour.

Which parks and gardens should you have seen?

The palace gardens in Schwerin, Ludwigslust, Wiligrad and Kaarz impress with their stately splendor. If you prefer something a little more rural, the monastery garden in Rehna, the Pingelhof Alt Damerow in the Lewitz region or the ecological Wangeliner Garten near Plau am See are perfect for you.

How many lakes are there in the region?

Many! From Lake Schaalsee to Lake Schwerin and Lake Plau, countless bathing spots, canoe routes and lakeside paths invite you to relax. Many places can also be discovered by boat via waterways such as the Müritz-Elde-Wasserstraße, the Störkanal or the Warnow - a paradise for nature lovers.

Is the region suitable for cycling?

In any case! Tours such as the Schloss & Genuss-Erlebnisradtour combine imposing castles and manor houses with courtyards, cafés and manufactories. Interactive augmented reality stations make the experiences along the way even more tangible – an exciting mix of culture, culinary delights and technology.

Which excursions are suitable for families with children?

Whether it's the Bärenwald forest, Alpine center, swimming lakes or museums, Mecklenburg-Schwerin offers many destinations for families. One highlight is the interactive nature trails in Hagenow, Brüel and Goldberg – where „Pilzy“, a talking mushroom, accompanies children and parents through nature in a playful way, with rock climbing, art and hands-on stations.

What can you experience in Schwerin apart from the castles?

Discover the charming old town with its historic half-timbered houses, the diverse cultural offerings, listen to the bells in the cathedral or relax on Zippendorf beach – city & nature hand in hand.

How do you get to Mecklenburg-Schwerin?

Located between Hamburg and Berlin, Mecklenburg-Schwerin is easily accessible via the A24. There are ICE train stops in Schwerin and Ludwigslust, and other towns are well connected by regional train. Within the region, buses and the on-call bus service also connect smaller towns – ideal for anyone who wants to travel flexibly and sustainably.