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.

Kaarz Castle in Mecklenburg-Schwerin at sunset with walkers in the well-tended castle park.

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. © Hotel Schloss Basthorst/Michael Frahm

    Hotel Schloss Basthorst

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

    Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

    Read more: "Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf"
  3. Unique castle complex in Passow, © Manuela Engel-Dahan

    Passow Castle

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  4. Arrival at our estate, © Gut Settin am See

    Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

    Read more: "Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake"
  5. Exterior view Zahren Manor, © DOMUSImages

    Good Zahren

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  6. © vollvincent

    Kaeselow Castle

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  7. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

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  8. Vorbeck Manor

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  9. Dreamlike location: Scherin Castle on a small island in Schwerin Lake, © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    Schwerin Palace

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  10. © Fotostudio Kruse Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  11. © Schloss Dreilützow/Baerens

    Dreilützow Castle

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  12. © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

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  13. Renaissance castle Gadebusch

    Read more: "Renaissance castle Gadebusch"
  14. Dobbertin Monastery with the monastery church, © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

    Read more: "Dobbertin Abbey and church"
  15. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

    Read more: "Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld"
  16. Simple and beautiful: Zarchlin manor house, © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

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  17. Exterior view of Jagdschlösschen Schwartow, © Jagdschlösschen Schwartow / Jan Haeselich

    Schwartow hunting lodge

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  18. © Herrenhaus Goldenbow

    Goldenbow Manor

    Read more: "Goldenbow Manor"
  19. © TV MS / A. Vones

    Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

    Read more: "Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)"
  20. © Sönke Gill

    Schönhof Manor House

    Read more: "Schönhof Manor House"
  21. © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Wiligrad Castle

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle"
  22. Exterior view of Settin manor house, © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

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  23. © TMV/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  24. Ludwigslust Castle with reflection in the pond "Karauschen", © SSGK MV / Jörn Lehmann

    Ludwigslust Castle

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Activities

on water, on land and on horseback

Boating tours and water fun on Lake Plau

If you like action, you will love Lake Plau. Sailing boats, excursion boats, motorboats and yachts come and go, surfers do their laps – Lake Plau is a true swimming and water sports paradise. Water sports enthusiasts who want to explore the 38-square-kilometre lake and its surrounding waters at their leisure can paddle across the lake on several canoe tours.

Biking and hiking tours

The hilly landscape of Mecklenburg-Schwerin is ideal for extensive cycling and hiking tours. The 63-kilometre "Round Eight" cycle path around Lake Schwerin invites you to explore the area by bike. Those who want to plan more than one day will find a vast landscape of forests, lakes and fields, home to cranes and white-tailed eagles, on the five-day hiking tour Klosterdreieck between Schaalsee, Ratzeburg and Zarrentin.

164 Ergebnisse
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    New Town Palace

    • Puschkin Str., 19055 Schwerin

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

    Read more: "New Town Palace"
  • © Fotostudio Kruse 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"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    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"
  • © 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"
  • © Stadt Sternberg

    Museum of local history Sternberg

    • Closed today
    • Mühlenstraße, 19406 Sternberg

    The museum of local history is located in the oldest house in the town of Sternberg. In a total of 14 exhibition rooms, the prehistory and early history of the town is presented here, among other things.

    Read more: "Museum of local history Sternberg"
  • © 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"
  • © Remo Block

    Adventure & Water Sports

    • An der Metow, 19395 Plau am See

    Our vacation park is located directly on the water and yet in the city. In Mecklenburg the clocks go slower, they say, and to some extent time seems to stand still, so you also have more of it available on vacation.Feel the Plau summer freshness in every season, the clear sea air and the wholesome, healthy nature.

    Read more: "Adventure & Water Sports"
  • © Foto: Karl-Georg Haustein

    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.

    Read more: "Village church Garwitz"
  • 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"
  • © Thorsten Falk, Seehotel Plau am See

    Seehotel Plau am See

    • Hermann-Niemann-Str., 19395 Plau am See

    Make friends out of guests - Leave everyday life behind and immerse yourself in the hospitable atmosphere of our beautifully situated lakeside hotel. The idyllic 4-star hotel, located directly on Lake Plauer See, awaits you in its family atmosphere. Discover the wonderful area around Lake Plauer See.

    Read more: "Seehotel Plau am See"
  • © Tourist-Info der Stadt Sternberg / M. Bouvier

    City wall with mill gate Sternberg

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Mühlenstraße, 19406 Sternberg

    The city wall with the mill gate in Sternberg enclosed the old town of Sternberg in the Middle Ages.

