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

    Renaissance castle Gadebusch

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  2. © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

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  3. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

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  4. Schönhof Manor House

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  5. Exterior view of Wiligrad Castle from bird's eye view, © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Wiligrad Castle

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  6. © TV MS / A. Vones

    Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

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  7. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

    Read more: "Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld"
  8. Dreamlike location: Scherin Castle on a small island in Schwerin Lake, © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    Schwerin Palace

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

    Dreilützow Castle

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  10. © Hotel Schloss Basthorst/Michael Frahm

    Hotel Schloss Basthorst

    Read more: "Hotel Schloss Basthorst"
  11. © Gut Settin am See

    Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

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  12. © DOMUSImages

    Good Zahren

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  13. © Jagdschlösschen Schwartow / Jan Haeselich

    Schwartow hunting lodge

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  14. © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

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  15. Vorbeck Manor

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  16. © Herrenhaus Goldenbow

    Goldenbow Manor

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  17. © TMV/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  18. © Fotostudio Kruse Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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

    Ludwigslust Castle

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  20. Simple and beautiful: Zarchlin manor house, © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

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  21. © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

    Read more: "Kaarz castle with park"
  22. © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

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  23. Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

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  24. Kaeselow 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.

169 results

  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    Old court gardener's house

    • Schlossgartenallee, 19061 Schwerin

    The Old Court Gardener's House was built for court gardener Christian Daniel Friedrich Klett. He received the property as a gift from the Grand Duke. It is an essential part of the former palace nursery with its preserved buildings.

    Read more: "Old court gardener's house"
  • © Jörn Lehmann

    Old Synagogue Hagenow

    • Closed 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"
  • © Jonas Kurverwaltung

    Playground Burghof Plau am See

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

    The Burghof Plau am See playground is located in the historic old town. The facility has swings, a climbing tower, slide, suspension bridge, swing and wine press scaffolding,

    Read more: "Playground Burghof Plau am See"
  • © 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"
  • © Janine Kissel

    Apartments Naturcamping Retgendorf

    • Seestraße, 19067 Retgendorf

    Vacation including camping feeling in one of our comfortably furnished vacation apartments. Naturcamping Retgendorf is located directly on Lake Schwerin, just 15 kilometers from Schwerin.

    Read more: "Apartments Naturcamping Retgendorf"
  • Schwerin State Archives

    • Graf-Schack-Allee, 19053 Schwerin

    The Schwerin State Archives on the Burgsee, built in the early 20th century, preserve the unique collection of documents and files of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. With an impressive mixture of historical style and modern construction technology, it is one of the most important Grand Ducal buildings in Schwerin and has been preserved almost unchanged.

    Read more: "Schwerin State Archives"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

    • Temporarily closed
    • Forststraße, 19065 Raben Steinfeld

    The landscape park was originally designed by court gardener Theodor Klett and belonged to a grand ducal estate. The English-style park on a steep bank above Lake Schwerin incorporates existing trees and opened up to the landscape and the village of Raben Steinfeld with picturesque view axes.

    Read more: "Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld"
  • Exterior view guesthouse 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"
  • Dreamlike location: Scherin Castle on a small island in Schwerin Lake, © 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.

    Read more: "Schwerin Palace"
  • The Fischhaus am Schaalsee is located in a quiet, rural atmosphere, © Fischhaus am Schaalsee

    Fish house at the Schaalsee

    • Amtsstraße, 19246 Zarrentin am Schaalsee

    Welcome to our idyllically situated Fischhaus Hotel at the Schaalsee! The Fischhaus is located directly on the south shore of the Schaalsee. Let us spoil you in our restaurant and enjoy the view of the water. In summer the lake terrace invites you to relax and enjoy. A hall for 100 guests offers space for your celebration!

