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Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums

Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania was created following the Second World War by the joining of two historic regions, Mecklenburg and Western Pomerania. Situated in north east Germany, the state has some 1,900 km of coastline on the Baltic Sea. The interior is low-lying and flat, with many picturesque small towns and villages, lakes and rivers. There are said to be over 2,000 stately homes, castles and palaces. The splendid Schwerin Castle is often said to be the Neuschwanstein of the north. The region’s sea resorts and large white sandy beaches became popular destinations for many Germans since at least the 19th century. In 1793 Grand Duke Ferdinand Franz I went to Heiligendamm for health reasons, said to mark the birth of the first seaside resort in Germany. Here too the National Socialists created their holiday resort in the late 1930s. The incomplete ruins of the Colossus of Prora are slowly being turned into holiday apartments.

Historic Towns & Cities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Hanseatic City of Wismar

With Slavic origins and founded in the early 13th century, Wismar went on to become an important town during the era of the Hanseatic League, and again later when this part of northern Germany was under Swedish rule. Much of the Old Town’s character was influenced greatly during these two periods. A Medieval charm that has survived to this day with little damage; from extraordinary Brick Gothic cathedrals and patrician gable-fronted houses of the Hansa port, to the remains of the defensive system and other administrative buildings erected during the Swedish period.

Archaeology & History Sites in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

Schwerin Castle

Set on a small island in Lake Schwerin, Schwerin residential palace is one of the most important examples of Romantic architecture in Germany. The spectacular neoclassical castle was built in the mid 19th century on the foundations of Slavic fortress dating back to the 10th century, and later buildings from the 16th and 17th century. This was the residence for the Dukes of Mecklenburg, and the beautifully restored stately rooms (including the sumptuous Throne Room) are open to the public. Today Schloss Schwerin houses a museum as well as the State Parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Museums & Art Galleries in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

A view of the reconstructed Slavic village across the pond.

Slavic Village Passentin

Found near Neubrandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the Slavic Village Passentin seeks to recreate an Early Medieval settlement from this area of north-western Germany. At that time, the area was home to linguistically Slavic communities. Established in the 1990s using excavated sites as a basis, the village includes various domestic dwellings, a longhouse, a pottery, forge, a bathhouse, a building for spinning and weaving, and a gatehouse at the entrance. The village is open on select open days and special events.

A view over the archaeological park from the walls of the fort.

Gross Raden Archaeological Open-Air Museum

Located near Sternberg in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the Gross Raden Archaeological Open-Air Museum seeks to recreate a 9th and 10th century settlement that archaeologists excavated nearby during the 1970s. It is believed that its original inhabitants were linguistically Slavic, as opposed to Germanic, speakers. Among the reconstructed structures are a temple, tower, and palisade, created on the basis of archaeological discoveries both here and elsewhere. Various re-enactor events take place at the site throughout the year.