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. © TMV/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  2. © Manuela Engel-Dahan

    Passow Castle

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  3. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

    Read more: "Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience"
  4. Manor house Settin am See

    Read more: "Manor house Settin am See"
  5. Dobbertin Abbey and church

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  6. © TV MS / A. Vones

    Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

    Read more: "Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)"
  7. © Hotel Schloss Basthorst/Michael Frahm

    Hotel Schloss Basthorst

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  8. © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

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  9. © vollvincent

    Kaeselow Castle

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  10. Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

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  11. © Herrenhaus Goldenbow

    Goldenbow Manor

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  12. Renaissance castle Gadebusch

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  13. Ludwigslust Castle with reflection in the pond "Karauschen", © SSGK MV / Jörn Lehmann

    Ludwigslust Castle

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  14. © Schlosshotel Wendorf

    Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

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  15. © Sönke Gill

    Schönhof Manor House

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

    Wiligrad Castle

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  17. © Fotostudio K3 Kruse GmbH Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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  18. Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

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  19. © DOMUSImages

    Good Zahren

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  20. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

    Read more: "Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld"
  21. © SSGK MV / Timm Allrich

    Schwerin Palace

    Read more: "Schwerin Palace"
  22. © Jagdschlösschen Schwartow / Jan Haeselich

    Schwartow hunting lodge

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  23. © Gut Vorbeck / Stefan von Stengel

    Vorbeck Manor

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  24. © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

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  25. Castle ghost Dieter is up to mischief in Dreilützow Castle, © Schloss Dreilützow/Baerens

    Dreilützow 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.

169 results

  • © Welterbeverein 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.

    Read more: "Grand ducal office building"
  • State Museum Schwerin

    • Open today
    • Alter Garten, 19055 Schwerin

    In a prominent location on Schwerin Lake, visitors will find a top collection of Dutch paintings, as well as paintings from the 16th to the 21st century and works of handicrafts and graphic art.

    Read more: "State Museum Schwerin"
  • © Ferienpark Retgendorf

    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"
  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Kuppentin church

    • Mühlenbachstraße, 19386 Kuppentin

    Kuppertin Church is one of the oldest and most important village churches in Mecklenburg in terms of architectural history. In addition to church services, the church is also used for exhibitions, lectures and musical events during the summer months. It can be visited. The adjacent building houses the village church history museum.

    Read more: "Kuppentin church"
  • Vacation Hotel Lewitz Mühle

    • An der Lewitz Mühle, 19079 Banzkow

    Quiet 3-star superior hotel at the gates of Schwerin, restaurant in historic windmill from 1874, large park with playground, beer garden and 2 log cabin saunas to relax, function rooms for up to 200 people.

    Read more: "Vacation Hotel Lewitz Mühle"
  • Bedroom vacation apartment Wiesentraum Gut Alt Necheln, © 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"
  • © Ferienhaus Naturnah/ Noll

    Vacation home close to nature

    • Am Scharbowsee, 19406 Mustin

    Our vacation home is beautifully located in the Sternberger Seenlandschaft in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It is renovated, noble and stylish furnished and equipped for 2 persons. Our welcome for you: a cup of coffee (coffee machine) + 1 bottle of regional water.

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  • © Schlosshotel & Orangerie Klink

    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"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    • Schlossfreiheit, 19306 Neustadt-Glewe

    Nestled in the charming landscape of the Thousand Lakes Mecklenburg, on the edge of the protected landscape area Lewitz, a wonderful stay awaits you in our 4-star hotel. The castle inspires with baroque splendor, 1,600 m² of lush stucco work and 32 chimneys richly decorated with rosettes, cornices and figures. With branch office of the registry office for a dream wedding in the castle.

    Read more: "Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  • © 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"
  • © Manuela Engel-Dahan

    Passow Castle

    • Am Schloß, 19386 Passow

    A special castle in the lake district for culture and with free space. 13 guest rooms are available for groups or events.

    Read more: "Passow Castle"
  • © 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"
  • 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.

    Read more: "Hotel de Weimar"
  • Trend HOTEL

    • Plater Straße, 19079 Banzkow

    The Trend Hotel is located on the edge of a tranquil village in the middle of a landscape rich in forests and lakes. Schwerin, one of the most beautiful cities in northern Germany, can be reached in a few minutes by car. The surrounding area offers many activities and nature experiences for you.

    Read more: "Trend HOTEL"
  • © Foto: Karl-Georg Haustein

    Village church Garwitz

    • 19372 Garwitz

    In the Gothic fieldstone and brick church from the 14th century there are unique memorial plaques and a valuable carved altar from the 15th century.

