Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania with this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- List of Places to Visit in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Best Things to Do in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Food and Drink Scene of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Where to Stay in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Best Time to Visit Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Do’s and Don’ts of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Where to Go Next from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is a state located in the northeast region of Germany. The state is known for its stunning coastline, picturesque lakes, and well-preserved medieval towns. The region is home to a rich cultural heritage with many museums and historical sites that reflect its past.
In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take a look at the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
List of Places to Visit in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Schwerin Castle: This stunning castle is located in the city of Schwerin and is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Germany. The castle dates back to the 10th century and now serves as a museum and cultural center.
- St. Mary’s Church: This historic church is located in the town of Rostock and is a popular tourist attraction. The church dates back to the 13th century and features a stunning Gothic architecture.
- Lubeck Old Town: This well-preserved medieval town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and features many stunning buildings and landmarks, including the Holsten Gate and the St. Mary’s Church.
Natural Attractions of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Jasmund National Park: This national park is located in the northeast region of the island of Rügen and features stunning chalk cliffs and beautiful beech forests.
- Müritz National Park: This national park is located in the heart of Mecklenburg and is home to many rare and endangered animals, including the white-tailed sea eagle and the otter.
- Cape Arkona: This stunning cape is located at the northern end of the island of Rügen and features breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Mecklenburg Lake District: This stunning region is perfect for hiking and offers many different hiking trails in and around the picturesque lakes.
- Rügen Island: This island offers many scenic biking routes, including the Rügen Coastal Cycle Path which runs for 180 km along the island‘s coast.
- Usedom Island: This island features many biking trails that run along the scenic coastline and through charming seaside towns.
Best Things to Do in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Activities and Tours
- Boat Tour on Lake Müritz: Enjoy a relaxing boat tour on Lake Müritz and take in the stunning scenery.
- Explore the Hanseatic City of Stralsund: Take a tour of this historic city and explore its many museums and landmarks, including the Stralsund City Museum and the St. Mary’s Church.
- Go on a Wine Tasting Tour in Mecklenburg: Explore Mecklenburg’s wine-growing regions and taste some of the region’s best wines.
Week-Long Itinerary for Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Visit Schwerin Castle and take a stroll through the beautiful castle gardens. |
| Day 2 | Explore the city of Rostock and visit St. Mary’s Church. |
| Day 3 | Visit the picturesque town of Wismar and see the historic market square. |
| Day 4 | Take a boat tour on Lake Müritz and explore the natural beauty of the region. |
| Day 5 | Go on a biking tour of Rügen Island and visit the iconic chalk cliffs. |
| Day 6 | Visit the Hanseatic city of Stralsund and explore its many museums and landmarks. |
| Day 7 | Spend the day exploring the historic town of Lübeck and see the Holsten Gate and St. Mary’s Church. |
Food and Drink Scene of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Must-Try Dishes
- Bismarck Herring: Pickled herring served with onions and sliced potato salad.
- Rote Grütze: A traditional dessert made with red berries, sugar, and thickened with potato starch or semolina.
- Hoppel Poppel: A hearty potato dish typically served with eggs and bacon.
Local Beverages
- Rostocker Pils: A popular local beer that is brewed in Rostock.
- Nordic Tea: A blend of tea, cloudberry jam, and vodka.
Where to Stay in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- Schwerin: Budget-friendly options include Hotel am Schloß and IntercityHotel Schwerin. For a more luxurious stay, try Hotel Niederländischer Hof or Crowne Plaza Schwerin.
- Rügen Island: Popular options include Arkona Strandhotel and Travel Charme Nordperd & Villen.
- Wismar: Budget-friendly options include Hotel New Orleans and Hotel Reingard. For a more luxurious stay, try Hotel Alter Speicher or Steigenberger Hotel Stadt Hamburg.
What to Buy in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Amber: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is known for its high-quality amber, which is often sold in the form of jewelry and other decorative items.
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Beer: Pick up a few bottles of local beer to take home as a delicious souvenir.
- Hand-painted Ceramics: The town of Boizenburg is known for its hand-painted ceramics, which make for a unique and beautiful souvenir.
Local Culture and Customs of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its well-preserved historic sites and traditional festivals. The people of this region are generally friendly and hospitable, but it’s important to respect their customs and traditions.
Best Time to Visit Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
The best time to visit Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is during the summer months, from June to August, when temperatures are warmer and the daylight hours are longer. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices during this time.
Do’s and Don’ts of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Do:
- Do take off your shoes when entering someone’s home.
- Do learn a few basic German phrases, as many locals may not speak English.
- Do be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Don’t:
- Don’t make excessive noise, especially during the afternoon hours when many locals take their afternoon siesta.
- Don’t be late for appointments or meetings.
- Don’t leave a small tip in restaurants as this is not customary in Germany.
Safety and Health
Safety in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is a relatively safe region, but it’s always important to take precautions when traveling. Use common sense and avoid any areas that appear dangerous or sketchy.
Health in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
The health care system in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is generally of high quality, with many hospitals and clinics spread throughout the state. It’s a good idea to have adequate health insurance coverage before traveling to Germany.
Getting to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Rostock-Laage Airport
- Berlin Tegel Airport
- Hamburg Airport
Bus Stations Near Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
- Rostock Bus Station
- Schwerin Central Bus Station
- Stralsund Central Bus Station
Other Options
- Train: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is well connected by train, with many major cities and towns being served by regional and long-distance trains.
- Car: Renting a car is a great option for exploring the region at your own pace, but be aware that parking can be difficult in some of the smaller towns and cities.
How to Get Around in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
The best way to get around Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is by car, but there are also many public transportation options available, including trains, buses, and ferries.
Where to Go Next from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Berlin: Germany’s vibrant capital city is located just a few hours away and can be easily reached by train or car.
- Hamburg: Another major German city, Hamburg is known for its beautiful waterfront and rich cultural heritage.
- Denmark: The neighboring country of Denmark is easily accessible from Mecklenburg and is a great option for a day trip or weekend getaway.
Conclusion
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From the stunning coastline to the well-preserved medieval towns, there is plenty to see and do in this beautiful region of Germany. Whether you’re looking to relax and enjoy the scenery or explore the many museums and historical sites, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has something for everyone.
