Schwerin Attractions & My Personal Highlights

Schwerin is not only the smallest state capital in Germany but also one of the most charming. The combination of water, medieval city flair, and a fairytale castle makes Schwerin a perfect destination for a weekend. Whether it's sightseeing, cafés, or a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) tour: there's never a dull moment here.

Here's why a visit to Schwerin is worth it:

In this article, I'll show you the most beautiful sights in Schwerin, hidden gems, and personal recommendations from my own travels. I love cities by the water, so it's no surprise that I particularly enjoyed Schwerin and have visited several times before.

Around Schwerin, there are 10 lakes. The city itself consists of a third lakes, a third green spaces, and a third buildings with their residents. It's the perfect mix!

To help you see what's where in Schwerin, I've put together a map with all the main sights. This way, you can better plan which highlights are close together and how to optimize your route. Just open it and you can easily navigate the city! Additionally, you'll find my recommendations for restaurants, cafés, and more tips that I don't share on the blog.

These places particularly impressed me during my many visits - they should not be missing from any travel itinerary.

Schwerin Castle is the most impressive landmark in the city for me. Majestically perched on an island in Lake Schwerin, surrounded by water, old trees, and the expansive castle gardens, I had no idea that Northern Germany had such a fairytale castle to offer - I was captivated from the first moment.

Especially impressive was my view from the water: while stand-up paddling on the lake, the castle reflected in the calm water. The golden towers, the intricately designed facade, and the contrast to the blue sky - simply beautiful. Perhaps the most underrated sight in Germany?

Part of the castle can be visited as a museum. I highly recommend taking a tour through the historical living and representation rooms of the Grand Dukes of Mecklenburg. I was particularly impressed by the lavish throne room, but the flower room and the gallery of ancestors are also worth a look.

The museum is modern and informative - it offers a fascinating insight into court life of past centuries. Audio guides are available, but I found it very accessible and atmospheric even without one.

A real highlight for me was the special tour of the state parliament, which you can book directly through the parliament's website. You not only access the plenary chamber of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state parliament but also get to go up onto the castle roof. The view over Schwerin, the castle garden, and the lake was one of the most beautiful experiences of my entire stay.

According to an old legend, the Petermännchen lives in the castle - a little spirit with a sword and a feathered hat who wanders through the halls. In Schwerin, you can encounter him everywhere, whether as a figure at Pfaffenteich or as a mascot during tours. The night watchman's tour with the Petermännchen is particularly popular. Unfortunately, it was fully booked during my visit - I recommend reserving early.

Right next to Schwerin Castle is the Castle Garden. A large park with long avenues, flower beds, sculptures, pavilions, and sightlines to the castle. I recommend taking a stroll here. Early in the morning or late in the afternoon is especially peaceful.

From the top end of the garden, you have a wide view over the grounds and the castle. The adjacent state theater and museum integrate harmoniously here as well.

My favorite spot is the floating meadow. It lies by the water, at the edge of the garden. Here, I simply sat on the grass, looked at the castle, and lost track of time. If you enjoy photography, you'll find one of the best motifs in Schwerin here.

By the way, the Castle Garden is considered one of the most beautiful baroque gardens in Northern Germany.

The city center of Schwerin consists of a 77-hectare historic old town. Almost all the sights are close together, so you won't need a city map. The distinctive towers of the Cathedral and the Castle guide your way.

The walk starts at the market square. Here, you'll find the town hall with its neo-Gothic facade, the tourist information center, and the columned building with a small exhibition on the city's development. Behind the town hall lies the Schlachtermarkt, where a weekly market takes place regularly. I especially liked the restored gabled houses with half-timbering and the fountain with a bull figure.

In the alleys around the market square, there's plenty to discover. I recommend walking through Puschkinstraße, Schmiedestraße, and Münzstraße. Each of these streets has its own character - from small shops to cafés and galleries. If, like me, you enjoy browsing small shops with handmade art, you'll find plenty here.

At Buschstraße 15 stands the oldest half-timbered house in Schwerin. It dates back to 1698. From here, you also have one of the best views of the Cathedral - my personal tip for anyone who enjoys photography or just appreciates beautiful perspectives. The narrow alleys in this area are among my favorite spots in the old town.

A short distance away, you'll find great design items at the Creative Department Store of Schwerin. I could have spent hours there. Simply lovely!

The market square is the center of the old town. Today it looks spacious and open, but originally, it was significantly smaller. After a city fire in 1651, the square was nearly doubled in size. Later, it was divided into two sections: the Old Town Market and the Schlachtermarkt.

The neo-Gothic town hall with its golden rider on the gable is a striking feature. Directly opposite stands the columned building, which hosts a small exhibition about the city's history and the restoration of historical buildings. I spontaneously took time here - it's worth it, especially as a starting point for a tour of the old town.

Behind the town hall lies the Schlachtermarkt. A flower and vegetable market takes place here on weekdays. Even though it's relatively small, it adds a lively atmosphere to the square. The restored half-timbered houses around the edge, the bull fountain, and the carillon are especially lovely. Many visitors overlook this part - but it's just a few steps from the marketplace.

