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

    Renaissance castle Gadebusch

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  2. © Resort Gut Settin

    Manor house Settin am See

    Read more: "Manor house Settin am See"
  3. © Archiv, Biosphärenreservatsamt Schaalsee-Elbe

    Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience

    Read more: "Gutshaus Volzrade - vacation in a historical ambience"
  4. Schönhof Manor House

    Read more: "Schönhof Manor House"
  5. Exterior view of Wiligrad Castle from bird's eye view, © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Wiligrad Castle

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  6. © TV MS / A. Vones

    Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

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  7. © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Landscape Park and Castle Raben Steinfeld

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

    Schwerin Palace

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

    Dreilützow Castle

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  10. © Hotel Schloss Basthorst/Michael Frahm

    Hotel Schloss Basthorst

    Read more: "Hotel Schloss Basthorst"
  11. © Gut Settin am See

    Country and vacation homes at the Settin estate on the lake

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  12. © DOMUSImages

    Good Zahren

    Read more: "Good Zahren"
  13. © Jagdschlösschen Schwartow / Jan Haeselich

    Schwartow hunting lodge

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  14. © Gutshaus Woserin / Sabine Puschmann

    Gutshaus Woserin - Art on the lake

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  15. Vorbeck Manor

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  16. © Herrenhaus Goldenbow

    Goldenbow Manor

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  17. © TMV/Gohlke

    Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    Read more: "Hotel Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  18. © Fotostudio Kruse Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

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

    Ludwigslust Castle

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  20. Simple and beautiful: Zarchlin manor house, © Krüger

    Manor house Zarchlin

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  21. © Schloss Kaarz / Stefan von Stengel

    Kaarz castle with park

    Read more: "Kaarz castle with park"
  22. © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Dobbertin Abbey and church

    Read more: "Dobbertin Abbey and church"
  23. Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf

    Read more: "Amber Castle & Amber Land Wendorf"
  24. Kaeselow 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

  • 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"
  • © Landhotel Lewitz-Mühle

    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"
  • © TMV/Foto@Andreas-Duerst.de

    Viewpoint Dütschower Bridge

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Aussichtspunkt Dütschower Brücke, Am Eldekanal, 19372 Dütschow

    The lookout tower at the Dütschower bridge offers a unique view over the fish ponds and the Müritz-Elde waterway.

    Read more: "Viewpoint Dütschower Bridge"
  • © Trend Hotel Banzkow

    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"
  • Exhibits by Dr. Ernst Alban, © Jörn Lehmann

    Castle Museum Plau am See

    • Burgplatz, 19395 Plau am See

    Children and museums - you might think that doesn't fit. In Plau am See, that's not true. The town has a museum where even the young won't get bored. The former Plau Castle offers interesting insights into history, and it also houses a unique museum of local history and technology.

    Read more: "Castle Museum Plau am See"
  • 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"
  • Fun in the water, © Ferienpark Retgendorf

    Hostel Schwerin Lake

    • Kiefernweg, 19067 Retgendorf

    3 ha park in the middle of a pine forest, 50 m from the Schwerin Lake; restaurant with outdoor terrace, bowling alley, billiard and dart club; 12 km from Schwerin, 30 km from the Baltic Sea, 80 km from Lübeck; great and inexpensive packages

    Read more: "Hostel Schwerin Lake"
  • © 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"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    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"
  • © Fotos: Lewitz e.V.

    Sturgeon Valley Museum Banzkow

    • Plater Straße, 19079 Banzkow

    Mecklenburg rural life - this is presented in many ways with its traditions developed over centuries in the Störtal Museum Banzkow. It is located in the basement of the Trend Hotel Banzkow.

    Read more: "Sturgeon Valley Museum Banzkow"
  • © Hotel Stadtkrug

    Hotel Stadtkrug

    • Apothekenstraße, 19370 Parchim

    Directly in the center of the historic old town is our family-run hotel since 1939.

    Read more: "Hotel Stadtkrug"
  • The wolf pack roams through the undergrowth and tunes to the great howling concert, © Wildpark-MV

    Wildpark-MV

    • 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: "Wildpark-MV"
  • LüttenHof Retreat, © 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.

    Read more: "LüttenHof Retreat"
  • Observation tower "Elwkieker" Boizenburg

    • Temporarily closed
    • Am Elbberg, 19258 Boizenburg/ OT Vier

    NOTE: Due to the danger of landslides in the area of the Elbe slope, the Elwkieker observation tower and its apron are currently closed!

