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. Simple and beautiful: Zarchlin manor house, © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

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  2. Schönhof Manor House

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

    Renaissance castle Gadebusch

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  4. © DOMUSImages

    Good Zahren

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  5. © Gut Settin am See

    Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

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

    Wiligrad Castle

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  7. © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

    Read more: "Dobbertin Abbey and church"
  8. © Herrenhaus Goldenbow

    Goldenbow Manor

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  9. Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

    Read more: "Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf"
  10. © TMV/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  11. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

    Read more: "Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld"
  12. © Hotel Schloss Basthorst/Michael Frahm

    Hotel Schloss Basthorst

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  13. Kaeselow Castle

    Read more: "Kaeselow Castle"
  14. © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

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  15. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

    Read more: "Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience"
  16. Dreamlike location: Scherin Castle on a small island in Schwerin Lake, © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    Schwerin Palace

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  17. © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

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  18. Vorbeck Manor

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

    Ludwigslust Castle

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  20. © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

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  21. © Fotostudio Kruse Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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

    Dreilützow Castle

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  23. © Jagdschlösschen Schwartow / Jan Haeselich

    Schwartow hunting lodge

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  24. © TV MS / A. Vones

    Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

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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

  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

    • Temporarily closed
    • Forststraße, 19065 Raben Steinfeld

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

    Read more: "Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld"
  • © 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"
  • © Thamm

    Vacation resort Am Walde

    • Köhlerweg, 19399 Wooster Teerofen

    In our complex on the edge of the forest and near the lakes (Langhagensee, Paschensee) six cozy bungalows for 2 to 4 people and one apartment for up to 6 people await you.

    Read more: "Vacation resort Am Walde"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • State Museum Schwerin

    • Open today
    • Alter Garten, 19055 Schwerin

    In a prominent location on Schwerin Lake, visitors will find a top collection of Dutch paintings, as well as paintings from the 16th to the 21st century and works of handicrafts and graphic art.

    Read more: "State Museum Schwerin"
  • Kaeselow Castle

    • Temporarily closed
    • Kaeselow, 19209 Lützow

    The historic manor house "Schloss Kaeselow" is located 20 km west of Schwerin, nestled in a large property with park and garden.

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

    Thomas - yard

    • Ziegeleiweg, 19399 Wendisch Waren

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

    Read more: "Thomas - yard"
  • © 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"
  • Little time out Schaalsee, © Daniel Wicklein

    Little time out Schaalsee

    • Hauptstraße, 19246 Zarrentin

    Arrive - let go - feel good. The "Kleine Auszeit" in the Schaalsee region, an area characterized by gentle tourism, welcomes you with pure luxury. Enjoy the untouched nature and the often missed tranquility.

    Read more: "Little time out Schaalsee"
  • Wooden bridge over the Warnow, © TMV/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.

    Read more: "Warnow wooden bridge near Groß Görnow"
  • © 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"
  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Schweizerhaus in Ludwigslust Castle Park

    • Schlossgarten, 19288 Ludwigslust

    The bright, thatched half-timbered house in the palace park was built as the summer residence of Duchess Luise at the end of the 18th century in Ludwigslust Palace Park.

    Read more: "Schweizerhaus in Ludwigslust Castle Park"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • 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"
  • © Jonas Kurverwaltung

    Playground Burghof Plau am See

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

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

    Read more: "Playground Burghof Plau am See"
  • © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

    • Obere Dorfstraße, 19412 Kaarz

    Kaarz Castle is a charming gem surrounded by a castle park in the love Mecklenburg. The partner hotel of WINSTONgolf accommodates 22 individual rooms, suites and apartments.

    Read more: "Kaarz castle with park"
  • 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"
  • Bedroom vacation apartment Wiesentraum Gut Alt Necheln, © Stefan von Stengel

    Manor house Alt Necheln

    • An der Warnow, 19412 Alt Necheln

    Gut Alt Necheln is nestled in the wild and romantic landscape of Mecklenburg and offers three vacation apartments of different sizes for groups of 2 to 24 people.

    Read more: "Manor house Alt Necheln"
  • Touch and feed elephants., © 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.

    Read more: "Elephant farm Platschow"
  • © 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"
  • Waldhotel Boizenburg

    • Waldweg, 19258 Boizenburg/Elbe Ot Schwartow

    The Waldhotel Boizenburg is idyllically situated in Schwartow, directly on the Elbe cycle path, and combines relaxation close to nature with good service. It is aimed at vacation guests, business travelers and groups looking for a suitable setting for events.

    Read more: "Waldhotel Boizenburg"
  • 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"
  • 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"
  • Privelacker paradise garden

    • Elbstraße, 19273 Privelack

    Restaurant, guesthouse and vacation apartment in a quiet, secluded location directly on the Elbe cycle path. Organic farm and partner of the Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe.

    Read more: "Privelacker paradise garden"
  • © Gabriele Skorupski

    City Hall Ludwigslust

    • Schloßstraße, 19288 Ludwigslust

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

    Read more: "City Hall Ludwigslust"
  • © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

    • Gutshausallee, 19249 Lübtheen, OT Volzrade

    Enjoy your vacation in one of our dreamlike vacation apartments with upscale furnishings in the listed Volzrade manor house. The manor house park invites you to unwind in all seasons. Experience the beautiful landscape of West Mecklenburg in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe!

    Read more: "Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Bekow Protected Landscape Area

    • 19230 Hagenow

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

    Read more: "Bekow Protected Landscape Area"

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Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

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    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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    Seven unique filming locations in MV

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    Country holiday tips for the fall

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    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

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  7. Outdoor adventures in spring

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  8. Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber

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  9. Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site

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  11. Switch off and recharge your batteries?

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  12. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

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  13. Guided tour of Schwerin Castle

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  14. River of fun

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  15. From castle to castle with pleasure

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    Excursion destinations in fall with children

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  17. Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater

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

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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.