    Read more: "Village church Garwitz"
  • © Andrea Hauser

    Our little Burderei

    • Gartenstraße, 19075 Mühlenbeck

    "Unsere kleine Burderei" is a privately run farm that is home to numerous animals (donkeys, goats, dogs and chickens, many of them from animal welfare organisations). The offer includes various projects as well as donkey and goat walks for individuals, small groups and families.

    Read more: "Our little Burderei"
  • © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

    • Gutshausallee, 19249 Lübtheen, OT Volzrade

    Enjoy your vacation in one of our dreamlike vacation apartments with upscale furnishings in the listed Volzrade manor house. The manor house park invites you to unwind in all seasons. Experience the beautiful landscape of West Mecklenburg in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe!

    Read more: "Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience"
  • Touch and feed elephants., © Elefantenhof Platschow

    Elephant farm Platschow

    • Am Dorfplatz, 19372 Platschow

    Touching elephants, feeding them or even riding them - this is what the Elefantenhof Platschow in the Mecklenburg-Schwerin region offers its guests.

    Read more: "Elephant farm Platschow"
  • © Pension Niehus

    Pension Niehus

    • Hauptstraße, 19246 Zarrentin am Schaalsee

    Pension Niehaus has 5 guest rooms with WiFi and TV as well as 5 vacation apartments with separate bedrooms, living room, kitchen and terrace.

    Read more: "Pension Niehus"
  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Pfaffenteich

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 19055 Schwerin

    In the 19th century, the people of Schwerin turned a former mill pond into a gem with a promenade surrounded by linden trees and a sun terrace in the middle of the city. On the Pfaffenteich the passenger ferry Petermännchen shuttles during the season.

    Read more: "Pfaffenteich"
  • © 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"
  • The Fischhaus am Schaalsee is located in a quiet, rural atmosphere, © Fischhaus am Schaalsee

    Fish house at the Schaalsee

    • Amtsstraße, 19246 Zarrentin am Schaalsee

    Welcome to our idyllically situated Fischhaus Hotel at the Schaalsee! The Fischhaus is located directly on the south shore of the Schaalsee. Let us spoil you in our restaurant and enjoy the view of the water. In summer the lake terrace invites you to relax and enjoy. A hall for 100 guests offers space for your celebration!

    Read more: "Fish house at the Schaalsee"
  • 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"
  • © Kurverwaltung Plau am See

    Hotel & Restaurant Fackelgarten

    • Dammstraße, 19395 Plau am See

    The Fackelgarten with its excellent location, on the one hand in the heart of Plau am See and on the other hand in the middle of nature - romantically by the river. From here you can reach all the important sights of Plau am See on foot or watch the boat traffic on our sunny terrace.

    Read more: "Hotel & Restaurant Fackelgarten"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    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"
  • © 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"
  • © Hotel Erbprinz

    Hotel Hereditary Prince

    • Schweriner Straße, 19288 Ludwigslust

    The hotel is located in a central, quiet location in the historic baroque town of Ludwigslust. It is a very nice house with style, classic and comfort of a four-star hotel. The restaurant currently offers a pick-up service and recipe boxes for delicious Christmas dishes to take home.

    Read more: "Hotel Hereditary Prince"
  • © 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"
  • Dobbertin Abbey and church

    • Am Kloster, 19399 Dobbertin

    The abbey of Dobbertin, on the eastern shore of the lake of the same name, is one of the most beautiful surviving monasteries in northern Germany. It was founded by Benedictine monks in 1220. Today, the abbey is managed by the Diakoniewerk, which looks after and supports people with mental and emotional disabilities. The workshop sells, among other things, candles and wooden articles.

    Read more: "Dobbertin Abbey and church"
  • © Remo Block

    Adventure & Water Sports

    • An der Metow, 19395 Plau am See

    Our vacation park is located directly on the water and yet in the city. In Mecklenburg the clocks go slower, they say, and to some extent time seems to stand still, so you also have more of it available on vacation.Feel the Plau summer freshness in every season, the clear sea air and the wholesome, healthy nature.

    Read more: "Adventure & Water Sports"

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Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

  1. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

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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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  4. Top

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    Seven unique filming locations in MV

    Read more: "Seven unique filming locations in MV"
  5. Puppet theater at Schwerin Castle: a family trip into the past

    Read more: "Puppet theater at Schwerin Castle: a family trip into the past"
  6. Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  7. Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater

    Read more: "Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater"
  8. Guided tour of Schwerin Castle

    Read more: "Guided tour of Schwerin Castle"
  9. Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber"
  10. Outdoor adventures in spring

    Read more: "Outdoor adventures in spring"
  11. Switch off and recharge your batteries?

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    5

    Country holiday tips for the fall

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  13. The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin

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  14. River of fun

    Read more: "River of fun"
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    5

    Excursion destinations in fall with children

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  16. From castle to castle with pleasure

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  17. The Nature Park Trail

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

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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.