From castle to castle with pleasure

After two more kilometers, a sign points to the left to the open-air museum Mueß. The bikes bump along the cobbled road, lined with large lime trees, and stop in front of old farmhouses. Here in the open-air museum, visitors can learn all about the life of people in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in centuries past. And thanks to modern technology, they can even take a selfie with the people of yesteryear! How does that work? With the help of augmented reality (AR). All you need is the free YONA app on your smartphone and the people appear virtually in front of the museum buildings. Simply stand next to them, put your arm around your new acquaintances, take a photo and then send it to friends and acquaintances. On the »Schloss & Genuss-Erlebnisradtour«, various AR stations are set up to help you experience the locations in a special way. Once downloaded, the app can be used offline. In addition to the AR photo boxes, games and additional information on the respective stations, it offers digital route guidance for the entire route.

By now the sun has a little more power and the rays shine warmly on your back as you cycle. It almost feels like summer. Now lick away a scoop of ice cream, that would be something. Thought, done: off we go to the Schwerin-Mue&lszlig; ice cream factory, founded in 1986, in front of which long queues often form in good weather. The store is known for its soft ice cream, and it's true, the mango yogurt ice cream is a dream! The flavors change here every day and can be found in advance on the website.

Fresh and energized, cycling on the castle tour around Schwerin is twice as much fun. And with all that energy, the next stop is quickly reached: Raben Steinfeld. As the cyclists roll through the entrance to the town, big question marks appear on their faces. Is this still Mecklenburg-Vorpommern? The reason for the confusion is the English-style houses that suddenly appear to the left and right. Grand Duke Friedrich Franz II had the buildings, which are not at all German in appearance, built in 1863 for the families of his dynasty. His former summer residence, Raben Steinfeld Palace with its picturesque landscaped park, is located on the outskirts of the town, just a few hundred meters from the stately homes.

After a big gulp from the water bottle, it's time for a slightly longer section of the castle tour around Schwerin. It is about 13 kilometers from Raben Steinfeld to Basthorst. The route is (once again) lined with lush greenery and the views of the wide fields all around are beautiful. Nevertheless, concentration is required here: the roads are usually narrow and bicycles sometimes share the limited space with other road users. Arriving in the small town of Basthorst, the first thing that catches the eye is the Kunsthaus, which is run by Michael Frahm. The Mecklenburg native has been exhibiting his expressionist art in a gallery here for 15 years. Next door is the associated art guesthouse for up to 16 people. »My wife and I love the area here«, says Frahm, who calls himself »Glücksmaler« on Instagram and spreads good cheer at first glance in his bright pink polo shirt.

Aside from the Kunsthaus, Irish folklore attracts visitors to the Casúr Óir jewelry workshop, crayfish are bred in the crayfish garden nearby, and the word "noble" also fits in with the most famous estate in the town: Basthorst Castle. It is only a stone's throw from the Kunsthaus to the castle. As soon as you're on your bike, you've reached your destination. Time for dinner. The Wilhelmina Helena restaurant not only welcomes hotel guests who have booked one of the stylish rooms or a luxurious suite, but also guests from outside the hotel. And everyone is truly spoiled here – traditional dishes with a modern twist are served.

As hard as it is to say goodbye. It's about time. After a hearty breakfast, the bikes roll off the castle grounds. If you want, you can now make a detour to Kaarz Castle, but today the next destination on the castle tour around Schwerin is the Waldidyll Wiligrad Castle. At around 30 kilometers, this is the longest section of the tour. But the pedaling is worth it. Not only because of the pretty castle, but also because of the extensive parkland, which is perfect for a long walk. And because of the cozy café in the former market garden. On golden autumn days like this one, the coffee tastes particularly good outside on the lawn, while on cold days you can make yourself comfortable inside in front of the fireplace.

On the way back to Schwerin, a short stop at the Medewege farm is on the program. The former estate is now home to several businesses that support each other: a nursery, a beekeeping business, a psychotherapeutic practice, a farm store and a farm café, which is currently run by Levin Jahn. And he also puts home-baked cakes on the table. As if he could read minds - just the thing after such a bike tour! Afterwards, we quickly buy something tasty for dinner in the farm store and then it's the last few meters back to beautiful Schwerin, where we can admire the castle once again at the end: a fairytale ending to a fairytale bike tour.