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. Vorbeck Manor, © Gut Vorbeck / Stefan von Stengel

    Vorbeck Manor

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  2. Hotel Schloss Basthorst

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  3. Goldenbow Manor

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  4. Dreilützow Castle

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  5. Experience the view of the park and the Schlosshotel Wendorf for yourself and in person, © Grand Hotel Schloss Wendorf

    Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

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  6. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

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  7. © vollvincent

    Kaeselow Castle

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  8. © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    Schwerin Palace

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  9. Manor house Zarchlin

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  10. Schwartow hunting lodge

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  11. © TMV/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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  12. Good Zahren

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  13. © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

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  14. © Sönke Gill

    Schönhof Manor House

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  15. Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

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

    Manor house Settin am See

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  17. Welcome to Woserin Manor House, © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

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

    Ludwigslust Castle

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

    Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

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

    Kaarz castle with park

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  21. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

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

    Renaissance castle Gadebusch

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  23. © Fotostudio Kruse Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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

    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.

169 results

  • © 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.

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  • © Ferienhaus Naturnah/ Noll

    Vacation home close to nature

    • Am Scharbowsee, 19406 Mustin

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

    Read more: "Vacation home close to nature"
  • From the observation tower you can look far over the Elbe landscape., © Gabriele Skorupski

    Observation tower "Elwkieker" Boizenburg

    • Temporarily closed
    • Am Elbberg, 19258 Boizenburg/ OT Vier

    NOTE: Due to the danger of landslides in the area of the Elbe slope, the Elwkieker observation tower and its apron are currently closed!

    Read more: "Observation tower "Elwkieker" Boizenburg"
  • 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"
  • Schwartow hunting lodge

    • Boizestr., 19258 Schwartow

    The hotel-restaurant is the ideal place for a relaxing day with friends, your partner or the whole family, for your vacation, as a stopover during leisure activities and for events. Especially for romantic wedding celebrations.

    Read more: "Schwartow hunting lodge"
  • Dat Waldhus in spring, © Steffen Tepasse

    Dat Waldhus - Holiday with dogs

    • Philosophenweg, 19395 Plau am See

    When they spend their vacation at Waldhus, they are among like-minded people. Here they will probably always meet more paws than feet.

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  • CULTURE MILL PARCHIM

    • Fischerdamm, 19370 Parchim

    Theater-Museum - A place of diversity, culture and youth, all under one roof.

    Read more: "CULTURE MILL PARCHIM"
  • Fun in the water, © Ferienpark Retgendorf

    Hostel Schwerin Lake

    • Kiefernweg, 19067 Retgendorf

    3 ha park in the middle of a pine forest, 50 m from the Schwerin Lake; restaurant with outdoor terrace, bowling alley, billiard and dart club; 12 km from Schwerin, 30 km from the Baltic Sea, 80 km from Lübeck; great and inexpensive packages

    Read more: "Hostel Schwerin Lake"
  • © M.Höppner

    Gretchenheim Plau am See

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

    Monument

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  • Escape from everyday life on the farm Silberweide, © 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.

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  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Schwerin Cathedral St. Marien and St. Johannis

    • Am Dom, 19055 Schwerin

    The proverbial highlight of the churches in Mecklenburg: Schwerin Cathedral. This imposing masterpiece of brick Gothic is the oldest building in the city of Schwerin, has the highest church tower in Mecklenburg at 117.5 meters and is the only true cathedral in the state. The cathedral is open daily. Those who climb the 220 steps of the tower are greeted by a breathtaking view over Schwerin's lake landscape.

    Read more: "Schwerin Cathedral St. Marien and St. Johannis"
  • © 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.

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  • The entrance to the factory premises., © Gabriele Skorupski

    Old paper factory Neu Kaliß

    • Straße des Friedens, 19294 Neu Kaliß

    When the two entrepreneurs Felix Schöller and Theodor Bausch came to Neu Kaliß in 1871, they already had ambitious plans. They wanted to reform the paper mill, which was already producing high-quality writing paper at that time. A modern paper mill was to be built on the banks of the New Elde River.

