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. © TV MS / A. Vones

    Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

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

    Schönhof Manor House

    Read more: "Schönhof Manor House"
  3. © 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"
  4. Dobbertin Monastery with the monastery church, © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

    Read more: "Dobbertin Abbey and church"
  5. © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    Schwerin Palace

    Read more: "Schwerin Palace"
  6. © DOMUSImages

    Good Zahren

    Read more: "Good Zahren"
  7. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Renaissance castle Gadebusch

    Read more: "Renaissance castle Gadebusch"
  8. Passow Castle

    Read more: "Passow Castle"
  9. Simple and beautiful: Zarchlin manor house, © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

    Read more: "Manor house Zarchlin"
  10. © TMV/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  11. Park view Goldenbow manor house, © Herrenhaus Goldenbow

    Goldenbow Manor

    Read more: "Goldenbow Manor"
  12. © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

    Read more: "Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake"
  13. © SSGK MV / Jörn Lehmann

    Ludwigslust Castle

    Read more: "Ludwigslust Castle"
  14. © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

    Read more: "Manor house Settin am See"
  15. Schwartow hunting lodge

    Read more: "Schwartow hunting lodge"
  16. © Hotel Schloss Basthorst/Michael Frahm

    Hotel Schloss Basthorst

    Read more: "Hotel Schloss Basthorst"
  17. © Fotostudio K3 Kruse GmbH Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  18. © vollvincent

    Kaeselow Castle

    Read more: "Kaeselow Castle"
  19. © Schlosshotel Wendorf

    Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

    Read more: "Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf"
  20. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

    Read more: "Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld"
  21. © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

    Read more: "Kaarz castle with park"
  22. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

    Read more: "Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience"
  23. Castle ghost Dieter is up to mischief in Dreilützow Castle, © Schloss Dreilützow/Baerens

    Dreilützow Castle

    Read more: "Dreilützow Castle"
  24. © Gut Vorbeck / Stefan von Stengel

    Vorbeck Manor

    Read more: "Vorbeck Manor"
  25. © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Wiligrad Castle

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle"
1- 0 from 0

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

  • © Kreativ- und Bastelscheune/Hoffmeister

    Creative and craft barn

    • Pamprinerstrasse, 19246 Zarrentin

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

    Read more: "Creative and craft barn"
  • Park view Goldenbow manor house, © Herrenhaus Goldenbow

    Goldenbow Manor

    • Zum Wasserturm, 19260 Goldenbow

    The Goldenbow manor house is one of the oldest manor houses in Mecklenburg. However, the building, which has been in ruins since 1984, was saved and has been under reconstruction since 2009. Today, the manor house can be experienced at various events. Those who would like to stay longer can get to know the house and its dedicated owners through the "Landvergnügen" campaign with their own caravan.

    Read more: "Goldenbow Manor"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    Old artillery barracks

    • Johannes Stelling Straße, 19053 Schwerin

    The artillery barracks in Schwerin, built between 1856 and 1861, represent the style of medieval fortress buildings and are a striking example of 19th century military architecture. Its exposed location on Ostorfer Berg and the architectural design underline the political stability of the monarchy at a time of social upheaval.

    Read more: "Old artillery barracks"
  • © Stadtmarketing Gesellschaft Schwerin

    Chick Foundation

    • Friedrichsstraße, 19055 Schwerin

    The representative classicist building on the south bank of the Pfaffenteich was built at the end of the 1860s. Composer Friedrich-Wilhelm Kücken established the foundation that gave the building its name, which supported destitute musicians until 1939. Today, the building houses a restaurant, as well as the state studio of the ZDF.

    Read more: "Chick Foundation"
  • 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"
  • © TMV/Foto@Andreas-Duerst.de

    Viewpoint Dütschower Bridge

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

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

    Read more: "Viewpoint Dütschower Bridge"
  • © 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"
  • View of the Alexandrine Monument and the Green House in Schwerin Palace Gardens, © 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"
  • LüttenHof Retreat, © Tanja von Heintze

    LüttenHof Retreat

    • Leussower Straße, 19294 Grebs-Niendorf

    Withdrawing in order to move forward: Silence, nature, space and time just for yourself. Nobody disturbs you. Let go. Relax. Concentrate on the essentials - in a peaceful environment without frills.

    Read more: "LüttenHof Retreat"
  • © 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"
  • © Bio Erlebnishof Grittel/ Nicole Albs

    Organic adventure farm Grittel

    • Am Ring, 19294 Grittel

    Grilling-chilling and nature. Enjoy your vacation with horse in almost untouched nature with wide meadows and endless forests in cozy and comfortable apartments and meadow, paddock or box for your equine friend.

