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. Exterior view of Jagdschlösschen Schwartow // © Jagdschlösschen Schwartow / Jan Haeselich

    Schwartow hunting lodge

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  2. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

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  3. Ludwigslust Castle with reflection in the pond "Karauschen" // © SSGK MV / Jörn Lehmann

    Ludwigslust Castle

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  4. Arrival at our estate // © Gut Settin am See

    Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

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  5. The courtyard of Gadebusch Castle during an event. // © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Renaissance castle Gadebusch

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  6. Geese in the park of Kaeselow Castle // © vollvincent

    Kaeselow Castle

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  7. Dobbertin Monastery with the monastery church // © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

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  8. The Hotel Schloss Basthorst exterior view // © Hotel Schloss Basthorst

    Hotel Schloss Basthorst

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  9. © MV-T/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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  10. Vorbeck Manor // © Gut Vorbeck / Stefan von Stengel

    Vorbeck Manor

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  11. © Jagdschloss friedrichsmoor / @sebfoto.de

    Hunting Lodge Friedrichsmoor

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  12. Experience the view of the park and the Schlosshotel Wendorf for yourself and in person // © Grand Hotel Schloss Wendorf

    Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

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  13. Schlicht und schön: Gutshaus Zarchlin // © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

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  14. Welcome to Woserin Manor House // © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

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  15. Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

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  16. Parkansicht Herrenhaus Goldenbow // © Herrenhaus Goldenbow

    Goldenbow Manor

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  17. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

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  18. Good Zahren

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  19. Im Schloss Dreilützow treibt Schlossgeist Dieter sein Unwesen // © Schloss Dreilützow/Baerens

    Dreilützow Castle

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  20. © Fotostudio Kruse Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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  21. Kaarz Castle and Park with plenty of open space // © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

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  22. © herrenhaus Schoenhof

    Schönhof Manor House

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  23. Dreamlike location: Scherin Castle on a small island in Schwerin Lake // © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    Schwerin Palace

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  24. Außenansicht Gutshaus Settin // © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

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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.

171 results

  • Wangelin garden

    • Open today
    • Nachtkoppelweg, 19395 Wangelin

    Observe - grasp - marvel - enjoy in the largest medicinal herb garden in Mecklenburg. In addition to medicinal herbs, you will also find aromatic, magical and dyeing plants, as well as a butterfly garden and a typical North German farm garden. The garden's harvest can be tasted in the garden café and children can let off steam in the playscape.

    Read more: "Wangelin garden"
  • Forest Riding Oasis

    • Ruhner Bergstr., 19372 Ziegendorf

    Far from the stress and hustle and bustle of everyday life, we offer vacation apartments, farm cafe with event room, boarding horse stalls, dressage training stables, riding lessons.

    Read more: "Forest Riding Oasis"
  • © M.Höppner

    Gretchenheim Plau am See

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

    Monument

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  • The gate of Dömitz Fortress, as seen from the Elbe dike // © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Fort Dömitz (exhibition “Im Grunde“)

    • Auf der Festung, 19303 Dömitz

    The bulwark of fort Dömitz overlooks the river Elbe by the city of Dömitz. Its walls saw princes, army commanders, and kings come and go and inspired poets. Nature lovers can find the exciting exhibition “Im Grunde” and the visitor centre of the biosphere reserve “Elbe-Schaalsee” here.

    Read more: "Fort Dömitz (exhibition “Im Grunde“)"
  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Crivitz town church

    • Kirchenstraße, 19089 Crivitz

    Protestant town church Crivitz

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  • © 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.

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  • North German children farm Zietlitz

    • Zietlitzer Straße, 19079 Zietlitz

    In Zietlitz, a district of the municipality of Sukow, the first North German children's farm shows life in the countryside as it used to be. Many typical regional domestic animals can be experienced in their stables and enclosures.

    Read more: "North German children farm Zietlitz"
  • Exhibits by Dr. Ernst Alban // © Jörn Lehmann

    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"
  • AMEDIA Plaza Schwerin // © Plaza BW Schwerin GmbH

    AMEDIA Plaza Schwerin

    • Bleicher Ufer, 19053 Schwerin

    Our hotel is located directly at the Ostorfer Lake in beautiful Schwerin.The famous Schwerin sights, such as the Schwerin Castle, the Mecklenburg State Theater and the historic Old Town are only a few minutes walk away.

    Read more: "AMEDIA Plaza Schwerin"
  • Wiegald Boning & Bernhard Höcker // © Club Zenit

    Club Zenit Schwerin

    • Pappelgrund, 19055 Schwerin

    The Zenit Schwerin, a former heating plant, has been converted into a cultural stage in the heart of the State capital Schwerin.

    Read more: "Club Zenit Schwerin"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    Grand ducal stable for sick horses

    • Großer Moor, 19053 Schwerin

    The former Grand Ducal Stables were built around 1850 as a separate utility building from the Marstall opposite, which was completed in 1842. In addition to the care areas for the horses, the building also housed apartments for the vets and animal keepers. With its simple, late classicist façade, it adjoins the stable building.

    Read more: "Grand ducal stable for sick horses"
  • Schwerin State Museum // © Ullrich Pfeuffer

    State Museum Schwerin

    • Open today
    • Alter Garten, 19055 Schwerin

    In a prominent location on Schwerin Lake, visitors will find a top collection of Dutch paintings, as well as paintings from the 16th to the 21st century and works of handicrafts and graphic art.