Guided city tours also start at the market square with the 'Petermännchen,' a figure from Schwerin Castle's legend. Alternatively, you can explore the city with the hop-on-hop-off bus (book here) - a convenient option, especially for short stays.

St. Mary and St. John's Cathedral is the most prominent building in the old town. With its 117.5-meter high tower, it dominates the entire cityscape. It can be seen from a distance, especially from Pfaffenteich or Castle Island.

The cathedral was built of brick in the 13th century and is the only fully preserved medieval structure in the city. Upon entering, I was surprised by the vastness of the room, the high ceiling, and the colored windows. I was especially impressed by the Ladegast organ with over 5,000 pipes.

If you're fit, the climb to the tower is worth it. After about 220 steps, you reach the observation platform. From up there, you have an unobstructed view over the old town, Lake Schwerin, and of course, the castle. Unfortunately, the tower was closed during my visit - I will definitely come back next time.

Pfaffenteich lies at the northern edge of the old town and reminds one of the Inner Alster in Hamburg with its shape and location. It is artificially created and was presumably used as a water supply and for mills as early as the 12th century.

I walked around the pond. The walk takes about 30 minutes and passes classicist residential houses, old city villas, and shady benches with a view of the water. I particularly enjoyed the view from the north shore towards the old town and cathedral.

A small highlight is the Petermännchen ferry. It operates between four stops on the pond during the season. The crossing takes just a few minutes, costs 2 Euros, and is primarily enjoyable with children. Locals like to call it the 'smallest cruise in the world.'

There are also cafés along the shore, including Bolero, where we enjoyed a drink at sunset with a view of the water.

It's only a few minutes' walk from Pfaffenteich to Schelfstadt. This historic neighborhood lies east of the old town and is one of the most beautiful corners of Schwerin for me. Half-timbered houses, brick, cobblestones, and small shops create the charm of this district.

In the past, this area was primarily inhabited by fishermen, traders, and craftsmen. Today, Schelfstadt is a vibrant residential neighborhood with cafés, galleries, and workshops. I particularly enjoyed the atmosphere on Gaußstraße, Münzstraße, and at Schelfmarkt.

The centerpiece is the Schelfkirche St. Nikolai. Dating back to the 18th century, it is one of the few Baroque churches in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Simple inside, elegant outside - the church building fits perfectly into the district.

In the small courtyards, you'll find hidden gardens, workshops, and sometimes even small exhibitions. I took a lot of time here and would have liked to stay longer. If you enjoy being off the beaten path, Schelfstadt is a must-visit.

The historic Schleifmühle is somewhat hidden, just a few minutes' walk from the castle, at the edge of the Faulen See. I didn't even have it on my radar at first - so the visit surprised me all the more.

This small technology museum shows the history of stone grinding in Schwerin. The mill was built in the 18th century and was originally part of the residence ensemble. Today you can see how granite and other natural stones were processed using water power.

During my visit, the water wheel was running, and I was able to see the grinding technique in action. The exhibition is compact, but informative - perfect for a quick detour, especially in changeable weather.

From the castle garden or the Marstallinsel, it's just a short walk to the City Harbor. The path leads along the water, past old boathouses and small piers. As you draw closer, you'll see the boats lying in the harbor basin - leisure boats, sailboats, and small excursion ships.

The City Harbor is not a typical tourist destination. There are boules courts, a playground, and occasional small events, like a flea market or the harbor festival. If you want to experience Schwerin from the water, you can start here: charter boats, kayaks, or SUPs are offered, as well as rides with the White Fleet. Alternatively, just sit down with a coffee at the shore and watch the activity - that's exactly what I did.

Lake Schwerin is the fourth largest inland lake in Germany and shapes the city's landscape like no other element. With a length of 25 kilometers and a width of up to 6 kilometers, it almost resembles an inland sea. From the City Harbor to Castle Island, from Zippendorfer Strand to the southern shore - water is everywhere.

I explored the lake from the water - with the SUP and on land by bike. The marked round trail leads in an eight shape around the inner and outer lake. Along the way, you will discover new perspectives on the city, nature, and small lakeside villages.

If you prefer a more relaxed approach, I recommend taking a ride with the White Fleet. The boats start from the castle bay, among others, and offer various tours - for example, the Four Lakes Tour or round trips with stops.

Boat tours with the White Fleet:

Zippendorfer Strand is located on the southeastern shore of Lake Schwerin in the district of Zippendorf. It is the largest and most well-known swimming beach in Schwerin. You can reach it from the city center in about 15 minutes by tram line 1.

The beach has a gentle slope, making it suitable for families with children. There is a large sunbathing area, restrooms, changing booths, and a playground. During the summer months, a lifeguard monitors the beach.

Aside from swimming facilities, there's also a boat rental, dining options, and a promenade that's perfect for a stroll. During my visit, the beach was busy but not overcrowded. Especially nice: there are plenty of shady spots under the old trees at the edge of the lawn.