    Read more: "Fish house at the Schaalsee"
  • © 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"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    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"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Bekow Protected Landscape Area

    • 19230 Hagenow

    For over 100 years, the Hagenower Bekow with its bogs, ponds, forest and field has been a popular recreation area for the people of Hagenow. The protected landscape area with many special habitats can be explored on a circular trail during a walk. In summer, visitors can also refresh themselves in Hagenow's forest pool. For those who want to delve deeper into the flora and fauna, there is a free audio guide for their own smartphone.

    Read more: "Bekow Protected Landscape Area"
  • © Familie Schlünz

    Hotel City Hamburg

    • Letzte Straße, 19288 Ludwigslust

    Our hotel with restaurant is quietly located and not far from Ludwigslust Castle and the train station.

    Read more: "Hotel City Hamburg"
  • Castle ghost Dieter is up to mischief in Dreilützow Castle, © 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"
  • © 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"
  • © 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.

    Read more: "BOULEVARD Hotel Old Town Schwerin"
  • 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"
  • © Pension Niehus

    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"
  • © VIELANKER Brauhaus GmbH & Co.KG, Vielank

    VIELANKER Brewery

    • Lindenplatz, 19303 Vielank

    brewery * hotel * restaurant * beer garden * vaulted cellar * distillery * banqueting hall * winter garden * brewery tours * aurochs safari

    Read more: "VIELANKER Brewery"
  • View of Thomas farm in Wendisch Waren, © Thomas Hof und Pferdehof Kusch/ Schmidt

    Thomas - yard

    • Ziegeleiweg, 19399 Wendisch Waren

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

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  • © Gabriele Skorupski

    City Hall Ludwigslust

    • Schloßstraße, 19288 Ludwigslust

    Ludwigsluster Schlossstraße is the site of today's town hall. However, the two-story brick building was not always the seat of the city administration. It was built in 1780 by Johann Joachim Busch and initially served as a court house, the upper floor of which housed the Carton-Fabrique.

    Read more: "City Hall Ludwigslust"
  • © Kurverwaltung Plau am See

    Bahnhofshotel Plau am See

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

    The old Bahnhofshotel Plau am See is located at the end of Steinstraße (no. 96). The building is one of the architectural monuments of the small Mecklenburg town. Today, a memorial plaque commemorates the "forced unification" of the KPD and SPD parties. Since 2015, the old station hotel has been the children's and boys' center of the town of Plau am See.

    Read more: "Bahnhofshotel Plau am See"
  • © 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"
  • The open-air museum Groß Raden, © Landesamt für Kultur und Denkmalpflege Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Landesarchäologie

    Open Air Archaeological Museum Groß Raden

    • Kastanienallee, 19406 Groß Raden

    Located on a peninsula in Lake Groß Raden, the open-air museum provides insights into the life of the Northwest Slavic tribes a thousand years ago with faithful replicas of dwellings and craft workshops as well as a temple.

    Read more: "Open Air Archaeological Museum Groß Raden"
  • 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"
  • © Hotel Schloss Basthorst/Michael Frahm

    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"
  • © Bauspielplatz Schwerin e.V.

    School hostel Raben Steinfeld

    • Am See, 19065 Raben Steinfeld

    Our two guest houses are located on a beautiful 15,000m² natural area in the immediate vicinity of Lake Schwerin. We are easy to reach by car as well as by the Schwerin public transport. For groups up to 40 people we offer accommodation, full board and varied programs.

    Read more: "School hostel Raben Steinfeld"

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Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

  1. Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  2. Outdoor adventures in spring

    Read more: "Outdoor adventures in spring"
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    Excursion destinations in fall with children

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

    Read more: "Puppet theater at Schwerin Castle: a family trip into the past"
  5. Switch off and recharge your batteries?

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

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber"
  7. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
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    Seven unique filming locations in MV

    Read more: "Seven unique filming locations in MV"
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    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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

    Read more: "The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin"
  11. River of fun

    Read more: "River of fun"
  12. Guided tour of Schwerin Castle

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    5

    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  14. Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site

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

    Read more: "From castle to castle with pleasure"
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    Country holiday tips for the fall

    Read more: "Country holiday tips for the fall"
  17. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  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.