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. Dreilützow Castle

    Read more: "Dreilützow Castle"
  2. Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

    Read more: "Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf"
  3. Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

    Read more: "Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)"
  4. Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

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

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  6. Welcome to Woserin Manor House, © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

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  7. Good Zahren

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  8. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

    Read more: "Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld"
  9. Kaarz Castle and Park with plenty of open space, © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

    Read more: "Kaarz castle with park"
  10. Park view Goldenbow manor house, © Herrenhaus Goldenbow

    Goldenbow Manor

    Read more: "Goldenbow Manor"
  11. The courtyard of Gadebusch Castle during an event., © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Renaissance castle Gadebusch

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  12. Schwartow hunting lodge

    Read more: "Schwartow hunting lodge"
  13. © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

    Read more: "Manor house Zarchlin"
  14. Passow Castle

    Read more: "Passow Castle"
  15. Vorbeck Manor, © Gut Vorbeck / Stefan von Stengel

    Vorbeck Manor

    Read more: "Vorbeck Manor"
  16. © 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"
  17. Ludwigslust Castle

    Read more: "Ludwigslust Castle"
  18. © Sönke Gill

    Schönhof Manor House

    Read more: "Schönhof Manor House"
  19. © Fotostudio Kruse Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  20. Geese in the park of Kaeselow Castle, © vollvincent

    Kaeselow Castle

    Read more: "Kaeselow Castle"
  21. Dreamlike location: Scherin Castle on a small island in Schwerin Lake, © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    Schwerin Palace

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

    Manor house Settin am See

    Read more: "Manor house Settin am See"
  23. Exterior view of Wiligrad Castle from bird's eye view, © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Wiligrad Castle

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle"
  24. © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

    Read more: "Dobbertin Abbey and church"
  25. The Hotel Schloss Basthorst exterior view, © Hotel Schloss Basthorst

    Hotel Schloss Basthorst

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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

  • © Kurverwaltung Plau am See

    Hotel Haus Sajons

    • Große Burgstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    Set in a listed building, this centrally located hotel offers bright rooms with a flat-screen TV. Lake Plau is just a 10-minute walk away.

    Read more: "Hotel Haus Sajons"
  • © 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"
  • © Ulrich Unger

    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“"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    Schwerin State Archives

    • Graf-Schack-Allee, 19053 Schwerin

    The Schwerin State Archives on the Burgsee, built in the early 20th century, preserve the unique collection of documents and files of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. With an impressive mixture of historical style and modern construction technology, it is one of the most important Grand Ducal buildings in Schwerin and has been preserved almost unchanged.

    Read more: "Schwerin State Archives"
  • Birkenkamp farm

    • Plüter, 19230 Bresegard bei Picher

    Guided hikes with alpacas, workshops and seminars, a mini farm store and overnight stays in a teepee - the Birkenkamp farm has so much to offer!

    Read more: "Birkenkamp farm"
  • © Gut Settin am See

    Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

    • Crivitzer Straße, 19089 Settin

    Gut Settin by the lake - simply different. Out of the city? Enjoy peace and nature? Then you are exactly right here. The country houses and log cabins are top equipped and have an exclusive exclusive location on the estate Settin am See.

    Read more: "Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake"
  • In the vacation resort Am Walde horse and rider can idyllically relax and unwind., © 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"
  • 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"
  • © Sönke Gill

    Schönhof Manor House

    • Schloßstraße, 23936 Testorf-Steinfort OT Schönhof

    Experience history: Our old manor house and the idyllic park enchant from the very first moment. In summer, we host events with guided tours of the house, our courtyard café in the park and trade fairs. The house is currently being converted into a wedding venue, with vacation apartments to follow - a place for special experiences.

    Read more: "Schönhof Manor House"
  • © 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"
  • 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"
  • Country house Polak, © Polak

    Country house & apiary Polak

    • Schulstraße, 19386 Kreien

    Where man and nature are in harmony! On our farm with guest boxes for horses, organic beekeeping and 2 vacation apartments we invite you to a vacation in nature.

    Read more: "Country house & apiary Polak"
  • © 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"
  • © Stiftung Tiernothilfe

    Land of the animals

    • Am Lehmberg, 19260 Banzin

    Open sanctuary for former farm animals with educational facility. In the summer half-year there are guided tours of the animals every Sunday. Encounter days "animal and man" incl. introduction to vegan cuisine, as well as environmental, animal and conservation days for youth groups are offered.

