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. Goldenbow Manor

    Read more: "Goldenbow Manor"
  2. Schwerin Palace

    Read more: "Schwerin Palace"
  3. Schwartow hunting lodge

    Read more: "Schwartow hunting lodge"
  4. Exterior view of Wiligrad Castle from bird's eye view, © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Wiligrad Castle

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

    Renaissance castle Gadebusch

    Read more: "Renaissance castle Gadebusch"
  6. © Fotostudio Kruse Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  7. © TMV/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  8. © vollvincent

    Kaeselow Castle

    Read more: "Kaeselow Castle"
  9. © Schloss Dreilützow/Baerens

    Dreilützow Castle

    Read more: "Dreilützow Castle"
  10. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

    Read more: "Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience"
  11. Schönhof Manor House

    Read more: "Schönhof Manor House"
  12. © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

    Read more: "Kaarz castle with park"
  13. Simple and beautiful: Zarchlin manor house, © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

    Read more: "Manor house Zarchlin"
  14. Ludwigslust Castle with reflection in the pond "Karauschen", © SSGK MV / Jörn Lehmann

    Ludwigslust Castle

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  15. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

    Read more: "Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld"
  16. Good Zahren

    Read more: "Good Zahren"
  17. Dobbertin Abbey and church

    Read more: "Dobbertin Abbey and church"
  18. © Hotel Schloss Basthorst/Michael Frahm

    Hotel Schloss Basthorst

    Read more: "Hotel Schloss Basthorst"
  19. © Schlosshotel Wendorf

    Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

    Read more: "Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf"
  20. Vorbeck Manor

    Read more: "Vorbeck Manor"
  21. © TV MS / A. Vones

    Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

    Read more: "Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)"
  22. Arrival at our estate, © Gut Settin am See

    Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

    Read more: "Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake"
  23. Exterior view of Settin manor house, © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

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  24. © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art 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.

168 results

  • © TMV

    Ludwigslust castle park

    • Temporarily closed
    • Schlossplatz, 19288 Ludwigslust

    The park is temporarily completely closed due to a tree fall. Measures are currently underway to restore traffic safety along the main paths. The castle museum, café and the lawn parterre are accessible.

    Read more: "Ludwigslust castle park"
  • Goldenbow Manor

    • Zum Wasserturm, 19260 Goldenbow

    The Goldenbow manor house is one of the oldest manor houses in Mecklenburg. However, the building, which has been in ruins since 1984, was saved and has been under reconstruction since 2009. Today, the manor house can be experienced at various events. Those who would like to stay longer can get to know the house and its dedicated owners through the "Landvergnügen" campaign with their own caravan.

    Read more: "Goldenbow Manor"
  • The wolf pack roams through the undergrowth and tunes to the great howling concert, © Wildpark-MV

    Wildpark-MV

    • Primerburg, 18273 Güstrow

    Welcome to the wild animal adventure in Güstrow: Experience wolf, bear & Co. wilder than in the zoo! The 200 hectare wildlife and landscape park invites the whole family to an unforgettable experience. The local flora and fauna can be discovered in spacious enclosures, some of which can be walked on.

    Read more: "Wildpark-MV"
  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Schwerin Cathedral St. Marien and St. Johannis

    • Am Dom, 19055 Schwerin

    The proverbial highlight of the churches in Mecklenburg: Schwerin Cathedral. This imposing masterpiece of brick Gothic is the oldest building in the city of Schwerin, has the highest church tower in Mecklenburg at 117.5 meters and is the only true cathedral in the state. The cathedral is open daily. Those who climb the 220 steps of the tower are greeted by a breathtaking view over Schwerin's lake landscape.

    Read more: "Schwerin Cathedral St. Marien and St. Johannis"
  • © Gabriele Skorupski

    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"
  • Ranch of Geronimo

    • Seestraße, 19399 Neu Poserin

    The Ranch of Geronimo is located in scenic surroundings and only about 50 m from the lake. We offer adventure day rides up to 100 km in length.