    Read more: "State Museum Schwerin"
  • Exterior view of Jagdschlösschen Schwartow // © Jagdschlösschen Schwartow / Jan Haeselich

    Schwartow hunting lodge

    • Boizestr., 19258 Schwartow

    The hotel-restaurant is the ideal place for a relaxing day with friends, your partner or the whole family, for your vacation, as a stopover during leisure activities and for events. Especially for romantic wedding celebrations.

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  • © MV-T/Witzel

    Reppin castle

    • 19067 Schwerin

    Reppin Castle offers an optimal vantage point with a view over Lake Schwerin.

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  • © M.Höppner

    Parish Church of St. Mary Plau am See

    • Kirchplatz, 19395 Plau am See

    The parish church St. Marien Plau am See was built in the 12th century as a three-nave and three-bay hall church.

    Read more: "Parish Church of St. Mary Plau am See"
  • © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

    • Gutshausallee, 19249 Lübtheen, OT Volzrade

    Enjoy your vacation in one of our dreamlike vacation apartments with upscale furnishings in the listed Volzrade manor house. The manor house park invites you to unwind in all seasons. Experience the beautiful landscape of West Mecklenburg in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe!

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  • Ulis Kinderland e.V.

    • Dorfstraße, 23996 Gallentin

    Ulis Kinderland e.V. is a children's and youth camp and is located directly at Lake Schwerin, Germany's second largest inland lake. In the Kinderland up to 400 children and teenagers can experience exciting, natural and relaxing school trips, group and vacation camps. An extensive program is already included!

    Read more: "Ulis Kinderland e.V."
  • Ludwigslust Castle with reflection in the pond "Karauschen" // © SSGK MV / Jörn Lehmann

    Ludwigslust Castle

    • Open today
    • Schlossfreiheit, 19288 Ludwigslust

    The magnificent Ludwigslust Palace, situated in a spacious park with avenues, cascades, canals and water jumps, is the center of the late Baroque town complex. In the castle's museum, the restored rooms shine in courtly splendor and transport visitors back in time. In the hunting hall of the castle there is a café with a spacious terrace overlooking the castle park.

    Read more: "Ludwigslust Castle"
  • BOULEVARD Hotel Old Town Schwerin

    • Klosterstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    The BOULEVARD Hotel Schwerin Altstadt is located in a central yet quiet city center location. In just a few minutes walk you can reach the Schwerin Castle, theaters and museums, state parliament, cathedral, as well as the business and shopping centers.

    Read more: "BOULEVARD Hotel Old Town Schwerin"
  • © Familie Patzelt

    Hotel & Restaurant "Zum Fährhaus

    • Fähre, 19370 Slate

    Our family-run hotel is located directly on the Müritz-Elde waterway.

    Read more: "Hotel & Restaurant "Zum Fährhaus"
  • Hotel Hereditary Prince

    • Schweriner Straße, 19288 Ludwigslust

    The hotel is located in a central, quiet location in the historic baroque town of Ludwigslust. It is a very nice house with style, classic and comfort of a four-star hotel. The restaurant currently offers a pick-up service and recipe boxes for delicious Christmas dishes to take home.

    Read more: "Hotel Hereditary Prince"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    Old Palace

    • Schloßstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    The Old Palace is located on the Old Garden, on the corner of Schlossstraße, with its eastern façade facing the palace. The Old Palace, also known as the Alexandrinenpalais or Erbprinzenpalais, has been an important part of Schwerin's residential ensemble since 1801 due to its courtly use.

    Read more: "Old Palace"
  • Arrival at our estate // © Gut Settin am See

    Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

    • Crivitzer Straße, 19089 Settin

    Gut Settin by the lake - simply different. Out of the city? Enjoy peace and nature? Then you are exactly right here. The country houses and log cabins are top equipped and have an exclusive exclusive location on the estate Settin am See.

    Read more: "Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake"
  • © MV-T/Dorow

    Garwitz lock gate

    • 19372 Matzlow-Garwitz

    The historic upper gate of the lock in Garwitz bears witness to the technical architecture of bygone times.

    Read more: "Garwitz lock gate"
  • Museum Hagenow // © Thomas Kühn

    Museum of everyday culture of the Gries

    • Open today
    • Lange Straße, 19230 Hagenow

    Hagenow is the gateway to the Griesen Region in southwestern Mecklenburg. The museum, founded in 1974, is dedicated to everyday life in the countryside and in the city - from the Stone Age to the more recent past.

    Read more: "Museum of everyday culture of the Gries"
  • © Timo Weisbrich

    Vacation park Heidenholz

    • Kantor-Ehrich-Straße, 19395 Plau am See

    The vacation park Heidenholz is surrounded by heath and mixed forest directly at the lake Plauer See.

    Read more: "Vacation park Heidenholz"
  • Privelacker paradise garden

    • Elbstraße, 19273 Privelack

    Restaurant, guesthouse and vacation apartment in a quiet, secluded location directly on the Elbe cycle path. Organic farm and partner of the Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe.

    Read more: "Privelacker paradise garden"
  • Hotel Stadtkrug

    • Apothekenstraße, 19370 Parchim

    Directly in the center of the historic old town is our family-run hotel since 1939.

    Read more: "Hotel Stadtkrug"
  • Ferienanlage 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"
  • Hotel Außenansicht // © Martina Lux-Grella

    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"

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Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

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    Seven unique filming locations in MV

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  3. Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater

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    Country holiday tips for the fall

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    Excursion destinations in fall with children

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  6. Guided tour of Schwerin Castle

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    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  8. Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  9. Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Read more: "Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site"
  10. From castle to castle with pleasure

    Read more: "From castle to castle with pleasure"
  11. The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin

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  12. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
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    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  14. Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber"
  15. The Nature Park Trail

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  16. River of fun

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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.