    Read more: "Organic adventure farm Grittel"
  • Forest Riding Oasis

    • Ruhner Bergstr., 19372 Ziegendorf

    Far from the stress and hustle and bustle of everyday life, we offer vacation apartments, farm cafe with event room, boarding horse stalls, dressage training stables, riding lessons.

    Read more: "Forest Riding Oasis"
  • © 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"
  • © SSGK MV / Jörn Lehmann

    Ludwigslust Castle

    • Open today
    • Schlossfreiheit, 19288 Ludwigslust

    The magnificent Ludwigslust Palace, situated in a spacious park with avenues, cascades, canals and water jumps, is the center of the late Baroque town complex. In the castle's museum, the restored rooms shine in courtly splendor and transport visitors back in time. In the hunting hall of the castle there is a café with a spacious terrace overlooking the castle park.

    Read more: "Ludwigslust Castle"
  • © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

    • Crivitzer Strasse, 19089 Tramm OT Settin

    The Gut Settin resort is situated in a secluded location by the lake. The manor house with its stylish ambience, including the 10 double rooms, is exclusively available to guests. Under the motto "There is strength in tranquillity", it allows you to relax and concentrate on efficient work (workation, offsites...).

    Read more: "Manor house Settin am See"
  • © 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"
  • 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"
  • © Ferienanlage Zum See Plau am See

    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"
  • 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"
  • Ulis Kinderland e.V.

    • Dorfstraße, 23996 Gallentin

    Ulis Kinderland e.V. is a children's and youth camp and is located directly at Lake Schwerin, Germany's second largest inland lake. In the Kinderland up to 400 children and teenagers can experience exciting, natural and relaxing school trips, group and vacation camps. An extensive program is already included!

    Read more: "Ulis Kinderland e.V."
  • TV and reading corner, © 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"
  • 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"
  • Display boards explain the natural cycles and the benefits of bees., © Gabriele Skorupski

    Beekeeping center Bantin

    • Wittenburger Straße, 19246 Bantin

    Interesting insights into the life of bees are offered by the educational and show garden of the Bantin Beekeeping Center, located between Wittenburg and Zarrentin.

    Read more: "Beekeeping center Bantin"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • © M.Höppner

    Parish Church of St. Mary Plau am See

    • Kirchplatz, 19395 Plau am See

    The parish church St. Marien Plau am See was built in the 12th century as a three-nave and three-bay hall church.

    Read more: "Parish Church of St. Mary Plau am See"
  • © TMV/Tiemann

    Wangelin garden

    • 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"
  • © 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"
  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Schwerin Castle - Gardens

    • 19053 Schwerin

    Though the Palace outshines almost everything around it, there is one more attraction on that island which you shouldn’t miss. To the left of the main entrance, walking through the castle garden, you will find the charming orangery. It is a delicate construction made of cast iron and glass, a unique example of 19th century architecture and one of a kind in Germany. With its parkways, arcades, flower beds, sculptures, and the cross channel the baroque-style castle garden knows how to impress. The garden is public and open to visitors.

    Read more: "Schwerin Castle - Gardens"
  • Ackerbürgerhaus Plau am See

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Große Burgstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    Ackerbürgerhaus Plau am See

    Read more: "Ackerbürgerhaus Plau am See"

Content is loaded

Select a location in the region

Select a region

or enter a location directly

Content is loaded

Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

  1. Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Read more: "Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site"
  2. Switch off and recharge your batteries?

    Read more: "Switch off and recharge your batteries?"
  3. Outdoor adventures in spring

    Read more: "Outdoor adventures in spring"
  4. The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Read more: "The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin"
  5. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  6. River of fun

    Read more: "River of fun"
  7. Top

    5

    Country holiday tips for the fall

    Read more: "Country holiday tips for the fall"
  8. Top

    5

    Excursion destinations in fall with children

    Read more: "Excursion destinations in fall with children"
  9. Top

    5

    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  10. Guided tour of Schwerin Castle

    Read more: "Guided tour of Schwerin Castle"
  11. Top

    7

    Seven unique filming locations in MV

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

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
  13. Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater

    Read more: "Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater"
  14. Top

    7

    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  15. Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  16. Puppet theater at Schwerin Castle: a family trip into the past

    Read more: "Puppet theater at Schwerin Castle: a family trip into the past"
  17. From castle to castle with pleasure

    Read more: "From castle to castle with pleasure"
  18. Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber"
1- 0 from 0

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.