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

    Ludwigslust Castle

    Read more: "Ludwigslust Castle"
  2. Gänse im Park von Schloss Kaeselow // © vollvincent

    Kaeselow Castle

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  3. Das Hotel Schloss Basthorst Außenansicht // © Hotel Schloss Basthorst/Michael Frahm

    Hotel Schloss Basthorst

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  4. Simple and beautiful: Zarchlin manor house // © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

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  5. Schwerin Palace

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  6. Good Zahren

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  7. Willkommen im Gutshaus Woserin // © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

    Read more: "Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake"
  8. Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

    Read more: "Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf"
  9. Schönhof Manor House

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  10. Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

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  11. Goldenbow Manor

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  12. Castle ghost Dieter is up to mischief in Dreilützow Castle // © Schloss Dreilützow/Baerens

    Dreilützow Castle

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  13. © MV-T/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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  14. Hunting Lodge Friedrichsmoor

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  15. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

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  16. © Fotostudio K3 Kruse GmbH Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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  17. Das Kloster Dobbertin mit der Klosterkirche // © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

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  18. Gut Vorbeck // © Gut Vorbeck / Stefan von Stengel

    Vorbeck Manor

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  19. Schwartow hunting lodge

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  20. Schloss und Park Kaarz mit viel Freiraum // © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

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  21. Renaissance castle Gadebusch

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  22. Exterior view of Settin manor house // © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

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

    Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

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  24. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

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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.

167 results

  • 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"
  • © Stadtgeschichts- und Museumsverein Schwerin e.V.; Dr. Holger Martens

    Museum Grinding Mill Schwerin

    • Schleifmühlenweg, 19061 Schwerin

    From magnificent floors to fine walking stick knobs, works of art made of stone and precious stones were produced for the ducal court in the Schwerin Grinding Mill. The mill is located on the edge of the stately palace grounds and is in working order and used as a museum. Visitors can learn about stone cutting and stone grinding and get to the bottom of the living conditions of the day laborers and grinding millers. The museum is open all year round.

    Read more: "Museum Grinding Mill Schwerin"
  • © 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"
  • Wooden bridge over the Warnow // © MV-T/outdoor-visions.com

    Warnow wooden bridge near Groß Görnow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 19406 Groß Görnow

    On the wooden bridge you cross the Warnow on this round trip through the Warnow breakthrough valley.

    Read more: "Warnow wooden bridge near Groß Görnow"
  • Studio "JuGeLy

    • Boraustraße, 19374 Domsühl

    In the studio "JuGeLy" a certified painting teacher for the Bob Ross® and Jenkins painting technique awaits you. You can paint landscapes, flowers and animals. Course participants will be shown step by step how to successfully paint an oil painting in one day. A vacation apartment is available for a painting weekend or week.

    Read more: "Studio "JuGeLy"
  • BEECH Resort Plauer See // © BEECH Resort Plauer See

    BEECH Resort Plauer See

    • Dresenower Mühle, 19395 Ganzlin

    Closed due to modernization and reconstruction in 2023. On more than seven hectares, our idyllic lakeside village opens up in the middle of the Ganzliner Holz landscape conservation area directly on Lake Plauer See with its own bathing beach and boat dock. Enjoy with us a piece of untouched nature directly at the gateway to the Mecklenburg Lake District.

    Read more: "BEECH Resort Plauer See"
  • Blick in den Schlossgarten Schwerin auf das Alexandrinendenkmal und das Grünhaus // © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Greenhouse Garden and Alexandrine Monument

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Lennéstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    In the style of English landscape gardens stand Grünhausgarten and the southern palace garden with hippodrome, maze and youth temple. This part of the palace garden was restored to its former glory for the Federal Garden Show 2009. In the center of a meadow surrounded by trees, the Grand Duchess Mother "Alexandrine" looks earnestly and solemnly in the direction of the Temple of Youth.

    Read more: "Greenhouse Garden and Alexandrine Monument"
  • Das Wolfsrudel streift durch das Unterholz und stimmt zum großen Heulkonzert an // © 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"
  • © 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"
  • Außenansicht Gästehaus Sankt Nikolai in Parchim // © Michel Lask

    Guest House Saint Nikolai

    • St. Nikolai, 19370 Parchim

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

    Read more: "Guest House Saint Nikolai"
  • Schwerin 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"
  • The café terrace, just one of many seating areas in the garden. // © Thomas Grosch

    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"
  • Good Zahren

    • Dorfstraße, 19386 Zahren

    Space for ideas - that is the motto of the spacious estate with French flair. There are vacation apartments, lounges, seminar rooms and an estate kitchen.

    Read more: "Good Zahren"
  • © Gasthof zur Guten Quelle

    Inn " Zur Guten Quelle"

    • Schusterstraße, 19055 Schwerin

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

    Read more: "Inn " Zur Guten Quelle""
  • 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"
  • © MV-T/Tiemann

    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"
  • Willkommen im Gutshaus Woserin // © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

    • Am See, 19406 Woserin

    Academy of Art Culture and Recreation - a creative magical place to work creatively. Workshops, courses and events in various fields are offered.

    Read more: "Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake"
  • Robber Vieting Cave

    • 19370 Parchim

    In today's Sonnenberg nature reserve, robber Vieting once caused fear and terror. His cave and other traces from that time can still be visited today.

    Read more: "Robber Vieting Cave"
  • Traktorenausstellung im Freigelände // © Frank Burger

    District Agricultural Museum Dorf Mecklenburg

    • Rambower Weg, 23972 Dorf Mecklenburg

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

    Read more: "District Agricultural Museum Dorf Mecklenburg"
  • Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

    • Schlossallee, 19412 Wendorf

    Unique castle suites, double rooms in the residence as well as modern holiday homes, flats & chalets nestled in the beautiful nature of the Schwerin Lakeland - maximum comfort for an unforgettable holiday. Experiences on site: sauna, wellness, swimming lake, horse riding, cycling, SUP and canoeing.

    Read more: "Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf"
  • 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"
  • 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"
  • © MV-T

    Ludwigslust castle park

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 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"
  • © Volker Janke

    Open-air museum Schwerin-Mueß

    • Open today
    • Alte Crivitzer Landstraße, 19063 Schwerin

    Immerse yourself in a bygone world - the world of the Mueß villagers. Here - in this place - farmers, shepherds, cottagers and craftsmen once lived with their families. Several generations under one roof together with the animals.

    Read more: "Open-air museum Schwerin-Mueß"
  • © Fotos: Lewitz e.V.

    Sturgeon Valley Museum Banzkow

    • Plater Straße, 19079 Banzkow

    Mecklenburg rural life - this is presented in many ways with its traditions developed over centuries in the Störtal Museum Banzkow. It is located in the basement of the Trend Hotel Banzkow.

    Read more: "Sturgeon Valley Museum Banzkow"
  • Living and dining area // © Vita Adam

    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"
  • 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"
  • © Webpage Pension zur Scheune

    Pensio Zur Scheune

    • Lübzer Chaussee, 19395 Plau am See

    Our guesthouse was built in the former barn of our farm. The interior design is adapted to the building in a rustic style. The guesthouse has a large garden with a covered barbecue area and garden furniture for cozy barbecue evenings as well as an adjacent sheep pasture. Our canoe rental is just a 300 m walk away.

    Read more: "Pensio Zur Scheune"
  • Old town hall in Parchim

    • Schuhmarkt, 19370 Parchim

    The impressive Parchim town hall with a unique town hall cellar dates back to the 14th century with its core substance.

    Read more: "Old town hall in Parchim"

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Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

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    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

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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.