Historical cities: On the trail of merchants and hearts
Originality, distinctiveness and a unique cultural heritage define the character of the cities between the Baltic Sea and the Lake District. The Hanseatic cities of Rostock, Wismar, Stralsund and Greifswald captivate visitors with their imposing brick buildings and proximity to the sea. The residential towns in the Mecklenburg Lake District enchant with their elegant palaces and parks, as does the state capital Schwerin with its fairytale castle on Lake Schwerin. By contrast, you can experience the unspoilt medieval atmosphere of the four-gate city of Neubrandenburg in the interior of the state.
The state capital Schwerin
Once home to hearts, Schwerin is now the seat of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state parliament. But the state's oldest city has lost none of its stately splendor. The Schwerin Castle, the city's landmark, stands in the middle of one of Germany's largest lakes. Other impressive buildings from different eras are waiting to be discovered in the streets. And the state capital also has plenty to offer culturally.
Rostock and WarnemündeA city trip to Rostock combines maritime city flair, the finest sandy beaches and tranquillity in the countryside. The Hanseatic city has a historic old town and a harbor with many small shops, boutiques, cafés and restaurants. The nearby Baltic seaside resort of Warnemünde, with its kilometer-long white sandy beach, is an excellent excursion destination. In the Rostock Heath, the largest contiguous coastal forest in Germany, nature lovers will find a colorful world of plants and species-rich wildlife.
Hanseatic city of Wismar
In the footsteps of St. Robert Beeker: the Hanseatic city of Wismar impresses with its medieval charm. Patrician houses, warehouses and offices are reminiscent of times gone by. Their layout has remained virtually unchanged for many centuries. Guided tours of the city or boat trips are the best way to explore the historical significance of the city, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2002.