    Read more: "Old paper factory Neu Kaliß"
  • © 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"
  • © Lothar Steiner © Staatliches Museum Schwerin

    Schwerin Castle Museum

    • Open today
    • Lennéstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    A variety of towers are reaching into the sky, on top of them golden domes and sparkling pinnacles. The museum shows the splendor of ducal times with beautiful rooms, weapons, fine china and silver. It is open to visitors.

    Read more: "Schwerin Castle Museum"
  • © Hotel

    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"
  • © 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.

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  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    • Schlossfreiheit, 19306 Neustadt-Glewe

    Nestled in the charming landscape of the Thousand Lakes Mecklenburg, on the edge of the protected landscape area Lewitz, a wonderful stay awaits you in our 4-star hotel. The castle inspires with baroque splendor, 1,600 m² of lush stucco work and 32 chimneys richly decorated with rosettes, cornices and figures. With branch office of the registry office for a dream wedding in the castle.

    Read more: "Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  • © 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.

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  • Parkhotel Klüschenberg, © Parkhotel Klüschenberg

    Parkhotel Klüschenberg

    • Klüschenberg, 19395 Plau am See

    When you come to us, you come to yourself ... Wonderful location in the middle of the quiet and shady Klüschenberg Park. Fresh Mecklenburg cuisine from local seasonal products. Selected wine cellar with growths from all over the world.

    Read more: "Parkhotel Klüschenberg"
  • © 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"
  • The Ranch of Geronimo is nestled in the Mecklenburg Lake District, © 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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  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Kuppentin church

    • Mühlenbachstraße, 19386 Kuppentin

    Kuppertin Church is one of the oldest and most important village churches in Mecklenburg in terms of architectural history. In addition to church services, the church is also used for exhibitions, lectures and musical events during the summer months. It can be visited. The adjacent building houses the village church history museum.

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  • Open-air museum Schwerin-Mueß

    • Closed 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"
  • Landhaus Schwerin Pension & Café

    • An der Chaussee, 19055 Schwerin

    Charming half-timbered house on the outskirts of Schwerin with a cozy guesthouse and café - ideal for a relaxing break or a stopover on a cycle tour around the Schwerin lakes. The café offers homemade cakes and coffee specialties.

    Read more: "Landhaus Schwerin Pension & Café"
  • © 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"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    College buildings I and II

    • Schloßstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    The College Building I in Schwerin, close to the castle and facing Schloßstraße, was built on the orders of Friedrich Franz I. The classicist three-winged complex impresses with a terraced courtyard of honor, an impressive portal and a magnificent staircase. Materials from the former Franciscan monastery may have been used in its construction. The adjoining Kollegiengebäude II, built between 1890 and 1892 by Georg Daniel, is connected by a three-part triumphal arch. It features a central inner courtyard, stucco ceilings and preserved door systems. Both buildings are important examples of classicist architecture in Schwerin.

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  • © Plaza BW Schwerin GmbH

    AMEDIA Plaza Schwerin

    • Bleicher Ufer, 19053 Schwerin

    Our hotel is located directly at the Ostorfer Lake in beautiful Schwerin.The famous Schwerin sights, such as the Schwerin Castle, the Mecklenburg State Theater and the historic Old Town are only a few minutes walk away.

    Read more: "AMEDIA Plaza Schwerin"
  • 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.

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  • © Elefantenhof Platschow

    Elephant farm Platschow

    • Am Dorfplatz, 19372 Platschow

    Touching elephants, feeding them or even riding them - this is what the Elefantenhof Platschow in the Mecklenburg-Schwerin region offers its guests.

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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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    Country holiday tips for the fall

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    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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  8. Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater

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

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    Seven unique filming locations in MV

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  14. 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.