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

  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Schwerin Cathedral St. Marien and St. Johannis

    • Am Dom, 19055 Schwerin

    The proverbial highlight of the churches in Mecklenburg: Schwerin Cathedral. This imposing masterpiece of brick Gothic is the oldest building in the city of Schwerin, has the highest church tower in Mecklenburg at 117.5 meters and is the only true cathedral in the state. The cathedral is open daily. Those who climb the 220 steps of the tower are greeted by a breathtaking view over Schwerin's lake landscape.

    Read more: "Schwerin Cathedral St. Marien and St. Johannis"
  • © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Grand Ducal Kitchen Garden

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Franzosenweg, 19061 Schwerin

    Somewhat hidden behind a brick wall on Franzosenweg is the former kitchen garden for the grand ducal court. Preserved are also orange house and wine drive.

    Read more: "Grand Ducal Kitchen Garden"
  • Museum Hagenow // © Thomas Kühn

    Museum of everyday culture of the Gries

    • Open today
    • Lange Straße, 19230 Hagenow

    Hagenow is the gateway to the Griesen Region in southwestern Mecklenburg. The museum, founded in 1974, is dedicated to everyday life in the countryside and in the city - from the Stone Age to the more recent past.

    Read more: "Museum of everyday culture of the Gries"
  • 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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  • Regional Museum Kaliß

    • Karl-Marx-Straße, 19294 Kaliß

    The Kaliß Regional Museum in the former village school houses the local history and geology collection of teacher and local historian Hans-Joachim Bötefür (d.). Visitors get an insight into the geology of the Wanzeberg as well as into the history of the paper mill Neu Kaliß and the brown coal mining around Malliß.

    Read more: "Regional Museum Kaliß"
  • 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"
  • 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"
  • Fort Dömitz (exhibition “Im Grunde“)

    • Auf der Festung, 19303 Dömitz

    The bulwark of fort Dömitz overlooks the river Elbe by the city of Dömitz. Its walls saw princes, army commanders, and kings come and go and inspired poets. Nature lovers can find the exciting exhibition “Im Grunde” and the visitor centre of the biosphere reserve “Elbe-Schaalsee” here.

    Read more: "Fort Dömitz (exhibition “Im Grunde“)"
  • School hostel Raben Steinfeld

    • Am See, 19065 Raben Steinfeld

    Our two guest houses are located on a beautiful 15,000m² natural area in the immediate vicinity of Lake Schwerin. We are easy to reach by car as well as by the Schwerin public transport. For groups up to 40 people we offer accommodation, full board and varied programs.

    Read more: "School hostel Raben Steinfeld"
  • Vacation cottage Vielank

    • Waldgasse, 19303 Vielank

    Vacation in peace and quiet in the beautiful Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe and in the vacation home Vielank.

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  • Privelacker Paradise Garden

    • Elbstraße, 19273 Privelack

    A restaurant, farm stand, cider mill, guesthouse, and vacation apartments nestled among old trees right along the Elbe Cycle Route: The Privelacker Paradiesgarten in Privelack combines enjoyment and tranquility in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve River Landscape Elbe.

    Read more: "Privelacker Paradise Garden"
  • Schwerin State Archives

    • Graf-Schack-Allee, 19053 Schwerin

    The Schwerin State Archives on the Burgsee, built in the early 20th century, preserve the unique collection of documents and files of the Grand Duchy of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. With an impressive mixture of historical style and modern construction technology, it is one of the most important Grand Ducal buildings in Schwerin and has been preserved almost unchanged.

    Read more: "Schwerin State Archives"
  • Malliß Industrial Heritage Information Center

    • Ludwigsluster Straße, 19294 Malliß

    We offer guest rooms with or without breakfast, along with information about activities and events in the region and the town’s industrial history, particularly its mining heritage. Cyclists and hikers can refill their water bottles for free.

    Read more: "Malliß Industrial Heritage Information Center"
  • © Jonas Kurverwaltung

    Castle tower Plau am See

    • Burgplatz, 19395 Plau am See

    The castle tower in Plau was built in 1448/49 and is still completely preserved. The 3 m thick walls and the 11 m deep dungeon, as well as the tower ascent, amaze locals and guests alike when they visit.

    Read more: "Castle tower Plau am See"
  • Erratic blocks in the Warnow breakthrough valley near Groß Görnow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 19406 Groß Görnow

    The glacial nature reserve Durchbruchstal der Warnow und Mildenitz impresses with its varied and unspoiled beauty. This also includes erratic blocks and smaller bedloads.

