Unexpected perspectives are revealed behind every hill and beyond every bend in the road. Golden-yellow fields of rape intermingle with the lush green grazings, deep-blue lakes with the shady forests. Poppies and cornflowers edge the fields, gnarled fruit trees and mighty chestnut trees line the avenues. A long-forgotten world is to be found in the villages – where brick barns are often larger than the churches.

A Back-to-Nature-Experience

Just south of the long, sandy Baltic coast beaches and the tourist islands of Rügen and Usedom , and north of the region's Lake District is Mecklenburg Switzerland. This is an area of rolling farmland, castles, large stately homes and pretty villages with white buildings and red roofs. It's the ideal place to come if you wish to relax, take it easy and explore the countryside and nature reserves at your own pace. It's just a short drive to the coastal attractions and also to the lakes with fishing, boating and sailing; the perfect combination of two different types of holiday in one location.

Mecklenburg Switzerland for active holidays

Although this is a laid-back, quiet corner of the region, that doesn't mean there's nothing to do. There are many castles and stately homes in Mecklenburg Switzerland, most of which stand in extensive wooded parkland. Or why not take a trip to a nature reserve or wildlife park, where you can see creatures as diverse as wolves and birds. The countryside is perhaps best experienced on foot or by bike, giving you time to stop and admire the views before dropping into a local inn for some great local wine and foods.

However, Mecklenburg Switzerland enchants not only with its graceful nature, but also with its cultural richness. Between the sparkling waters and wooded hills, visitors will always find manor houses and castles with old parks and gardens , as well as an incredible wealth of cultural monuments and art treasures, museums and galleries.

The vacation experts for Mecklenburg Switzerland

• Tourism Association Mecklenburg Switzerland
  www.mecklenburgische-schweiz.com
  Phone: +49 39931 5380

Discover Mecklenburg Switzerland in Moving Pictures

Teterow

The Bergring town of Teterow is a well-known destination among motorsport fans: the Bergring race attracts racing enthusiasts from all over the world to the town every year. In addition to motor sports, Teterow and its surroundings also have a lot up their sleeves for those interested in hiking and culture - unspoiled cycling and hiking trails as well as centuries-old castles and manor houses are waiting to be explored.

Malchin

Surrounded by the Malchin and Kummerow lakes, leisure time captains can fully pursue their passion during a visit to Malchin. For those interested in history, a visit to the local history museum located in the old town mill is also recommended, which features a permanent exhibition on Siegfrid Marcus, the inventor of the world's first gasoline-powered vehicle.

Güstrow

Güstrow has preserved its historic town center: here, classical brick Gothic impresses alongside buildings from the Renaissance period. The sculptor Ernst Barlach has also left his mark on his former hometown - works by the famous artist can be found everywhere, and cultural vacationers can also visit his studio.

Dargun

In the 16th century the princes of Mecklenburg-Güstrow settled in the former monastery town. Today, the listed ruins of the former castle and monastery remind visitors of the town's proud past. The cultural achievements can also be admired on one of the numerous hiking routes that lead through the adjacent nature park "Mecklenburgische Schweiz und Kummerower See" - on the large and small castle tour, you will pass the sublime castles that characterize the landscape of the region.

Hiking Trips and Bike Tours

With its hilly landscape, Mecklenburg Switzerland is the ideal starting point for varied cycling and hiking excursions. Past imposing castles from times long past, along sparkling lakes or through dense forests in the Mecklenburg Switzerland Nature Park, the path leads through the region's picture-perfect flora.

Water Adventures on the Peene and Lake Malchin

Lake Malchin and the Peene area around Lake Kummerow can be used for boating and sailing excursions. Those who are just starting to sail can learn the basics in Malchin. For the adventurous, there are exciting discovery tours on the Peene by canoe, raft or houseboat.

Visit the Annual Hill Climb Race in Teterow

Every year at Whitsun, Teterow becomes a pilgrimage site for motor sports enthusiasts: then the Bergring race attracts fans from all over the world to the hilly landscape of Mecklenburg Switzerland. In addition to the motorcycle race, which has now been taking place for 90 years, cult races such as the Rust'n'Dust Jalopy with historic racing cars from the 1940s and 1950s also attract fans.

Vintage Car Meetings

In addition to regular motor sports races, valuable collector's items from automobile history can be admired at the Sternberg Classic Car Museum and at regional classic car meetings. Vacationers who own a classic car themselves will find the roads leading through nature parks and along the German Avenue Road a dreamlike setting for extensive rides.

Güstrow Castle

Güstrow Castle is considered one of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe. Largely preserved in its original state, it captivates history and culture lovers.

Ernst Barlach Museums Güstrow - Studio House

The studio house of the most important sculptor of German Expressionism, Ernst Barlach (1870-1938), is dedicated to the life and work of the artist in its exhibition. Those interested in art and culture will find one of the largest collections of his works here.

Game Park MV

Those planning a family vacation in Mecklenburg Switzerland should pay a visit to the Wildpark-MV: On about 200 hectares, wolves, bears and lynxes, among others, can be observed. You can get especially close to them by spending the night in the wolf hut in the middle of the wolf enclosure.

Teterow Castle Wall Island

Nature lovers and those interested in history will find an idyllic natural paradise on Burgwallinsel in Lake Teterow, which has been designated a cultural asset by UNESCO. Slavs settled here in the 9th century. Remains of the former refuge they built are still preserved today and can be visited.