Exploring Mecklenburg-Lower Pomerania

The medieval towns of Schwerin, Wismar, Rostock and Stralsund, as well as several magnificent architectural monuments, provide reason enough to visit this part of Germany, yet it also offers a largely untouched landscape of forests and lakes. Along the Baltic coastline, tourists delight in the beautiful sandy beaches of Darß or Usedom, but above all they head for the island of Rügen, with its famous white cliffs.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Lower Pomerania), a mosaic of regions, can look back on an eventful history. In the 12^th century, indigenous Slav tribes were colonized and converted to Christianity. The region became part of the Holy Roman Empire and German colonialism resulted in the Slavs’ rapid assimilation.

In the Middle Ages, several towns became rich trading centres and joined the Hanseatic League. From the 18^th century, the Swedish Empire was the most powerful political force in this part of Europe. It ruled Wismar, Rugen and Stralsund until 1803 and 1815 respectively, when the territories became part of Prussia, and later the German Reich. During World War II the Baltic towns suffered terrible destruction and then from neglect under the German Democratic Republic: in 1953 all the hotels were nationalized and the unique buildings in the Hanseatic towns were left to decay or were destroyed.

After reunification, although still one of the poorest states in Germany, Mecklenburg-Lower Pomerania today has become an idyllic holiday destination. Improvements in the infrastructure, new hotels and restaurants have brought positive change, and it has much to offer.

Nature lovers, walkers and cyclists, for example, can enjoy the Mecklenburg lake district and the island of Rugen. Fans of architecture will find a wealth of interest in the palace in Ludwigslust and the castle of Gustrow, as well as the Gothic brick architecture in town halls, churches and smaller buildings.

This is a large region with only minor roads so visitors are well advised to allow extra time to explore it. The area can be divided into three: the west, stopping off in pretty Wismar or charming Schwerin with its fairy-tale castle; the centre, with the major port of Rostock as a base, and the east, which can be explored from Stralsund or Greifswald. In the central Mecklenburger Seenplatte is Muritz National Park, a vast area of lakes and forests that is ideal for camping, walking and sailing. It is also a good plan to set aside a few days for relaxation on the sandy beaches of DarB, Zingst, Usedom or Rugen.

SIGHTS AT A GLANCE

 Anklam

 Bad Doberan

 Gadebusch

 Greifswald

 Gustrow

 Ludwigslust

 Neubrandenburg

 Peenemunde

 Rostock

 Rugen

 Schwerin

 Stralsund

 Usedom

 Wismar

 Wolgast

Excursions

 Nationalpark Muritz

GETTING AROUND

International flights land at Hamburg and Berlin, domestic flights at Rostock and Heringsdorf on Usedom. Ferries go from Denmark, Sweden and Lithuania to Sassnitz and Rostock, and the E55 motorway runs from the south to Schwerin and Rostock.