Sights in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
The Baltic Sea state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (MV), rich in lakes, can boast a multitude of scenic and cultural sights that make a trip to MeckPomm an exceptionally interesting experience. In addition, there is a pearl necklace of charming seaside resorts and equally charming old town districts in Schwerin, the "Versailles of Mecklenburg", as well as Rostock, Ludwigslust, Wismar, Stralsund and other MV towns.
Among the sights of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are several of the many noble residences in the state. Probably the most famous of these residences can even be put in your pocket since 2007: The image of Schwerin Castle adorns one of the special state coins with a face value of two euros. The real Schwerin Castle on the castle island in Lake Schwerin, which is centrally located in the capital of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, is a prime example of Romantic Historicism. The imposing building, whose origins date back over a thousand years, took on its present form in the mid-19th century. The former ducal residence is now the seat of the MV state parliament and also serves as a museum.
Similarly spectacular palace buildings, which are also combined with large palace gardens, can be found in Neustrelitz and Ludwigslust, among other places.
Much smaller, but nevertheless worth a visit, especially for literature fans, is Villa Irmgard, built in 1906 in the seaside resort of Heringsdorf on the Baltic Sea island of Usedom. In the 1920s, the Russian writer Maxim Gorky was a guest in the neoclassical villa directly by the sea. Since 1948, the house has been a Maxim Gorky memorial with permanent and special exhibitions. Not far away in Ahlbeck, you can stroll 280 meters toward the lake on Germany's oldest pier.
The many impressive natural beauties in the country are characterized by a completely different charm. Such as the chalk cliffs in the Jasmund National Park on the island of Rügen, immortalized not least by works of the Greifswald early Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich. Of course, the primeval forest-like Rostock Heath, located northeast of Rostock, is also great for nature. With an area of 60 square kilometers, it is Germany's largest coastal forest. Likewise, the slightly hilly Mecklenburg Switzerland in the Teterow region guarantees pure nature recreation.
In Rostock itself, the largest city in the state with 210,000 inhabitants, a stroll through the old town and a detour to the port of the Hanseatic and ferry city are definitely worthwhile. The same applies to Stralsund: In Stralsund Harbor, you can experience naval history close to the deck on the museum ship GORCH FOCK (I), which was launched in 1933.