Between the Middle Ages and Modern Times

Impressive Cities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Stroll in the maritime ambience of the Hanseatic cities, wander through the residential quarters or go on a discovery tour in the medieval small towns with brick churches and market squares: There is a lot to experience on a city trip to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Insight into the alleys of the old town of Rostock, © TMV/Gänsicke
©© TMV/Gänsicke

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 Warnemünde

A 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.

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Hanseatic City of Stralsund

In Stralsund, too, the feeling of the Hanseatic era can be felt at every turn. The so-called "Venice of the North" impresses with its architectural diversity and is also a proclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Ozeaneum is an attraction for young and old explorers. Located in the city's harbour, it offers lots of exciting information about the sea, has huge aquariums and even a penguin facility. Stralsund is also an ideal starting point for excursions to the islands of Rügen and Hiddensee or the Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula.

Hanseatic City of Greifswald

A historic old town and proximity to the sea: the university and Hanseatic town of Greifswald already served as an inspiration for its most famous son, the romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich. Some of his paintings can be seen in the Pomeranian State Museum (Pommersches Landesmuseum). But the museum’s harbour with its more than 50 ships is also worth a visit. Architecturally interesting are especially the buildings of the university, the red town hall, and the brick churches.

Neubrandenburg

Neubrandenburg is also known as the city of the four gates, because these brick buildings characterise the image of the place. But they are not the only witnesses of the past. An almost completely preserved city wall, the towers and gates belonging to it as well as the green ramparts give visitors a vivid impression of medieval city life. You can experience the unique atmosphere of times gone by either on guided tours or wandering on your own.

Barlach Town of Güstrow

An imposing castle with a playful pleasure garden, an old town characterised by half-timbered houses, a classicist town hall and an awe-inspiring cathedral; these are all parts of Güstrow that already impressed Ernst Barlach, the important artist of the 20th century, who chose the town as his adopted home for almost thirty years. It owes its nickname of Barlach's town to him. The works of the expressionist sculptor, printmaker and writer can still be admired today in three museums.

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