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

    Dreilützow Castle

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

    Vorbeck Manor

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

    Manor house Settin am See

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  4. Schwerin Palace

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

    Kaarz castle with park

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  6. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

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  7. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

    Read more: "Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld"
  8. Schwartow hunting lodge

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  9. Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

    Read more: "Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)"
  10. Gänse im Park von Schloss Kaeselow // © vollvincent

    Kaeselow Castle

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

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

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  12. Schönhof Manor House

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  13. Hunting Lodge Friedrichsmoor

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  14. Goldenbow Manor

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

    Manor house Zarchlin

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  16. Renaissance castle Gadebusch

    Read more: "Renaissance castle Gadebusch"
  17. Das Hotel Schloss Basthorst Außenansicht // © Hotel Schloss Basthorst/Michael Frahm

    Hotel Schloss Basthorst

    Read more: "Hotel Schloss Basthorst"
  18. Schloss Ludwigslust mit Spiegelung im Karauschenteich // © SSGK MV / Jörn Lehmann

    Ludwigslust Castle

    Read more: "Ludwigslust Castle"
  19. Das Kloster Dobbertin mit der Klosterkirche // © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

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

    Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

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  21. Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

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  22. © MV-T/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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  23. Good Zahren

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  24. © Fotostudio K3 Kruse GmbH Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe 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.

167 results

  • Das Wolfsrudel streift durch das Unterholz und stimmt zum großen Heulkonzert an // © Wildpark-MV

    Wildpark-MV

    • Primerburg, 18273 Güstrow

    Welcome to the wild animal adventure in Güstrow: Experience wolf, bear & Co. wilder than in the zoo! The 200 hectare wildlife and landscape park invites the whole family to an unforgettable experience. The local flora and fauna can be discovered in spacious enclosures, some of which can be walked on.

    Read more: "Wildpark-MV"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    Grand ducal office building

    • Alexandrinensraße, 19055 Schwerin

    The monumental administration building is located to the northwest of the old town, directly on the Pfaffenteich lake. The building was erected when the Grand Ducal administration moved from Ludwigslust to Schwerin between 1842 and 1845.

    Read more: "Grand ducal office building"
  • The medieval village church of Kuppentin in late summer. // © 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.

    Read more: "Kuppentin church"
  • Outdoor exhibition “EinFlussReich“

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Am Elbberg, 19258 Boizenburg/Elbe

    Life by a river like the Elbe has many advantages that people have used for centuries. At the same time, they had to protect themselves from the dangers of flooding and built dikes and dams. The open-air exhibition “EinFlussReich”, located in the immediate vicinity of the famous Elwkieker observation tower, provides children and adults with information on the subject of flooding in a playful way.

    Read more: "Outdoor exhibition “EinFlussReich“"
  • Die Ranch of Geronimo liegt einbegettet in der mecklenburgischen Seenplatte // © 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.

    Read more: "Ranch of Geronimo"
  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Grand Ducal Kitchen Garden

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Franzosenweg, 19061 Schwerin

    Somewhat hidden behind a brick wall on Franzosenweg is the former kitchen garden for the grand ducal court. Preserved are also orange house and wine drive.

    Read more: "Grand Ducal Kitchen Garden"
  • Wooden bridge over the Warnow // © MV-T/outdoor-visions.com

    Warnow wooden bridge near Groß Görnow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 19406 Groß Görnow

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

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  • © 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"
  • 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"
  • © 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.

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  • © 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"
  • Simple and beautiful: Zarchlin manor house // © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

    • Dorfstraße, 19395 Zarchlin

    Ecologically renovated house with design vacation apartments, seminar room, large kitchen and music rehearsal room. Plain manor house with 100 historic windows in the Mecklenburg Lake District. Awarded the Federal Prize for Craftsmanship in the Preservation of Historical Monuments.

    Read more: "Manor house Zarchlin"
  • © 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"
  • Hotel Speicher am Ziegelsee Schwerin

    • Speicherstraße, 19055 Schwerin

    Enjoy a climate-neutral overnight stay in a historic, listed granary, extensively renovated in 1998 to create a unique first-class hotel.

    Read more: "Hotel Speicher am Ziegelsee Schwerin"
  • © Hotel Erbprinz

    Hotel Hereditary Prince

    • Schweriner Straße, 19288 Ludwigslust

    The hotel is located in a central, quiet location in the historic baroque town of Ludwigslust. It is a very nice house with style, classic and comfort of a four-star hotel. The restaurant currently offers a pick-up service and recipe boxes for delicious Christmas dishes to take home.

    Read more: "Hotel Hereditary Prince"
  • © 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"
  • 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"
  • Museum of everyday culture of the Gries

    • Lange Straße, 19230 Hagenow

    Hagenow is the gateway to the Griesen Region in southwestern Mecklenburg. The museum, founded in 1974, is dedicated to everyday life in the countryside and in the city - from the Stone Age to the more recent past.

    Read more: "Museum of everyday culture of the Gries"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    Old Palace

    • Schloßstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    The Old Palace is located on the Old Garden, on the corner of Schlossstraße, with its eastern façade facing the palace. The Old Palace, also known as the Alexandrinenpalais or Erbprinzenpalais, has been an important part of Schwerin's residential ensemble since 1801 due to its courtly use.

    Read more: "Old Palace"
  • © Stadt Plau am See

    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"
  • Plau am See post office

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 19395 Plau

    Old post office

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  • AMEDIA Plaza Schwerin // © 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"
  • Trend Hotel Banzkow Restaurant // © Trend Hotel Banzkow

    Trend HOTEL

    • Plater Straße, 19079 Banzkow

    The Trend Hotel is located on the edge of a tranquil village in the middle of a landscape rich in forests and lakes. Schwerin, one of the most beautiful cities in northern Germany, can be reached in a few minutes by car. The surrounding area offers many activities and nature experiences for you.

    Read more: "Trend HOTEL"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • Das Hotel Schloss Basthorst Außenansicht // © 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"
  • 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.

    Read more: "Dat Waldhus - Holiday with dogs"
  • Horse & Ross - welcome to the Bio Erlebnishof Grittel // © 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"
  • © Maik Schwarz

    Commandant's house

    • Arsenalstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    The Commander's House on the south bank of the Pfaffenteich in Schwerin is an elegant example of neoclassical architecture and served as the official residence of the commander of the Grenadier Guards Battalion. Built between 1836 and 1837, it is a symbol of the reform and modernization of the Mecklenburg military under Grand Duke Paul Friedrich.

    Read more: "Commandant's house"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    Arsenal

    • Alexandrinenstraße, 19055 Schwerin

    The Grand Ducal Arsenal on the south-western bank of the Pfaffenteich in Schwerin, built between 1840 and 1844, is an impressive example of Tudor Gothic architecture. Today it serves as the seat of the state's Ministry of the Interior and combines historical architecture with a central location on the waterfront.

    Read more: "Arsenal"

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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. Guided tour of Schwerin Castle

    Read more: "Guided tour of Schwerin Castle"
  3. Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber"
  4. Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  5. Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater

    Read more: "Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater"
  6. River of fun

    Read more: "River of fun"
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    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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

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

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  10. Top

    5

    Excursion destinations in fall with children

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

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    Seven unique filming locations in MV

    Read more: "Seven unique filming locations in MV"
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    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  13. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
  14. From castle to castle with pleasure

    Read more: "From castle to castle with pleasure"
  15. Outdoor adventures in spring

    Read more: "Outdoor adventures in spring"
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    5

    Country holiday tips for the fall

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