Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Art, History & Archaeology Sites & Museums
This page, part of our Germany Travel Guide, provides details of the art, archaeology and history sites, museums and related attractions to visit in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Readers wishing to visit these places will find visitor information, links to official websites as well as other helpful resources. Those who have an account (free of charge) can create their own travel lists and itineraries. To benefit fully from this website’s travel planning features, see the User’s Guide. The information on this page has been put together by various members of the Archaeology Travel team, based on both personal visits and research. The page was last checked and/or updated on 25 October 2023.
Create Your Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Itinerary & Travel Lists
If you are planning a trip to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, and other regions in Germany, you can use our Itinerary Builder with the list of sites and museums below to create your own travel lists (such as places you have been to, places you would like to visit) and itineraries. These can be shared with your friends, privately and on social media. To make use of this feature, however, you will need to login or register as a new user. Registering to use these features is free of charge. Once registered and logged in, you can use the lists below to select sites and museums you would like to add to your itinerary and/or travel lists. Please Note: the lists below only include sites and museums in the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, go to the German Travel Guide to find places to visit in the other states.
Historic Towns & Cities in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania
Rostock
Situated on the estuary of Warnow River, Rostock was an important Hansa city. Its Hanseatic heritage is still very much in evidence. From the Gothic churches of St Mary and St Peter to the imposing brick facades of the gabled town hall and merchants’ houses. Founded in 1419, Rostock is home to one of the world’s oldest universities. As the largest city in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state, it has a vibrant cultural and gastro scene, with strong Baltic and Nordic influences.
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
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.
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.
