Dear Wandering Spirit,
When planning a trip to North Germany, you should consider including the city of Schwerin, which sits between Hamburg and Berlin. Did you know what there is a naughty little man in the Schwerin castle?
Keep reading to discover more about this unusual fact!
Facts About Schwerin, Germany
Germany is divided into ‘Länder‘, administrative regions with own main centres. Schwerin sits in the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (also known as Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania) region. The smallest German capital city is also one of the most beautiful.
Enclosed by 12 lakes, the former capital of the Duchy of Mecklenburg hosts a magnificent castle, which is said to be haunted by a household spirit named Petermännchen. 
The naughty Little Peterman likes playing pranks on visitors and make banging noises at night.
The Haunted Schwerin Castle
The city landmark is the Schwerin Castle, located on a small isle in the Lake Schwerin. It’s the seat of the state parliament nowadays. This Romantic styled castle turned into a World Heritage site, and this palace is also called the “Neuschwanstein of the North”. 🏰
After you have been inside, enjoy a walk through the colourful and scented palace gardens. Strolling around the Old Town (the Schelfstadt quarter), the Schwerin Cathedral is a great example of medieval Brick Gothic.
What to See in Schwerin, Germany
Not far away you can photograph Henry the Lion, whose statue on the market square. This modern homage to the founder of the city is a bit controversial. If you look deep into details 🔍, you will soon understand why.
The Mecklenburg State Theatre and the State Museum also deserve to be seen, with an impressive collection of paintings as old as the 15th century. Next to the Flemish painters, you can admire the works of Marcel Duchamp, Pablo Picasso, and Max Liebermann, plus the sculptures of Ernst Barlach.
How Long Stay in Schwerin
You can visit Schwerin on a day trip or in two days.
This was my second visit in Schwerin over the years and I had again the feeling of a cosy and homey place like years before. Have a wander through the streets and into the city centre.
You will discover beautiful boutiques with handcrafted items 🏺 in wood, wax and porcelain. Sip a hot cuppa and taste a piece of cake at the gorgeous Café Prag on the main street.
Stroll around the surroundings, framed by water and many green areas, by bike or boat. Look for regional manufactures 🍓 outside the town to do shopping: local cheese assortments, honey, and homemade jams.
How did you find Schwerin? Were you able to visit the surroundings as well? Did you enjoy your trip on the lake?
Check out my North Germany travel journal too. And do not forget to subscribe to the blog for further travel recommendations!
