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. Hotel Schloss Basthorst

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

    Dreilützow Castle

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  4. © Fotostudio K3 Kruse GmbH Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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

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

    Manor house Zarchlin

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  7. Schwerin Palace

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  8. © Sönke Gill

    Schönhof Manor House

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  9. © TV MS / A. Vones

    Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

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  10. Schloss Ludwigslust mit Spiegelung im Karauschenteich // © SSGK MV / Jörn Lehmann

    Ludwigslust Castle

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  11. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

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  12. Renaissance castle Gadebusch

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  13. Park view Goldenbow manor house // © Herrenhaus Goldenbow

    Goldenbow Manor

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  14. Außenansicht Gut Zahren // © Alexander Rudolph

    Good Zahren

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

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

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  16. Blick auf den Park und das Bernsteinschloss Wendorf // © Schlosshotel Wendorf

    Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

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

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

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  18. © TMV/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  19. Kaarz Castle and Park with plenty of open space // © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

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  20. Manor house Settin am See

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

    Schwartow hunting lodge

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  22. Vorbeck Manor

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  23. Kaeselow Castle

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  24. Wiligrad Castle

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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

  • 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"
  • Village church Garwitz

    • 19372 Garwitz

    In the Gothic fieldstone and brick church from the 14th century there are unique memorial plaques and a valuable carved altar from the 15th century.

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  • © 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"
  • Bedroom vacation apartment Wiesentraum Gut Alt Necheln // © Stefan von Stengel

    Manor house Alt Necheln

    • An der Warnow, 19412 Alt Necheln

    Gut Alt Necheln is nestled in the wild and romantic landscape of Mecklenburg and offers three vacation apartments of different sizes for groups of 2 to 24 people.

    Read more: "Manor house Alt Necheln"
  • Grand Ducal Kitchen Garden

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Franzosenweg, 19061 Schwerin

    Somewhat hidden behind a brick wall on Franzosenweg is the former kitchen garden for the grand ducal court. Preserved are also orange house and wine drive.

    Read more: "Grand Ducal Kitchen Garden"
  • Hotel de Weimar in Ludwigslust // © Hotel de Weimar

    Hotel de Weimar

    • Schloßstraße, 19288 Ludwigslust

    Stay overnight in historical walls and let yourself be spoiled by excellent cuisine.

    Read more: "Hotel de Weimar"
  • © 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"
  • Die Ranch of Geronimo liegt einbegettet in der mecklenburgischen Seenplatte // © Ranch of Geronimo/ Wolfgang Kring

    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.

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  • Auf dem Hof Silberweide dem Alltag entfliehen // © 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"
  • © M.Höppner

    Gretchenheim Plau am See

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

    Monument

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  • Schweizerhaus in Ludwigslust Castle Park

    • Schlossgarten, 19288 Ludwigslust

    The bright, thatched half-timbered house in the palace park was built as the summer residence of Duchess Luise at the end of the 18th century in Ludwigslust Palace Park.

    Read more: "Schweizerhaus in Ludwigslust Castle Park"
  • In der Ferienanlage Am Walde können Ross und Reiter idyllisch entspannen und ausspannen. // © Thamm

    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"
  • Herzlich willkommen // © 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.

    Read more: "Vacation park Retgendorf"
  • © Hotel Erbprinz

    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"
  • Vacation cottage Vielank

    • Waldgasse, 19303 Vielank

    Vacation in peace and quiet in the beautiful Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe and in the vacation home Vielank.

    Read more: "Vacation cottage Vielank"
  • © 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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  • Hotel Schloss Basthorst

    • Schlossstraße, 19089 Basthorst

    We welcome you warmly in our unique 4-star hotel in Basthorst, situated in the stunningly beautiful Mecklenburg landscape, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life. We believe in creating a special ambience. Whether it's in the room furnishings, the culinary range or our service – you will notice the special character of our hotel estate.

    Read more: "Hotel Schloss Basthorst"
  • © K.-G. Haustein / Amt Crivitz

    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"
  • 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.

    Read more: "Inland dune Klein Schmölen"
  • Im Schloss Dreilützow treibt Schlossgeist Dieter sein Unwesen // © Schloss Dreilützow/Baerens

    Dreilützow Castle

    • Am Schlosspark, 19243 Dreilützow

    Do you have a group you want to travel with? Then come to the countryside in West Mecklenburg. We offer accommodation and catering in an almost 300-year-old manor house. You have plenty of space for your own activities in our houses and our castle park. The castle ghost comes free of charge!

    Read more: "Dreilützow Castle"
  • © Ulis Kinderland e.V.

    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/Witzel

    Reppin castle

    • 19067 Schwerin

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

    Read more: "Reppin castle"
  • Ein Spaziergang im gemütlichen Esel- Tempo kann ein tolles Erlebnis für die ganze Familie sein. Esel sind besonnene und feinfühlige Tiere, die gerne mit menschlicher Begleitung auf Wanderschaft gehen. // © 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"
  • Pfaffenteich

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 19055 Schwerin

    In the 19th century, the people of Schwerin turned a former mill pond into a gem with a promenade surrounded by linden trees and a sun terrace in the middle of the city. On the Pfaffenteich the passenger ferry Petermännchen shuttles during the season.

    Read more: "Pfaffenteich"
  • © Fotostudio K3 Kruse GmbH Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    • Alte Burg, 19306 Neustadt-Glewe

    The oldest preserved fortress in Mecklenburg stands in Neustadt-Glewe. It is one of the best preserved castles in Mecklenburg and can be visited. At the castle, there is a museum that is well worth seeing, as well as a restaurant and a tourist information office.

    Read more: "Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  • 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"
  • © TMV/Foto@Andreas-Duerst.de

    Viewpoint Dütschower Bridge

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Aussichtspunkt Dütschower Brücke, Am Eldekanal, 19372 Dütschow

    The lookout tower at the Dütschower bridge offers a unique view over the fish ponds and the Müritz-Elde waterway.

    Read more: "Viewpoint Dütschower Bridge"
  • Creative and craft barn

    • Pamprinerstrasse, 19246 Zarrentin

    In the creative and handicraft barn you can buy handmade products or make them yourself. In addition, in our residential house built in 1636 (listed building) is a vacation apartment with a size of about 35 square meters.

    Read more: "Creative and craft barn"
  • 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"
  • Vacation home Bernstorff

    • Dorfstr., 19246 Bernstorff

    Idyllically situated and quiet vacation home with personal charm in the middle of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Schaalsee.

    Read more: "Vacation home Bernstorff"

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Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

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  2. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

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    Excursion destinations in fall with children

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    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

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    Country holiday tips for the fall

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  6. Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site

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  7. The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin

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  8. Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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  10. Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater

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  11. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  12. Guided tour of Schwerin Castle

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  13. Outdoor adventures in spring

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    Seven unique filming locations in MV

    Read more: "Seven unique filming locations in MV"
  15. Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber

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  16. From castle to castle with pleasure

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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.