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. Hotel Schloss Basthorst

    Read more: "Hotel Schloss Basthorst"
  2. Schwartow hunting lodge

    Read more: "Schwartow hunting lodge"
  3. © Jagdschloss friedrichsmoor / @sebfoto.de

    Hunting Lodge Friedrichsmoor

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  4. Kaarz castle with park

    Read more: "Kaarz castle with park"
  5. © MV-T/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

    Read more: "Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld"
  7. © Fotostudio Kruse Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  8. Außenansicht Gut Zahren // © DOMUSImages

    Good Zahren

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  9. Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

    Read more: "Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf"
  10. Exterior view of Settin manor house // © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

    Read more: "Manor house Settin am See"
  11. Traumhafte Lage: Schloss Scherin auf einer kleinen Insel im Schweriner See // © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    Schwerin Palace

    Read more: "Schwerin Palace"
  12. Im Schloss Dreilützow treibt Schlossgeist Dieter sein Unwesen // © Schloss Dreilützow/Baerens

    Dreilützow Castle

    Read more: "Dreilützow Castle"
  13. Schlicht und schön: Gutshaus Zarchlin // © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

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  14. Schloss Ludwigslust mit Spiegelung im Karauschenteich // © SSGK MV / Jörn Lehmann

    Ludwigslust Castle

    Read more: "Ludwigslust Castle"
  15. Der Innenhof des Schlosses Gadebusch bei einer Veranstaltung. // © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Renaissance castle Gadebusch

    Read more: "Renaissance castle Gadebusch"
  16. Schönhof Manor House

    Read more: "Schönhof Manor House"
  17. Parkansicht Herrenhaus Goldenbow // © Herrenhaus Goldenbow

    Goldenbow Manor

    Read more: "Goldenbow Manor"
  18. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

    Read more: "Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience"
  19. © TV MS / A. Vones

    Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

    Read more: "Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)"
  20. Dobbertin Monastery with the monastery church // © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

    Read more: "Dobbertin Abbey and church"
  21. Gänse im Park von Schloss Kaeselow // © vollvincent

    Kaeselow Castle

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  22. Vorbeck Manor

    Read more: "Vorbeck Manor"
  23. Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

    Read more: "Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake"
  24. Arrival at our estate // © Gut Settin am See

    Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

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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.

173 results

  • © MV-T/Gohlke

    Robber Vieting Cave

    • 19370 Parchim

    In today's Sonnenberg nature reserve, robber Vieting once caused fear and terror. His cave and other traces from that time can still be visited today.

    Read more: "Robber Vieting Cave"
  • In der Ferienanlage Am Walde können Ross und Reiter idyllisch entspannen und ausspannen. // © 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"
  • © Gasthof zur Guten Quelle

    Inn " Zur Guten Quelle"

    • Schusterstraße, 19055 Schwerin

    A guesthouse with a long tradition. It is situated right in the heart of the historic city centre. In the summer months you can also visit the Biergarten. Does have an English menu and English speaking personnel.

    Read more: "Inn " Zur Guten Quelle""
  • © 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"
  • © Touristinformation Goldberg

    Goldberg Nature Museum and Tourist Information

    • Open today
    • Müllerweg, 19399 Goldberg

    Whether on the water, on horseback or on numerous hiking and cycling routes in the Goldberg-Mildenitz region in the Mecklenburg Lake District, you have countless opportunities for active recreation. For your vacation, the tourism association offers useful information on accommodation, tours, events and much more.

    Read more: "Goldberg Nature Museum and Tourist Information"
  • © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Boizenburger Hof Hotel

    • Weidestraße, 19258 Boizenburg

    The Hotel Boizenburger Hof is a popular destination for cyclists and families and is certified as a partner of the Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe. You can experience and enjoy the historic old town, the harbor, magnificent views of the Elbe and the Elbe cycle path here in the biosphere reserve in a rural idyll.

    Read more: "Boizenburger Hof Hotel"
  • © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Vacation apartment Hof Engelien

    • Ausbau, 19273 Brahlstorf

    Enjoy your vacation in our barrier-free vacation apartment in the renovated former farmhouse. We are happy to pick you up at the train station Brahlstorf. We are a partner of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe and are actively committed to sustainable regional development.

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Hof Engelien"
  • © 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"
  • © Marina Nord

    Marina North / Aparthotel at Lake Heidensee

    • Buchenweg, 19055 Schwerin

    Idyllically located on Lake Heidensee is the Aparthotel and Marina Nord with marina and sailing school.

    Read more: "Marina North / Aparthotel at Lake Heidensee"
  • Vorbeck Manor

    • An der Warnow, 19065 Vorbeck

    At the gates of the State capital Schwerin, surrounded by a natural landscape, lies GUT VORBECK with its golf hotel, café HerzensGUT and riding stable directly on the Warnow River. With its 20 rooms and suites located directly on course 13 of the WINSTONlink, the estate's golf hotel offers everything for a perfect vacation in the middle of Mecklenburg's unspoiled nature.

    Read more: "Vorbeck Manor"
  • © 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"
  • 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"
  • © Zoo Schwerin

    Schwerin Zoological Garden

    • Open today
    • Waldschulweg, 19061 Schwerin

    A green oasis lies in the centre of Schwerin, which is characterised by a 3 ha large bird meadow as well as semi-natural animal enclosures, which are a second home to the 650 animals from 120 species. Schwerin zoo is one of the most beautiful in Germany.

    Read more: "Schwerin Zoological Garden"
  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin e. V. / Uwe Nölke

    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"
  • Vacation park Retgendorf

    • Kiefernweg, 19067 Retgendorf

    In a sparse pine forest, only 50m away from Lake Schwerin, you will find our spacious hotel complex with direct lake access and natural swimming area. The vacation park has 28 comfortably furnished hotel rooms and 24 vacation homes with modern to luxurious furnishings.

    Read more: "Vacation park Retgendorf"
  • © 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"
  • Kleine Auszeit 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"
  • © Stadtgeschichts- und Museumsverein Schwerin e.V.; Dr. Holger Martens

    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"
  • Die Ranch of Geronimo liegt einbegettet in der mecklenburgischen Seenplatte // © Ranch of Geronimo/ Wolfgang Kring

    Geronimo's Ranch

    • 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: "Geronimo's Ranch"
  • 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"
  • 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"
  • 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"
  • Arrival at our estate // © 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"

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Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

  1. River of fun

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

    Read more: "Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater"
  3. Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Read more: "Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site"
  4. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  5. Outdoor adventures in spring

    Read more: "Outdoor adventures in spring"
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    5

    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  7. The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin

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    7

    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  9. Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber"
  10. Top

    5

    Excursion destinations in fall with children

    Read more: "Excursion destinations in fall with children"
  11. Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  12. Top

    7

    Seven unique filming locations in MV

    Read more: "Seven unique filming locations in MV"
  13. Top

    5

    Country holiday tips for the fall

    Read more: "Country holiday tips for the fall"
  14. Guided tour of Schwerin Castle

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  15. A Special Bicycle Tour

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  16. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

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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.