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

    Wiligrad Castle

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  2. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

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  3. Dreilützow Castle

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  4. Welcome to Woserin Manor House, © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

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  5. Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

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  6. © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

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  7. The Hotel Schloss Basthorst exterior view, © Hotel Schloss Basthorst

    Hotel Schloss Basthorst

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  8. Kaarz Castle and Park with plenty of open space, © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

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  9. Dreamlike location: Scherin Castle on a small island in Schwerin Lake, © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    Schwerin Palace

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  10. © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

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  11. © Fotostudio Kruse Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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  12. © Sönke Gill

    Schönhof Manor House

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  13. Vorbeck Manor, © Gut Vorbeck / Stefan von Stengel

    Vorbeck Manor

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  14. Schwartow hunting lodge

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  15. © TMV/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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  16. Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

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  17. Passow Castle

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  18. © Gut Settin am See

    Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

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  19. Ludwigslust Castle

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  20. Park view Goldenbow manor house, © Herrenhaus Goldenbow

    Goldenbow Manor

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  21. Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

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  22. Exterior view of Settin manor house, © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

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  23. Geese in the park of Kaeselow Castle, © vollvincent

    Kaeselow Castle

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  24. Good Zahren

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

    Renaissance castle Gadebusch

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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

  • Exterior view of Settin manor house, © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

    • Crivitzer Strasse, 19089 Tramm OT Settin

    The Gut Settin resort is situated in a secluded location by the lake. The manor house with its stylish ambience, including the 10 double rooms, is exclusively available to guests. Under the motto "There is strength in tranquillity", it allows you to relax and concentrate on efficient work (workation, offsites...).

    Read more: "Manor house Settin am See"
  • Gretchenheim Plau am See

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

    Monument

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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"
  • © Ferienpark Mecklenburg

    Vacation park Mecklenburg

    • Hauptstraße, 19372 Ziegendorf

    Vacation paradise for families, grandma & grandpa with grandchildren and for all dog lovers with their four-legged friends - near the Mecklenburg Lake District, right between Hamburg and Berlin. Our own lake invites you to swim. Not only on rainy days the indoor swimming pool and sauna attract. The restaurant spoils with regional offers.

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  • © 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.

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  • © 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.

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  • 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.

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

    Renaissance castle Gadebusch

    • Johann-Stelling-Straße, 19205 Gadebusch

    The Renaissance castle from 1573 is especially known for the detailed terracotta decorations on the facade. Currently, the 16th century building is undergoing extensive renovation. The castle can be visited on guided tours during events such as the Open Monument Day.

    Read more: "Renaissance castle Gadebusch"
  • © Mecklenburgisches Kutschenmuseum

    Kobrow Carriage Museum

    • Am Dorfteich, 19406 Kobrow II

    With more than 200 coaches, wagons and sledges, the collection in Kobrow is one of the richest and most important in Germany. The elegant victorias, coupes, wagonettes, landaus, phaetons and hunting carriages show the great variety of designs. There is also a museum café.

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  • The Ranch of Geronimo is nestled in the Mecklenburg Lake District, © 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.

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  • © 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.

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  • © 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.

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  • Hotel de Weimar in Ludwigslust, © Hotel de Weimar

    Hotel de Weimar

    • Schloßstraße, 19288 Ludwigslust

    Stay overnight in historical walls and let yourself be spoiled by excellent cuisine.

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  • TV and reading corner, © 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"
  • © Hotel

    InterCity Hotel Schwerin

    • Grunthalplatz, 19053 Schwerin

    Schwerin is not only the State capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, but also the oldest city in the state and a pearl with its beautiful landmark, the Schwerin Castle. Explore Schwerin and the Mecklenburg Lake District from the hotel and enjoy your stay.

    Read more: "InterCity Hotel Schwerin"
  • 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.

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  • The Van der Valk Landhotel Spornitz is located directly on the edge of the Lewitz, a natural scenery worth seeing, © Van der Valk Landhotel Spornitz

    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"

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Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

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    Country holiday tips for the fall

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    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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  4. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

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  5. Guided tour of Schwerin Castle

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  6. Outdoor adventures in spring

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    Excursion destinations in fall with children

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    Seven unique filming locations in MV

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  12. Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site

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    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

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  14. The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin

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  15. From castle to castle with pleasure

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  16. Switch off and recharge your batteries?

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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.