Top Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Day Trips: Explore Germany’s North

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, frequently shortened to MV, actually sits there in northeastern Germany and it’s just calling out to all of us to drop by! Its mixture of Baltic coastlines, tons of shimmering lakes, and cute villages makes it the kind of spot where you might want to just spin a globe and point. Planning some getaways for a day, though, that’s almost where things get tricky. This guide? It is there to make picking a fun experience as breezy as a seaside walk.

1. Schwerin: Fairytale Castle and Lakeside Charm

Schwerin, the state’s capital, it certainly showcases what MV’s all about. That famous Schwerin Castle, sometimes you’ll hear it called “Neuschwanstein of the North,” really sits smack-dab on an island right in the middle of Lake Schwerin. Walking its halls it feels almost like stepping straight into a storybook. You can almost hear those castle walls whisper.

After you’ve had your fill of castle gazing, have you considered just ambling through the old town? The Schwerin Cathedral there is also quite impressive. Maybe you’ll notice those half-timbered houses are seemingly pulled right from another time. If it gets warmer, consider kicking back with some local grub right by the water and enjoying the vibe. The local whitefish, called “Felchen,” I think, is something worth checking out, to be honest!

2. Rostock and Warnemünde: Hanseatic History and Seaside Bliss

Rostock really has this old-world charm mixed together along with that breezy coastal vibe thanks to Warnemünde, located a short distance away right on the Baltic Sea. Exploring St. Mary’s Church to look at that fancy astronomical clock, perhaps afterwards checking out the historic buildings along the Neuer Markt; those are pretty popular things to do. If you are into city exploring that is.

Oh, but Warnemünde? Now there is an actual beach with wide sands. Its boardwalk has a lot of stuff to do there. You’re almost guaranteed to find fresh fish sandwiches. I also feel that chilling by the ocean it kind of gives off vacation vibes right away.

3. Müritz National Park: A Lakeside Paradise

If escaping to where the peace and quiet is basically at its maximum is what you want, consider heading towards Müritz National Park. Germany’s largest inland lake sits here, Müritz, that being said, the park is loaded with thick woods, grassland as well, and of course, the main event; lakes. This is almost what it’s all about if you actually like experiencing nature, you know?

Biking through those marked routes almost brings nature to your fingertips. Maybe stopping for the odd viewing of some local wildlife. Oh, and you’ve got to consider getting on a boat just to appreciate the vastness of Müritz, arguably at sunset that just brings on such a cool feeling, too. Plus, there’s always just chilling on one of the quieter shores of numerous lakes the region offers. You can literally disconnect from, well, everything!

4. Stralsund: Gateway to Rügen Island

Stralsund, once part of the Hanseatic League, stands at the point just before you arrive on the isle of Rügen and actually packs in much that merits looking at all by itself. Taking in the old town it feels a bit like stepping way back into medieval ages with those beautiful buildings seemingly untouched by time.

Consider seeing the Ozeaneum if you’ve a liking for aquatic life—it’s seemingly one of Northern Europe’s biggest aquariums. From here perhaps move towards visiting local spots, sampling local seafood spots—a treat, by the way—so your stomach gets just as much pleasure, I think.

5. Rügen Island: Chalk Cliffs and Coastal Beauty

Germany’s largest island sits like just off the coast and showcases the unique piece of chalk rocks referred to as the Königsstuhl. Walking right by the coastline trails there offers stunning ocean shots. Sometimes I feel like this island’s nature is the perfect canvas for art.

Consider checking out seaside resort towns too, such as Binz and Sellin, for instance. Their architecture really makes an impression, and these are the right places basically to relax out on the shore. It’s hard to beat this place whether you want to kick it in some lounge chairs or you’d instead see some local sights, honestly.