    Read more: "Land of the animals"
  • Seehotel Plau am See

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

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

    Read more: "Seehotel Plau am See"
  • © Fotostudio Kruse Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    • Alte Burg, 19306 Neustadt-Glewe

    The oldest preserved fortress in Mecklenburg stands in Neustadt-Glewe. It is one of the best preserved castles in Mecklenburg and can be visited. At the castle, there is a museum that is well worth seeing, as well as a restaurant and a tourist information office.

    Read more: "Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  • SCHWERIN PLUS Touristik-Service GmbH Travel from Castle to Castle

    • Mecklenburgstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    Travel from castle to castle in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: Individual trips to castles, manor houses and manor houses. We offer castle tours, walking tours with luggage transfer, bicycle tours with luggage transfer, car tours and concert tours to the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival.

    Read more: "SCHWERIN PLUS Touristik-Service GmbH Travel from Castle to Castle"
  • Geese in the park of Kaeselow Castle, © vollvincent

    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"
  • Welcome to the studio "JuGeLy" - Whether on a painting weekend or a painting week - here visitors learn step by step how to successfully paint an oil painting, © Atelier "JuGeLy" / Görres

    Studio "JuGeLy

    • Boraustraße, 19374 Domsühl

    In the studio "JuGeLy" a certified painting teacher for the Bob Ross® and Jenkins painting technique awaits you. You can paint landscapes, flowers and animals. Course participants will be shown step by step how to successfully paint an oil painting in one day. A vacation apartment is available for a painting weekend or week.

    Read more: "Studio "JuGeLy"
  • © 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"
  • 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"
  • © 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"
  • 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"
  • © Webpage Pension zur Scheune

    Pensio Zur Scheune

    • Lübzer Chaussee, 19395 Plau am See

    Our guesthouse was built in the former barn of our farm. The interior design is adapted to the building in a rustic style. The guesthouse has a large garden with a covered barbecue area and garden furniture for cozy barbecue evenings as well as an adjacent sheep pasture. Our canoe rental is just a 300 m walk away.

    Read more: "Pensio Zur Scheune"
  • © Familie Schlünz

    Hotel City Hamburg

    • Letzte Straße, 19288 Ludwigslust

    Our hotel with restaurant is quietly located and not far from Ludwigslust Castle and the train station.

    Read more: "Hotel City Hamburg"
  • © 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"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    Villas on Werderstrasse

    • Werderstraße, 19055 Schwerin

    Annastrasse in Schwerin, built between 1862 and 1866, presents a series of neo-Renaissance villas that served as residences for aristocratic families and wealthy citizens. The picturesque façades are based on the formal language of the residential palace and feature spacious courtyards and elegant conservatories.

    Read more: "Villas on Werderstrasse"
  • Welcome to your vacation paradise in the vacation home Bernstorff, © Gut Bernstorff

    Vacation home Bernstorff

    • Dorfstr., 19246 Bernstorff

    Idyllically situated and quiet vacation home with personal charm in the middle of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Schaalsee.

    Read more: "Vacation home Bernstorff"
  • Dreamlike location: Scherin Castle on a small island in Schwerin Lake, © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    Schwerin Palace

    • Open today
    • Lennéstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    Schwerin Palace is located on an island in Lake Schwerin and is among the most important historicism edifices in Europe.

    Read more: "Schwerin Palace"
  • BEECH Resort Plauer See, © BEECH Resort Plauer See

    BEECH Resort Plauer See

    • Dresenower Mühle, 19395 Ganzlin

    Closed due to modernization and reconstruction in 2023. On more than seven hectares, our idyllic lakeside village opens up in the middle of the Ganzliner Holz landscape conservation area directly on Lake Plauer See with its own bathing beach and boat dock. Enjoy with us a piece of untouched nature directly at the gateway to the Mecklenburg Lake District.

    Read more: "BEECH Resort Plauer See"

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Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

  1. Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber"
  2. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
  3. Guided tour of Schwerin Castle

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  4. From castle to castle with pleasure

    Read more: "From castle to castle with pleasure"
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    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  6. Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater

    Read more: "Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater"
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    5

    Excursion destinations in fall with children

    Read more: "Excursion destinations in fall with children"
  8. Outdoor adventures in spring

    Read more: "Outdoor adventures in spring"
  9. Puppet theater at Schwerin Castle: a family trip into the past

    Read more: "Puppet theater at Schwerin Castle: a family trip into the past"
  10. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  11. Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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  12. Switch off and recharge your batteries?

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

    Read more: "Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site"
  14. The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Read more: "The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin"
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    Country holiday tips for the fall

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  16. Top

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    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

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  17. River of fun

    Read more: "River of fun"
  18. Top

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    Seven unique filming locations in MV

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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.