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

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

    Vorbeck Manor

    Read more: "Vorbeck Manor"
  3. Exterior view of Settin manor house // © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

    Read more: "Manor house Settin am See"
  4. Schwerin Palace

    Read more: "Schwerin Palace"
  5. Schloss und Park Kaarz mit viel Freiraum // © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

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

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

    Read more: "Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience"
  7. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

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

    Read more: "Schwartow hunting lodge"
  9. Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

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

    Kaeselow Castle

    Read more: "Kaeselow Castle"
  11. Willkommen im Gutshaus Woserin // © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

    Read more: "Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake"
  12. Schönhof Manor House

    Read more: "Schönhof Manor House"
  13. Hunting Lodge Friedrichsmoor

    Read more: "Hunting Lodge Friedrichsmoor"
  14. Goldenbow Manor

    Read more: "Goldenbow Manor"
  15. Simple and beautiful: Zarchlin manor house // © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

    Read more: "Manor house Zarchlin"
  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

    Read more: "Dobbertin Abbey and church"
  20. Arrival at our estate // © 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"
  21. Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

    Read more: "Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf"
  22. © MV-T/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  23. Good Zahren

    Read more: "Good Zahren"
  24. © Fotostudio K3 Kruse GmbH Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
1- 0 from 0

Activities

Out and about by bike, on foot or on the water

Bike tours

&p>The diverse network of cycle paths is a relaxed way to explore Mecklenburg-Schwerin. The  combines magnificent castles with culinary stops in Schwerin and the Sternberg Lake District. In addition, the Blue Eight around Lake Schwerin, the VeloLust in Ludwigslust, the DiscoveryRoutes and the Elbe Cycle Path with tales of Enni, the water droplet,

.

Hiking trails 

Mecklenburg-Schwerin offers a variety of hiking trails through forests, lake landscapes and protected natural areas. A highlight for families are the Pilzy‘s nature experience trails in Hagenow, Brüel and Goldberg, which make it possible to experience nature in a playful way. In addition, guided tours through the Schaalsee Biosphere Reserve and the Star Park  to special nature experiences.

Lakes & rivers

The extensive water network with its countless lakes makes Mecklenburg-Schwerin a paradise for activities on and around the water. A Houseboat vacation on the Müritz-Elde-Wasserstraße is the most relaxed way to experience the region from the water. Those who like it more active will find happiness sailing, surfing and diving on Lake Plau, SUP on Lake Schwerin or on a canoe tour on the Warnow.

Culinary & Art

Mecklenburg-Schwerin is a place for connoisseurs and creatives. Lovely finds are created in manufactories and studios, while courtyards and regional markets offer culinary delights. A mixture of enjoyment and inspiration unfolds between rivers and lakes. Our tip: Für  at Pentecost ömany artists open their doors and allow guests to immerse themselves in their creative world.

167 results

  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Crivitz town church

    • Kirchenstraße, 19089 Crivitz

    Protestant town church Crivitz

    Read more: "Crivitz town church"
  • Gretchenheim Plau am See

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

    Monument

    Read more: "Gretchenheim Plau am See"
  • 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"
  • 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"
  • Lift bridge Plau am See

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

    The Plau lift bridge is an industrial monument.

    Read more: "Lift bridge Plau am See"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • Van der Valk Landhotel Spornitz

    • Am Alten Dütschower Weg, 19372 Spornitz

    Against the backdrop of a beautiful natural setting and with many sports and leisure opportunities, the Landhotel Spornitz is located in MV, directly on the edge of the nature reserve "Lewitz".

    Read more: "Van der Valk Landhotel Spornitz"
  • Good Zahren

    • Dorfstraße, 19386 Zahren

    Space for ideas - that is the motto of the spacious estate with French flair. There are vacation apartments, lounges, seminar rooms and an estate kitchen.

    Read more: "Good Zahren"
  • Greenhouse with cavalier house

    • Lennéstraße, 19061 Schwerin

    The Greenhouse and the Kavaliershaus opposite it in Schwerin Palace Gardens form an impressive architectural ensemble designed by Peter Joseph Lenné and Georg Adolph Demmler. Embedded in an extensive landscaped park, they served as a summer residence and symbolize the hospitality of the grand ducal family.