    Read more: "City wall with mill gate Sternberg"
  • InterCity Hotel Schwerin

    • Grunthalplatz, 19053 Schwerin

    Schwerin is not only the State capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, but also the oldest city in the state and a pearl with its beautiful landmark, the Schwerin Castle. Explore Schwerin and the Mecklenburg Lake District from the hotel and enjoy your stay.

    Read more: "InterCity Hotel Schwerin"
  • 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"
  • © Hotel Stadtkrug

    Hotel Stadtkrug

    • Apothekenstraße, 19370 Parchim

    Directly in the center of the historic old town is our family-run hotel since 1939.

    Read more: "Hotel Stadtkrug"
  • © Silke Winkler

    Mecklenburg State Theater

    • Open today
    • Alter Garten, 19055 Schwerin

    The Mecklenburg State Theater in the beautiful state capital Schwerin has a lot to offer: a talented acting ensemble, a versatile musical theater, the third oldest orchestra in Germany, an international ballet ensemble, the Young State Theater Parchim and the traditional Fritz Reuter Stage - up Platt, as well as the highlight of the season every summer, the Schwerin Castle Festival with a diverse program.

    Read more: "Mecklenburg State Theater"
  • © TMV / Gohlke

    Lift bridge Plau am See

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

    The Plau lift bridge is an industrial monument.

    Read more: "Lift bridge Plau am See"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    Grand ducal linen and bed chamber

    • Großer Moor, 19055 Schwerin

    On behalf of the Grand Duke, architect Hermann Willebrand created the designs for a linen room. In 1878, after the demolition of the previous building, this was supplemented by the construction of a "bed chamber". Willebrand unified both components with a uniform design and a simple classical plaster façade.

    Read more: "Grand ducal linen and bed chamber"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    Court gardener's establishment

    • Schlossgartenallee, 19061 Schwerin

    In connection with the expansion and redesign of the palace gardens in the 19th century, the new "Hofgaertner-Etablissement" was built in 1856/57 to a design by architect Hermann Willebrand. The building served as the court gardener's residence and service building and was therefore located in the immediate vicinity of this garden area.

    Read more: "Court gardener's establishment"
  • Directly on the lake is the vacation park Mecklenburg, © Ferienpark Mecklenburg

    Vacation park Mecklenburg

    • Hauptstraße, 19372 Ziegendorf

    Vacation paradise for families, grandma & grandpa with grandchildren and for all dog lovers with their four-legged friends - near the Mecklenburg Lake District, right between Hamburg and Berlin. Our own lake invites you to swim. Not only on rainy days the indoor swimming pool and sauna attract. The restaurant spoils with regional offers.

    Read more: "Vacation park Mecklenburg"
  • © Gaststätte und Pension "Zum Eichenkrug" / Schulz

    Restaurant and boarding house "Zum Eichenkrug

    • Hauptstraße, 19374 Domsühl

    Our restaurant captivates with its rural ambience and its "good home cooking". In the pension with its cozy interior, the guest can relax and feel comfortable.

    Read more: "Restaurant and boarding house "Zum Eichenkrug"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • Renaissance castle Gadebusch

    • Johann-Stelling-Straße, 19205 Gadebusch

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

    Read more: "Renaissance castle Gadebusch"
  • © Landhotel Lewitz-Mühle

    Vacation Hotel Lewitz Mühle

    • An der Lewitz Mühle, 19079 Banzkow

    Quiet 3-star superior hotel at the gates of Schwerin, restaurant in historic windmill from 1874, large park with playground, beer garden and 2 log cabin saunas to relax, function rooms for up to 200 people.

    Read more: "Vacation Hotel Lewitz Mühle"
  • © Ferienresort TexasMV

    Texas MV holiday resort

    • Texas, 19230 Kirch Jesar

    A holiday resort with a wellness area, gastronomy and modern and friendly holiday flats. The area on which the holiday park was built was already called "Texas" in maps that are 100 years old. At the beginning of the last century, such exotic names described areas that were "remote". These days, the resort is easy to get to and offers visitors a bit of comfort.

    Read more: "Texas MV holiday resort"
  • 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 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"
  • Dobbertin Monastery with the monastery church, © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

    • Am Kloster, 19399 Dobbertin

    The abbey of Dobbertin, on the eastern shore of the lake of the same name, is one of the most beautiful surviving monasteries in northern Germany. It was founded by Benedictine monks in 1220. Today, the abbey is managed by the Diakoniewerk, which looks after and supports people with mental and emotional disabilities. The workshop sells, among other things, candles and wooden articles.

    Read more: "Dobbertin Abbey and church"
  • 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"
  • © TMV

    Ludwigslust castle park

    • Temporarily closed
    • Schlossplatz, 19288 Ludwigslust

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

    Read more: "Ludwigslust castle park"

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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.