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. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

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  2. © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    Schwerin Palace

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  3. Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

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  4. © Sönke Gill

    Schönhof Manor House

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  5. © SSGK MV / Jörn Lehmann

    Ludwigslust Castle

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  6. Dreilützow Castle

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  7. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

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  8. © TMV/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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  9. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Renaissance castle Gadebusch

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

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  11. © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

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  12. © Schlosshotel Wendorf

    Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

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  13. © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Wiligrad Castle

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  14. Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

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  15. Hotel Schloss Basthorst

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  16. Dobbertin Abbey and church

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  17. © Fotostudio Kruse Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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

    Kaarz castle with park

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  19. Good Zahren

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  20. Goldenbow Manor

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  21. Vorbeck Manor

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  22. Geese in the park of Kaeselow Castle, © vollvincent

    Kaeselow Castle

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  23. Exterior view of Settin manor house, © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

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  24. Schwartow hunting lodge

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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.

169 results

  • © 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"
  • © 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.

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  • © Ferienpark Retgendorf

    Vacation park Retgendorf

    • Kiefernweg, 19067 Retgendorf

    In a sparse pine forest, only 50m away from Lake Schwerin, you will find our spacious hotel complex with direct lake access and natural swimming area. The vacation park has 28 comfortably furnished hotel rooms and 24 vacation homes with modern to luxurious furnishings.

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  • © 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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  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Crivitz town church

    • Kirchenstraße, 19089 Crivitz

    Protestant town church Crivitz

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  • © Gabriele Skorupski

    Inland dune Klein Schmölen

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 19303 Klein Schmölen

    There are not many natural elevations in the Elbtalaue, which should certainly please cyclists. All the more interesting is the sight of the inland dunes at Klein Schmölen near Dömitz, which can be seen from afar from the Elbe shore road.

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  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    Grand Ducal property management

    • Schloßstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    The Grand Ducal House Administration in Schwerin, built between 1883 and 1884 under architect Rudolf Zöllner, is located on the corner of Schloßstraße and Ritterstraße. Originally used as the court marshal's office, the building also served as a savings institution for a time and was connected to the Hotel du Nord in 1920. The architectural highlight features a rusticated base, an ornate central risalit and a slate-covered plateau roof in the Baroque style. Inside, a magnificent hall with a flat vault and filigree tracery is impressive.

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  • Hotel exterior view, © 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"
  • © Foto: Ulrich Unger

    Outdoor exhibition “EinFlussReich“

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Am Elbberg, 19258 Boizenburg/Elbe

    Life by a river like the Elbe has many advantages that people have used for centuries. At the same time, they had to protect themselves from the dangers of flooding and built dikes and dams. The open-air exhibition “EinFlussReich”, located in the immediate vicinity of the famous Elwkieker observation tower, provides children and adults with information on the subject of flooding in a playful way.

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  • © Bio Erlebnishof Grittel/ Nicole Albs

    Organic adventure farm Grittel

    • Am Ring, 19294 Grittel

    Grilling-chilling and nature. Enjoy your vacation with horse in almost untouched nature with wide meadows and endless forests in cozy and comfortable apartments and meadow, paddock or box for your equine friend.

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  • 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"
  • © Mercure Hotel Schwerin Altstadt

    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.

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  • © 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.

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  • © Mecklenburger Hof Parchim

    Mecklenburger Hof Parchim

    • Mühlenstraße, 19370 Parchim

    Old town flair combined with waterfront property. This and more awaits you at Mecklenburger Hof Parchim.

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  • © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    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.

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  • Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

    • Open today
    • Am Park, 19230 Schwechow

    Gut Schwechow is about 40 km southwest of Schwerin, in the scenic Biosphere Reserve Flusslandschaft Elbe, surrounded by large apple orchards. Schwechow fruit brandy is distilled only from the finest, most aromatic fruits.

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  • © Sönke Gill

    Schönhof Manor House

    • Schloßstraße, 23936 Testorf-Steinfort OT Schönhof

    Experience history: Our old manor house and the idyllic park enchant from the very first moment. In summer, we host events with guided tours of the house, our courtyard café in the park and trade fairs. The house is currently being converted into a wedding venue, with vacation apartments to follow - a place for special experiences.

    Read more: "Schönhof Manor House"
  • 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.

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  • 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"
  • 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.

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  • 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"
  • 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"
  • © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Mecklenburg Forest Glass Museum

    • Hauptstraße, 19067 Langen-Brütz

    Who knows that glass is made of sand? A small museum in Langen Brütz deals with the subject of glass and its production.

    Read more: "Mecklenburg Forest Glass Museum"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • 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"
  • © 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"
  • 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"
  • Vacation home close to nature

    • Am Scharbowsee, 19406 Mustin

    Our vacation home is beautifully located in the Sternberger Seenlandschaft in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It is renovated, noble and stylish furnished and equipped for 2 persons. Our welcome for you: a cup of coffee (coffee machine) + 1 bottle of regional water.

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  • © Haus Plau am See

    House Plau am See

    • Dammstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    Wheelchair-accessible guest house and facilities

    Read more: "House Plau am See"

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Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

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

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  3. Puppet theater at Schwerin Castle: a family trip into the past

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

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
  5. Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
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  7. Switch off and recharge your batteries?

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    Country holiday tips for the fall

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  9. River of fun

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

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    Seven unique filming locations in MV

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    Excursion destinations in fall with children

    Read more: "Excursion destinations in fall with children"
  13. From castle to castle with pleasure

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

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  15. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
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    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

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  17. Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater

    Read more: "Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater"
  18. Outdoor adventures in spring

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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.