    Read more: "Observation tower "Elwkieker" Boizenburg"
  • © Tourist-Info der Stadt Sternberg / M. Bouvier

    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.

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  • © Gabriele Skorupski

    Baroque town hall Grabow

    • Am Markt, 19300 Grabow

    Built in 1727, the pretty half-timbered building is still a showpiece in the center of the small town of Grabow. The town hall also houses the tourist information office of the town of Grabow.

    Read more: "Baroque town hall Grabow"
  • Wooden bridge over the Warnow, © TMV/outdoor-visions.com

    Warnow wooden bridge near Groß Görnow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 19406 Groß Görnow

    On the wooden bridge you cross the Warnow on this round trip through the Warnow breakthrough valley.

    Read more: "Warnow wooden bridge near Groß Görnow"
  • © Kurverwaltung Plau am See

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

    Wiligrad Castle

    • Open today
    • Wiligrader Straße, 19069 Lübstorf

    The former ducal residence palace with the surrounding palace park and the historic estate ensemble is one of the most beautiful places on Lake Schwerin. The art exhibition in the castle is particularly worth seeing. With its location on a steep bank directly on the lake, it is considered an insider's tip for excursions, especially in autumn and in spring during the rhododron bloom. The old nursery houses a farm store and a popular farm café.

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle"
  • 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"
  • © TV MS / A. Vones

    Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)

    • Open today
    • Am Park, 19230 Schwechow

    Gut Schwechow is about 40 km southwest of Schwerin, in the scenic Biosphere Reserve Flusslandschaft Elbe, surrounded by large apple orchards. Schwechow fruit brandy is distilled only from the finest, most aromatic fruits.

    Read more: "Schwechower Obstbrennerei (fruit distillery)"
  • © Stiftung Tiernothilfe

    Land of the animals

    • Am Lehmberg, 19260 Banzin

    Open sanctuary for former farm animals with educational facility. In the summer half-year there are guided tours of the animals every Sunday. Encounter days "animal and man" incl. introduction to vegan cuisine, as well as environmental, animal and conservation days for youth groups are offered.

    Read more: "Land of the animals"
  • © Welterbeverein Schwerin

    College buildings I and II

    • Schloßstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    The College Building I in Schwerin, close to the castle and facing Schloßstraße, was built on the orders of Friedrich Franz I. The classicist three-winged complex impresses with a terraced courtyard of honor, an impressive portal and a magnificent staircase. Materials from the former Franciscan monastery may have been used in its construction. The adjoining Kollegiengebäude II, built between 1890 and 1892 by Georg Daniel, is connected by a three-part triumphal arch. It features a central inner courtyard, stucco ceilings and preserved door systems. Both buildings are important examples of classicist architecture in Schwerin.

    Read more: "College buildings I and II"
  • 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"
  • Ackerbürgerhaus Plau am See

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

    Ackerbürgerhaus Plau am See

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  • Privelacker paradise garden

    • Elbstraße, 19273 Privelack

    Restaurant, guesthouse and vacation apartment in a quiet, secluded location directly on the Elbe cycle path. Organic farm and partner of the Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe.

    Read more: "Privelacker paradise garden"
  • Old Palace

    • Schloßstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    The Old Palace is located on the Old Garden, on the corner of Schlossstraße, with its eastern façade facing the palace. The Old Palace, also known as the Alexandrinenpalais or Erbprinzenpalais, has been an important part of Schwerin's residential ensemble since 1801 due to its courtly use.

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Discover Mecklenburg-Schwerin

Inspiration to read more in the vacation magazine

  1. Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

    Read more: "Picnic in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern"
  2. Outdoor adventures in spring

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    Excursion destinations in fall with children

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  4. Puppet theater at Schwerin Castle: a family trip into the past

    Read more: "Puppet theater at Schwerin Castle: a family trip into the past"
  5. Switch off and recharge your batteries?

    Read more: "Switch off and recharge your batteries?"
  6. Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle: A park awakens from its slumber"
  7. Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes

    Read more: "Organized cycle tours between the Baltic Sea and lakes"
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    Seven unique filming locations in MV

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    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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  10. The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Read more: "The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin"
  11. River of fun

    Read more: "River of fun"
  12. Guided tour of Schwerin Castle

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    Special animal tours in the nature experience centers

    Read more: "Special animal tours in the nature experience centers"
  14. Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site

    Read more: "Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site"
  15. From castle to castle with pleasure

    Read more: "From castle to castle with pleasure"
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    Country holiday tips for the fall

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  17. The Nature Park Trail

    Read more: "The Nature Park Trail"
  18. Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater

    Read more: "Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater"
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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.