Looking for the best things to do in Schwerin? Though not particularly well-known (even amongst Germans!) Schwerin is actually the capital of the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
In my opinion it’s a criminally underrated city, with lots to see and do but without the hustle and bustle of say, Munich or Berlin. In this post, I want to share with you all the best things about Schwerin, and perhaps even inspire you to choose somewhere different on your next trip to Germany.
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The Best Things To Do In Schwerin
Whether you are an art-lover, window shopper or history buff, there’s plenty in Schwerin to keep you entertained. Here are my personal recommendations for things to do in the city.
Explore Schwerin’s Castle Garden
Type ‘Schwerin‘ into Google and the first thing you’ll see are pictures of the stunning castle. Situated right by the city’s main lake (on its own island, no less!) it truly a sight to behold. You can visit inside the castle itself (more on that below), but on a sunny day you’ve got to walk through its vast surrounding garden.
Along with a stunning array of plants and flowers, you’ll find intricate statues, masterful landscaping and a beautiful cast-iron and glass orangery to explore. Spanning more than 50 acres, the Schlossgarten is known as one of the most beautiful Baroque gardens in all of Northern Germany. The best part? It’s absolutely free.
Top tip: You can stop off for a drink and a piece of cake at the castle’s cafe (right in the gorgeous orangery). But lovely as it is, it’s very expensive. You’re better off walking around the lake to Restaurant & Café Ruderhaus. This lakeside eatery has a much wider and more affordable selection of cakes and ice cream and offers the best view of the castle from across the water.
Soak in the extravagance at Schwerin Castle
As mentioned above, Schweriner Schloss is one of the city’s main attractions, and really is one of those fairy-tale castles that Germany is so well known for (some even call it the Neuschwanstein of the North!) It may not often make lists of the best castles in Europe, but I can assure you that this magnificent landmark is well worth a visit.
Serving as the seat of parliament for the state, not every part of the castle can be explored. However, opulent living rooms, ballrooms and even a throne room will give you a taste of Europe’s most romantic era. Admission is reasonable, at 8.50 EUR for adults and free for children under 18. If you like, you can also get an audio guide to give you a bit more insight into the castle’s history.
Visit the State Museum Schwerin
Note: The museum is currently closed for extensive renovation and is not due to reopen until Autumn of 2024.
The Staatliches Museum Schwerin is a renowned art gallery and museum, set in an imposing building right by the castle. In the original 1882 building, you’ll find pieces from the 17th to the 19th century, including some key Dutch and Flemish works from the so-called ‘Golden Age’.
Cross a glass bridge to the new building and there you’ll discover more contemporary work, with pieces by the radical Marcel Duchamp, among others. Special exhibitions run throughout the year, though if you only want to look around the permanent collection it will set you back just 5.50 EUR.
Take a boat trip across the lake
In my opinion, Lake Schwerin (Schweriner see) is one of the most beautiful lakes in the region. It’s so large (an impressive 61.5 square kilometers) that you could be forgiven for thinking you were looking out to the Baltic sea! Right opposite the castle you can find several options for boat tours, including Weisse Flotte, a well-known company that I’d previously used on a trip to Insel Hiddensee.
They have several different types of trips available, including a twilight cruise. They all helpfully start and end at the castle and run every day from April to December. Times on board vary from 1.5 hours up to 2.5 hours for their standard tours and prices start from 18 EUR for an adult. Keep your eyes peeled on their website for special tours like their ‘Green Cabbage Ride’, where you can enjoy some traditional German grub while making your way around the lakes.
For sportier types, there are also some great outdoor activities on offer at Schweriner See. At Cosy Hausboot, again right near the castle, you can rent kayaks and stand up paddle boards. They offer flexible rental periods ranging from hourly to full days for reasonable prices, so you can explore the lake at your leisure.
Wander around Schwerin’s old town
Schweriner Altstadt is one of my favourite parts of the city, full of beautiful architecture, hidden gems and unique independent shops. Covering the area from outside the castle towards the historic town hall and ending at Pfaffenteich Lake, you could easily spend a whole morning or afternoon exploring the old town’s streets.
Booking.comSome of my recommended stop-offs include:
- Café Rothe, a family-owned confectioners run under the Rothe name since 1977. I’m yet to try them myself, but the Schlemmertorte and Apfelbohne have long been customer favourites. Note: there is also a Rothe branch in the Schlosspark mall, but as far as location goes it simply doesn’t compare.
- Ein guter Tag bookstore – I’m a sucker for an independent bookstore and this one certainly delivers. Even if you can’t read German it’s fun to browse the well-stocked shelves and enjoy the cosy ambiance
- On the same street you’ll find De Fischjung, a compact fish bar serving through a hole in the wall. Schwerin might be a good distance from the sea, but De Fischjung serves up hands-down the best fish roll I’ve had in all of North Germany (and trust me, I’ve tried a lot!)
- At Buschstrasse 15 you’ll spot an incredible half-timbered house and a traditional, family-run handicraft business. Also known as Zettler-Haus, today owner Silke-Maria Zettler is a fifth-generation woodturner creating unique items for locals and tourists alike. Just remember that in winter you’ll be lucky to find it open, usually only on Thursdays from 3 p.m.
To be honest, I could go on and on about must-see spots in Schweriner Altstadt. I guess you’ll just have to visit yourself and find the places that call out to you!
Admire Schwerin Cathedral
At the heart of the old town you’ll also find Schweriner Dom, a towering 117.5-metre high cathedral adorning the city’s skyline. A classic example of Gothic brick architecture (and one of the earliest), it’s not known for sure exactly when the cathedral was built, though some evidence suggests construction began as early as 1175.
I won’t pretend to be an expert on church interiors but it’s a beautiful place to look around. You can also climb the stairs to the top of the tower and enjoy the views from the highest point in the city. Schwerin Cathedral, including the tower, is open to visitors from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday and public holidays rom 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Travel tips for Schwerin, Germany
- The train station is within easy access of all the main attractions in the city centre, and there are also lockers where you can leave your luggage if you are only visiting for the day
- If you are interested in visiting the castle or museums, don’t plan your trip for a Monday! Like many attractions across Germany, this is the one day of the week they close
- Though there is a tram system if you need it, Schwerin is a small city and the attractions easily walkable (the only exception being Schwerin Zoo – though I would also highly recommend paying it a visit if you can!)
- If you are visiting Germany on a cruise and have a choice between Schwerin or Berlin, I would hands-down choose Schwerin. Berlin is an amazing city, but you’ll spend most of your time travelling their rather than enjoying it to the fullest. A day in Schwerin will give you plenty of time to explore at your own pace without feeling rushed
- As with most towns and cities, Schwerin is always busier during the summer months, but in my experience it’s never uncomfortably crowded (except for when local events like the Christmas market are on). So don’t stress too much about the best time to visit – Schwerin is a great place to visit any month of the year
- Staying overnight? Be sure to check out my other post, The 5 Best Hotels In Schwerin (Recommended By A Local)
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