    Read more: "Ranch of Geronimo"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    Grand ducal office building

    • Alexandrinensraße, 19055 Schwerin

    The monumental administration building is located to the northwest of the old town, directly on the Pfaffenteich lake. The building was erected when the Grand Ducal administration moved from Ludwigslust to Schwerin between 1842 and 1845.

    Read more: "Grand ducal office building"
  • © Hotel Stadtkrug

    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"
  • © Cenci Goepel and Jens Warnecke

    Beaver "Jesse" Tours - Youth Hotel

    • Schlossstraße, 19249 Lübtheen OT Jessenitz

    Located in the middle of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe, you can experience this unique nature combined with great adventures with Beaver "Jesse" Tours.

    Read more: "Beaver "Jesse" Tours - Youth Hotel"
  • © Touristinformation Goldberg

    Goldberg Nature Museum and Tourist Information

    • Open today
    • Müllerweg, 19399 Goldberg

    Whether on the water, on horseback or on numerous hiking and cycling routes in the Goldberg-Mildenitz region in the Mecklenburg Lake District, you have countless opportunities for active recreation. For your vacation, the tourism association offers useful information on accommodation, tours, events and much more.

    Read more: "Goldberg Nature Museum and Tourist Information"
  • © 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"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    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"
  • Fun in the water, © Ferienpark Retgendorf

    Hostel Schwerin Lake

    • Kiefernweg, 19067 Retgendorf

    3 ha park in the middle of a pine forest, 50 m from the Schwerin Lake; restaurant with outdoor terrace, bowling alley, billiard and dart club; 12 km from Schwerin, 30 km from the Baltic Sea, 80 km from Lübeck; great and inexpensive packages

    Read more: "Hostel Schwerin Lake"
  • © Andrea Hauser

    Our little Burderei

    • Gartenstraße, 19075 Mühlenbeck

    "Unsere kleine Burderei" is a privately run farm that is home to numerous animals (donkeys, goats, dogs and chickens, many of them from animal welfare organisations). The offer includes various projects as well as donkey and goat walks for individuals, small groups and families.

    Read more: "Our little Burderei"
  • The Van der Valk Landhotel Spornitz is located directly on the edge of the Lewitz, a natural scenery worth seeing, © Van der Valk Landhotel Spornitz

    Van der Valk Landhotel Spornitz

    • Am Alten Dütschower Weg, 19372 Spornitz

    Against the backdrop of a beautiful natural setting and with many sports and leisure opportunities, the Landhotel Spornitz is located in MV, directly on the edge of the nature reserve "Lewitz".

    Read more: "Van der Valk Landhotel Spornitz"
  • Thomas - yard

    • Ziegeleiweg, 19399 Wendisch Waren

    The Thomas Hof - your vacation home.Welcome to the idyllic Wendisch Waren in the beautiful Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

    Read more: "Thomas - yard"
  • exterior view, © Golchener Hof M. Müller

    Farmer Korl's Golchen Farm

    • Golchener Hof, 19412 Golchen

    Amidst meadows and forests, nestled in the unmistakable naturalness of Mecklenburg, the Golchener Hof is always the right tip. There is much to discover at Farmer Korl's Golchener Hof.

    Read more: "Farmer Korl's Golchen Farm"
  • Old Synagogue Hagenow

    • Open today
    • Hagenstraße, 19230 Hagenow

    The Old Synagogue was built in 1828. Today the restored buildings belong to Hagenow museum now. There are exhibitions taking place in the buildings as well as concerts or lectures.

    Read more: "Old Synagogue Hagenow"
  • Schwerin Palace

    • Open today
    • Lennéstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    Schwerin Palace is located on an island in Lake Schwerin and is among the most important historicism edifices in Europe.

    Read more: "Schwerin Palace"
  • 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."
  • © TMV / Gohlke

    Lift bridge Plau am See

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

    The Plau lift bridge is an industrial monument.

    Read more: "Lift bridge Plau am See"
  • Vacation resort Am Walde

    • Köhlerweg, 19399 Wooster Teerofen

    In our complex on the edge of the forest and near the lakes (Langhagensee, Paschensee) six cozy bungalows for 2 to 4 people and one apartment for up to 6 people await you.