    Read more: "Erratic blocks in the Warnow breakthrough valley near Groß Görnow"
  • Chicken ladder - Elder lock

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Alter Wall, 19395 Plau am See

    Chicken ladder over Elde lock

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  • Court gardener's establishment

    • Schlossgartenallee, 19061 Schwerin

    In connection with the expansion and redesign of the palace gardens in the 19th century, the new "Hofgaertner-Etablissement" was built in 1856/57 to a design by architect Hermann Willebrand. The building served as the court gardener's residence and service building and was therefore located in the immediate vicinity of this garden area.

    Read more: "Court gardener's establishment"
  • Sternberg Local History Museum // © Stadt Sternberg

    Museum of local history Sternberg

    • Open today
    • Mühlenstraße, 19406 Sternberg

    The museum of local history is located in the oldest house in the town of Sternberg. In a total of 14 exhibition rooms, the prehistory and early history of the town is presented here, among other things.

    Read more: "Museum of local history Sternberg"
  • Doppelzimmer in Brocki´s Hotel Stadt Hamburg - Hier liegen Sie richtig, ein gemütliches Zimmer für Ihren Aufenthalt! // © Brocki´s Hotel Stadt Hamburg

    Brocki's Hotel City of Hamburg

    • Lange Straße, 19370 Parchim

    Welcome to our family-run hotel in the center of the romantic district town of Parchim! Located directly at the Eldeschleuse, the traditional hotel offers cozy accommodation for 30 guests in modern and comfortable rooms. Ask about our various arrangements, there is a lot to discover in Parchim...

    Read more: "Brocki's Hotel City of Hamburg"
  • © 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)"
  • bequeme Boxspringbetten // © dieWOHN gmbh

    Seestern Apartment No. III: Duplex with a balcony

    • Wittenburger Straße, 19053 Schwerin

    This luxurious duplex apartment offers you an unforgettable stay in beautiful Schwerin.

    Read more: "Seestern Apartment No. III: Duplex with a balcony"
  • 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"
  • Blick in den Schlossgarten Schwerin auf das Alexandrinendenkmal und das Grünhaus // © Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Schwerin

    Greenhouse Garden and Alexandrine Monument

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Lennéstraße, 19053 Schwerin

    In the style of English landscape gardens stand Grünhausgarten and the southern palace garden with hippodrome, maze and youth temple. This part of the palace garden was restored to its former glory for the Federal Garden Show 2009. In the center of a meadow surrounded by trees, the Grand Duchess Mother "Alexandrine" looks earnestly and solemnly in the direction of the Temple of Youth.

    Read more: "Greenhouse Garden and Alexandrine Monument"
  • Das Kloster Dobbertin mit der Klosterkirche // © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    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"
  • 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"
  • Fackelgarten Hotel & Restaurant

    • 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: "Fackelgarten Hotel & Restaurant"
  • © Fotostudio K3 Kruse GmbH Neustadt-Glewe

    Neustadt-Glewe Castle

    • Alte Burg, 19306 Neustadt-Glewe

    The oldest preserved fortress in Mecklenburg stands in Neustadt-Glewe. It is one of the best preserved castles in Mecklenburg and can be visited. At the castle, there is a museum that is well worth seeing, as well as a restaurant and a tourist information office.

    Read more: "Neustadt-Glewe Castle"
  • Entrance to the creative and craft barn // © Kreativ- und Bastelscheune/Hoffmeister

    Creative and craft barn

    • Pamprinerstrasse, 19246 Zarrentin

    In the creative and handicraft barn you can buy handmade products or make them yourself. In addition, in our residential house built in 1636 (listed building) is a vacation apartment with a size of about 35 square meters.

    Read more: "Creative and craft barn"
  • Marina North / Aparthotel at Lake Heidensee

    • Buchenweg, 19055 Schwerin

    Idyllically located on Lake Heidensee is the Aparthotel and Marina Nord with marina and sailing school.

    Read more: "Marina North / Aparthotel at Lake Heidensee"
  • 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"

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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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  5. Schwerin: UNESCO World Heritage Site

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    Tiny Houses in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

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  8. Culture in Schwerin: Mecklenburg State Theater

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    Seven unique filming locations in MV

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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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  15. The adventure gardens in Mecklenburg-Schwerin

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  16. Guided tour of Schwerin Castle

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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.