Brick Gothic architecture is part of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s long urban history—and also a common thread running through a range of travel experiences. The historic centres of Stralsund and Wismar reflect the Hanseatic trading history and the development of this architectural style in the Baltic region. The two cities each reveal different facets: Wismar preserves its medieval harbour basin, while Stralsund’s historic Old Town has stood unchanged on an island since the 13th century. Outstanding Brick Gothic buildings continue to define their skylines to this day.

Brick, residence and art

Schwerin also tells the story of the region’s cultural history. The Schwerin Residence Ensemble has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2024 and is considered a testament to the history and culture of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The palace stands on an island in a landscape of lakes and parks. Its magnificent rooms include the Throne Room and the Gallery of Ancestors. If UNESCO status is important for your plans, check the current information.

Those who enjoy discovering historic architecture along a route can choose between two Brick Gothic circular routes of different lengths. The Western Brick Gothic Circular Route covers 370 kilometres and seven stages; highlights along the route include Brick Gothic churches, town gates, farm cottages and townhouses. The Eastern Brick Gothic Circular Route is 303 kilometres long and divided into five stages. Its listed sights include medieval Brick Gothic churches in Rostock, Stralsund and Greifswald. The distances and number of stages provide a specific comparison of the routes’ scope, but on their own say nothing about their difficulty.

The artists’ colonies in Ahrenshoop, Schwaan and on the island of Hiddensee offer a different perspective on art. They showcase works by influential regional artists as well as contemporary works. In Stralsund, the OZEANEUM explores the sea: its exhibitions include the “Sea for Children” experience area and 50 aquariums featuring an underwater journey through the northern seas.

Coastal landscapes and longer routes

The circular routes along the Baltic coast vary in length and landscape. The Usedom Circular Route is 160 kilometres long and has three stages. Its described landscape includes a 42-kilometre stretch of white sandy beach, as well as a green hinterland with thatched-roof houses and unspoilt nature. The Fischland-Darß-Zingst Circular Route stretches for 201 kilometres and four stages. Beaches, steep banks, bays, spits and the Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park define this route.

The Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula itself also features a variety of shorelines: its landscape includes gently sloping and steep shores, beach lakes, bays and dunes. The area is strictly protected as part of the Western Pomerania Lagoon Area National Park. The landscape of the island of Rügen is represented by Jasmund National Park, with its chalk cliffs set amid the lush green beech forests of Stubbenkammer. The Rügen Circular Route leads there. Before setting out on one of the routes described, it is worth checking route conditions and access.

Cycling or walking through the inland region

Cycle routes also open up landscapes away from the coast. The Müritz Circular Route is 83 kilometres long and leads from Waren (Müritz) via the town harbour straight into Müritz National Park. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania has an extensive network of bicycle rental stations offering touring bikes, children’s bikes and e-bikes. Individual locations and availability may change.

For those who would like to explore on foot, the southern route of the Nature Park Trail can be considered a long-distance connection through the inland region: it runs for almost 700 kilometres from the Schaalsee Biosphere Reserve to the island of Usedom and is designated as European long-distance path E9a as far as Altwarp. A shorter section of the Nature Park Trail starts in the Schaalsee Biosphere Reserve and leads through a glacially formed hilly landscape to the state capital, Schwerin, and its palace. The Nature Park Trail’s waymarking is being updated; check route conditions before setting out.

Plan more discoveries

You can go canoe touring on the Peene, where there is a chance to observe beavers building their lodges. Regional farm shops and farm cafés invite you on a culinary discovery, with offerings that are partly traditional and partly modern. As you plan your trip, you could start by asking yourself which of these perspectives appeals to you most: historic cityscapes, coastal and natural landscapes, cycling and hiking routes, or regional cuisine.

Many regions of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are accessible by train. Bicycles can be carried on most regional trains, subject to capacity and possible reservation requirements. Check these conditions before travelling. Discover more destinations: Schwerin, Wismar, Müritz, Northwest Mecklenburg, North Pomerania, Rostock, Mecklenburg Lake District, Ludwigslust-Parchim, Vorpommern-Greifswald, Vorpommern-Rügen.

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