    Read more: "Vacation resort Am Walde"
  • 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.

    Read more: "Schwartow hunting lodge"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    New Town Palace

    • Puschkin Str., 19055 Schwerin

    The Neustädtische Palais served as the Grand Duke's temporary residence during the palace renovations and is located in the historic Puschkinstraße. With its style, characterized by French Renaissance and Baroque elements, it reflects the signature of the master builders Johann Joachim Busch and Hermann Willebrand. From a widow's residence to a grand ducal residence, it changed over the centuries and became state property in 1920.

    Read more: "New Town Palace"
  • © Hotel Dömitzer Hafen

    Hotel Doemitz Port

    • Hafenplatz, 19303 Dömitz

    Enjoy a unique view over the Elbe floodplain from the panorama café at Hotel Dömitzer Hafen at a height of 40 meters. Relax with fresh coffee and cake and watch the shipping traffic and bird migration on the Elbe. A fresh breeze is included on request.

    Read more: "Hotel Doemitz Port"
  • Trakehnerhof Valluhn

    • Am Reiterhof, 19246 Valluhn

    At the edge of the Biosphere Reserve Schaalsee lies the small village Valluhn. Directly at the entrance to the village is the Trakehnerhof, where about 80 horses have their home. In addition to accommodation in simple guesthouse rooms with breakfast, the equestrian farm offers riding lessons for young and old, horseback rides and also Kremser rides in the beautiful surroundings.

    Read more: "Trakehnerhof Valluhn"
  • Exterior view of Wiligrad Castle from bird's eye view, © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Wiligrad Castle

    • Open today
    • Wiligrader Straße, 19069 Lübstorf

    The former ducal residence palace with the surrounding palace park and the historic estate ensemble is one of the most beautiful places on Lake Schwerin. The art exhibition in the castle is particularly worth seeing. With its location on a steep bank directly on the lake, it is considered an insider's tip for excursions, especially in autumn and in spring during the rhododron bloom. The old nursery houses a farm store and a popular farm café.

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle"
  • © Hotel Speicher am Ziegelsee

    Hotel Speicher am Ziegelsee Schwerin

    • Speicherstraße, 19055 Schwerin

    Enjoy a climate-neutral overnight stay in a historic, listed granary, extensively renovated in 1998 to create a unique first-class hotel.

    Read more: "Hotel Speicher am Ziegelsee Schwerin"
  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Renaissance castle Gadebusch

    • Johann-Stelling-Straße, 19205 Gadebusch

    The Renaissance castle from 1573 is especially known for the detailed terracotta decorations on the facade. Currently, the 16th century building is undergoing extensive renovation. The castle can be visited on guided tours during events such as the Open Monument Day.

    Read more: "Renaissance castle Gadebusch"
  • © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Zarrentin Monastery

    • Kirchplatz, 19246 Zarrentin

    The former Cistercian nunnery "Himmelspforte" is located on the southern shore of the Schaalsee. The monastery complex, which is well worth seeing, can be visited. There is an exhibition on the history, as well as guided tours and audio guides.

    Read more: "Zarrentin Monastery"

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Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

  1. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
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    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  3. The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Read more: "The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin"
  4. Guided tour of Schwerin Castle

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  5. From castle to castle with pleasure

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    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  7. River of fun

    Read more: "River of fun"
  8. Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  9. Top

    5

    Country holiday tips for the fall

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  10. Outdoor adventures in spring

    Read more: "Outdoor adventures in spring"
  11. Top

    5

    Excursion destinations in fall with children

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  12. Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber"
  13. Switch off and recharge your batteries?

    Read more: "Switch off and recharge your batteries?"
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    Seven unique filming locations in MV

    Read more: "Seven unique filming locations in MV"
  15. Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Read more: "Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site"
  16. Puppet theater at Schwerin Castle: a family trip into the past

    Read more: "Puppet theater at Schwerin Castle: a family trip into the past"
  17. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
  18. Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater

    Read more: "Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater"
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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.