    Read more: "Greenhouse with cavalier house"
  • Außenansicht // © Landhaus Schwerin

    Landhaus Schwerin Pension & Café

    • An der Chaussee, 19055 Schwerin

    Charming half-timbered house on the outskirts of Schwerin with a cozy guesthouse and café - ideal for a relaxing break or a stopover on a cycle tour around the Schwerin lakes. The café offers homemade cakes and coffee specialties.

    Read more: "Landhaus Schwerin Pension & Café"
  • Außenansicht Gästehaus 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"
  • © Fotostudio K3 Kruse GmbH 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"
  • © 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"
  • Old town hall in Parchim

    • Schuhmarkt, 19370 Parchim

    The impressive Parchim town hall with a unique town hall cellar dates back to the 14th century with its core substance.

    Read more: "Old town hall in Parchim"
  • 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"
  • Hofblick, Außenansicht // © Golchener Hof M. Müller

    Farmer Korl's Golchen Farm

    • Golchener Hof, 19412 Golchen

    Amidst meadows and forests, nestled in the unmistakable naturalness of Mecklenburg, the Golchener Hof is always the right tip. There is much to discover at Farmer Korl's Golchener Hof.

    Read more: "Farmer Korl's Golchen Farm"

Content is loaded

Select a location in the region

Select a region

or enter a location directly

Content is loaded

Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

  1. Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Read more: "Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site"
  2. 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"
  7. Top

    7

    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

    7

    Seven unique filming locations in MV

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

    5

    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"
  16. Top

    5

    Country holiday tips for the fall

    Read more: "Country holiday tips for the fall"
1- 0 from 0

Perfectly prepared for your vacation in Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Where is Mecklenburg-Schwerin located?

In the west of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – between the Elbe, Schaalsee, Plauer See and Schweriner See. The region includes the state capital Schwerin as well as the districts of Ludwigslust-Parchim and parts of Northwest Mecklenburg.

What makes Mecklenburg-Schwerin special as a travel destination?

The diversity: magnificent canyons, tranquil lakes, dense forests and quaint villages are all close together here. Ideal for anyone who enjoys culture and nature and is looking for peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle.

Is the Schwerin Residence Ensemble a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes! Since July 2024, the residential ensemble with the palace, cathedral and neoclassical villas has officially been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Which castles and historical sites are worth seeing?

In addition to Schwerin Palace, Ludwigslust Palace, the „Versailles of the North“, is well worth a visit. The monasteries in Rehna and Zarrentin, the medieval castle in Neustadt-Glewe and the Slavic village in Groß Raden near Sternberg are also worth a detour.

Which parks and gardens should you have seen?

The palace gardens in Schwerin, Ludwigslust, Wiligrad and Kaarz impress with their stately splendor. If you prefer something a little more rural, the monastery garden in Rehna, the Pingelhof Alt Damerow in the Lewitz region or the ecological Wangeliner Garten near Plau am See are perfect for you.

How many lakes are there in the region?

Many! From Lake Schaalsee to Lake Schwerin and Lake Plau, countless bathing spots, canoe routes and lakeside paths invite you to relax. Many places can also be discovered by boat via waterways such as the Müritz-Elde-Wasserstraße, the Störkanal or the Warnow - a paradise for nature lovers.

Is the region suitable for cycling?

In any case! Tours such as the Schloss & Genuss-Erlebnisradtour combine imposing castles and manor houses with courtyards, cafés and manufactories. Interactive augmented reality stations make the experiences along the way even more tangible – an exciting mix of culture, culinary delights and technology.

Which excursions are suitable for families with children?

Whether it's the Bärenwald forest, Alpine center, swimming lakes or museums, Mecklenburg-Schwerin offers many destinations for families. One highlight is the interactive nature trails in Hagenow, Brüel and Goldberg – where „Pilzy“, a talking mushroom, accompanies children and parents through nature in a playful way, with rock climbing, art and hands-on stations.

What can you experience in Schwerin apart from the castles?

Discover the charming old town with its historic half-timbered houses, the diverse cultural offerings, listen to the bells in the cathedral or relax on Zippendorf beach – city & nature hand in hand.

How do you get to Mecklenburg-Schwerin?

Located between Hamburg and Berlin, Mecklenburg-Schwerin is easily accessible via the A24. There are ICE train stops in Schwerin and Ludwigslust, and other towns are well connected by regional train. Within the region, buses and the on-call bus service also connect smaller towns – ideal for anyone who wants to travel flexibly and sustainably.