Those arriving by bike can easily incorporate the beach into a tour along Lake Schwerin. Alternatively, it's a great spot for a quiet conclusion to a day in the city.

Info:

The Marstallinsel lies south of Schwerin Castle between Castle Lake and Outer Lake. The classicist Marstall was built at the end of the 19th century and originally served as a riding and carriage house of the grand ducal court.

After extensive renovations completed in 2007, the complex now houses several ministries of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - including the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture as well as the Ministry of Social Affairs, Integration, and Equality.

A footpath leads directly along the water over the island. From here, you have an unobstructed view of the castle and can reach the City Harbor in just a few minutes.

If you leave Schwerin and drive a piece along the shore of Lake Schwerin, you will reach Schloss Wiligrad (Wiligrad = Slavic for big castle) after 15 km. The former grand ducal summer residence is quietly located in the woods, on a hill overlooking the lake.

Built in 1898 in the neo-Renaissance style, Schloss Wiligrad sits above the steep banks of Lake Schwerin. At times, this place was allegedly kept secret. Between 1945 and 1990, the GDR used the grounds for a party school and later as a training facility for the police. During this time, the castle even disappeared from the map. Crazy, right?

Today, the former residence castle is open to the public. Inside, you can find changing exhibitions from the Wiligrad Art Association, showcasing contemporary works from regional artists.

I recommend taking time after your tour to enjoy the park and the little garden café of the castle gardener. We sat in the garden there, overlooking the old greenhouses. The toasted bread with Mediterranean vegetables and fresh salad was excellent. The cake also looked tempting - but we were already full from the bread.

For breakfast or a light lunch, I recommend Müllers. The menu is primarily vegetarian and vegan - uncomplicated, fresh, and perfect for a quick stop.

Ilka Eis in the 2nd narrow alley offers what I believe is the best ice cream in the city. They have daily changing flavors - just try the flavor of the day.

In the evening, head to Freischütz. The pub at Ziegenmarkt is known for its long kitchen hours: from soljanka to chili, you can get something warm here until midnight. The menu is down-to-earth, and the crowd is mixed.

The best coffee can be found at Rösterei Fuchs. If you're looking for a classic café: Café Prag serves coffee and cake in a central location in the old town.

For a quick fish sandwich, I recommend the fish stall De Fischjung. They serve kibbeling, herring, pulled salmon burgers - all freshly prepared and ready to eat on the go.

In the summer, a visit to the Sky Beach Club is worthwhile. The bar is located on the roof of the Marienplatz Gallery and offers sun loungers, sand underfoot, and a view of the city. Ideal for a drink in the late afternoon or evening.

If you don't want to explore Schwerin on your own, there are various guided tours available. The city offers both classic walks and special formats at set times or bookable individually. Besides the Schwerin Castle tour, we did numerous tours by bike or SUP since I was traveling with a local resident.

Guided city walk to the main sights:

There are accommodations in various locations and price ranges for an overnight stay in Schwerin. If you want to stay centrally, these options are suggested:

A very modern and chic boutique hotel in the Ostorf district, located about a 15-minute walk from Schwerin Castle and the city center. The amenities include a garden, terrace, common lounge, and sauna.

There's a shared kitchen, but breakfast is also available on-site - the buffet includes vegetarian options. You can rent bikes directly from the hotel. The accommodation is quietly situated yet centrally accessible. The restaurant offers a small but fine menu. My top recommendation.

Book the hotel on Booking

4-star superior hotel in the old town, about 300 m from the castle. The hotel features two restaurants (one of which is a gourmet restaurant), a bar, and modern rooms with a desk, coffee machine, and bathroom. For an extra fee, you can park your car in the hotel's underground garage.

Book here on Booking

Former granary, now a 4-star hotel in a quiet location right by the lake. The hotel is certified as climate-positive accommodation. It offers a dock, bio-restaurant, wellness area, and a private pier at Lake Ziegelsee.

Book the hotel on Booking

It's about a 50-minute train ride from Rostock to Schwerin. From Hamburg, it's about 1.5 hours. The main station is quite conveniently located in the center. By car, you can reach it via A 24 from Hamburg or A 20 from Rostock.

Before my trip, I found only this one guidebook for Schwerin. I can tell you that with my tips, you'll get through the city just fine. More information can be found on the websites of the sights. I have linked them.

At the end of June/beginning of July, the Schwerin Castle Festival takes place in the castle courtyard. The stage is set up in the Old Garden with a view of the castle. Check the website for the program and dates.

We stayed at Vivian's Camping Area Hangar 19 right by the lake. The spot is perfect for exploring the lake, whether by boat or SUP. You can rent both here. They even have a kind of raft that you can take with your camper. Awesome!

The campsite is located a little north of Schwerin. A great place that is run as a climate-neutral facility. It has modern sanitary buildings, a good restaurant (Zum Oberförster), and provides direct access to Lake Schwerin. Ideal for those who don't want to stay at Hangar 19 (or can't find a spot there).

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