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. © TV MS / A. Vones

    Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

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  2. Das Kloster Dobbertin mit der Klosterkirche // © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

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  3. © Fotostudio K3 Kruse GmbH Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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  4. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

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  5. Im Schloss Dreilützow treibt Schlossgeist Dieter sein Unwesen // © Schloss Dreilützow/Baerens

    Dreilützow Castle

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  6. © MV-T/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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  7. Blick auf den Park und das Bernsteinschloss Wendorf // © Schlosshotel Wendorf

    Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

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  8. Renaissance castle Gadebusch

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  9. Außenansicht Jagdschlösschen Schwartow // © Jagdschlösschen Schwartow / Jan Haeselich

    Schwartow hunting lodge

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  10. Geese in the park of Kaeselow Castle // © vollvincent

    Kaeselow Castle

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  11. Schloss und Park Kaarz mit viel Freiraum // © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

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  12. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

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  13. Traumhafte Lage: Schloss Scherin auf einer kleinen Insel im Schweriner See // © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    Schwerin Palace

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  14. Manor house Zarchlin

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  15. Außenansicht Gutshaus Settin // © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

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  16. Gut Vorbeck // © Gut Vorbeck / Stefan von Stengel

    Vorbeck Manor

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  17. Goldenbow Manor

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  18. Außenansicht Gut Zahren // © DOMUSImages

    Good Zahren

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  19. Willkommen im Gutshaus Woserin // © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

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  20. Das Hotel Schloss Basthorst Außenansicht // © Hotel Schloss Basthorst/Michael Frahm

    Hotel Schloss Basthorst

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  21. Ankunft bei uns auf dem Gut // © Gut Settin am See

    Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

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  22. © Jagdschloss friedrichsmoor / @sebfoto.de

    Hunting Lodge Friedrichsmoor

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  23. Schönhof Manor House

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  24. Ludwigslust Castle

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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.

175 results

  • Forest school Alt Jabel

    • Kirchstraße, 19303 Alt Jabel

    The forest school and recreation center of Zebef e.V. are located in the middle of the Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe. Here we offer nature and experiential education programs for children and young people. The project participants can become active by building bows, accompanied tree climbing or other sportive offers.

    Read more: "Forest school Alt Jabel"
  • © 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""
  • Blick in den Thronsaal des Großherzogs in den Wohn- und Prunkappartements des Museum Schloss Schwerin // © Lothar Steiner © Staatliches Museum Schwerin

    Schwerin Castle Museum

    • Lennéstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    A variety of towers are reaching into the sky, on top of them golden domes and sparkling pinnacles. The museum shows the splendor of ducal times with beautiful rooms, weapons, fine china and silver. It is open to visitors.

    Read more: "Schwerin Castle Museum"
  • 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"
  • Mecklenburg State Theater

    • Alter Garten, 19055 Schwerin

    The Mecklenburg State Theater in the beautiful state capital Schwerin has a lot to offer: a talented acting ensemble, a versatile musical theater, the third oldest orchestra in Germany, an international ballet ensemble, the Young State Theater Parchim and the traditional Fritz Reuter Stage - up Platt, as well as the highlight of the season every summer, the Schwerin Castle Festival with a diverse program.

    Read more: "Mecklenburg State Theater"
  • 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.

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  • Willkommen in der Ferienwohnung Bullerbü // © Ferienwohnung Bullerbü/Keil

    Vacation apartment Bullerbü

    • Seeweg, 19217 Dechow

    Arrive, unpack, go down: located on the edge of the nature reserve, in the immediate vicinity of the lake, you can completely immerse yourself in the original idyll and sustainably recharge in our Bullerbü. A swim in the lake in the morning? A walk along winding paths in the evening? Oh, how wonderfully easy life is here!

    Read more: "Vacation apartment Bullerbü"
  • © 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"
  • Grand ducal office building

    • Alexandrinensraße, 19055 Schwerin

    The monumental administration building is located to the northwest of the old town, directly on the Pfaffenteich lake. The building was erected when the Grand Ducal administration moved from Ludwigslust to Schwerin between 1842 and 1845.

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  • Island Hotel & Holiday Homes Dobbertin

    • An der Mühle, 19399 Dobbertin

    New vacation island with hotel & restaurant and cottages

    Read more: "Island Hotel & Holiday Homes Dobbertin"
  • Zarrentin Lakeside Hotel

    • Amtsstraße, 19246 Zarrentin am Schaalsee

    Welcome to the tranquillity of nature! Step inside and unwind at the magnificent Biosphere Reserve Schaalsee.

    Read more: "Zarrentin Lakeside Hotel"
  • Ludwigslust Castle

    • 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"
  • 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.

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  • © MV-T/Tiemann

    Wangelin garden

    • Nachtkoppelweg, 19395 Wangelin

    Observe - grasp - marvel - enjoy in the largest medicinal herb garden in Mecklenburg. In addition to medicinal herbs, you will also find aromatic, magical and dyeing plants, as well as a butterfly garden and a typical North German farm garden. The garden's harvest can be tasted in the garden café and children can let off steam in the playscape.

    Read more: "Wangelin garden"
  • © Stadt Plau am See

    Ackerbürgerhaus in Plau am See

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Große Burgstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    Ackerbürgerhaus in Plau am See

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  • 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"
  • 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"
  • Commandant's house

    • Arsenalstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    The Commander's House on the south bank of the Pfaffenteich in Schwerin is an elegant example of neoclassical architecture and served as the official residence of the commander of the Grenadier Guards Battalion. Built between 1836 and 1837, it is a symbol of the reform and modernization of the Mecklenburg military under Grand Duke Paul Friedrich.

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  • 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"
  • 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"
  • © 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"
  • Town Museum Amtsturm Lübz

    • Am Markt, 19386 Lübz

    The Amtsturm is one of the best preserved fortified towers in Germany - built over 700 years ago. The charm and special feature of the old town of Lübz on the Müritz-Elde waterway, lies in the unity of its well-preserved historical layout.

    Read more: "Town Museum Amtsturm Lübz"
  • Das Wolfsrudel streift durch das Unterholz und stimmt zum großen Heulkonzert an // © Wildpark-MV

    MV Wildlife Park

    • Primerburg, 18273 Güstrow

    Welcome to the wild animal adventure in Güstrow: Experience wolf, bear & Co. wilder than in the zoo! The 200 hectare wildlife and landscape park invites the whole family to an unforgettable experience. The local flora and fauna can be discovered in spacious enclosures, some of which can be walked on.

    Read more: "MV Wildlife Park"
  • Willkommen im Atelier "JuGeLy" - Egal ob an einem Malwochenende oder bei einer Malwoche - hier erfahren Besucher Schritt für Schritt, wie sie erfolgreich ein Ölbild malen // © 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"
  • Hotel & Restaurant "Zur Schleuse

    • Zur Schleuse, 19372 Garwitz

    We are a family-run inn with hotel, have five guest rooms with Lewitz view. By land or water you can explore the Lewitz region very well. A visit to the outdoor pool of the village is a must (June-August). The county seat Parchim is 7 km away, the baroque town Ludwigslust 20 km and the State capital Schwerin 30 km.

    Read more: "Hotel & Restaurant "Zur Schleuse"

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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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    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

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    Excursion destinations in fall with children

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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.