Schwerin
Once the Residence of the Grand Dukes of Mecklenburg, Germany’s smallest and yet most beautiful state capital now enchants with its rich history and excellent cultural scene. Magnificent architecture, lively Old Town streets, museums, theatres as well as parks and gardens right on the banks of a wonderful lake landscape – it is this charming mixture that makes Schwerin so special.
The city’s landmark is Schwerin Palace. Picturesquely located on an island in the lake, it is one of the most beautiful and important historic Residence palace buildings in Europe. For centuries the Residence palace of the Mecklenburg dukes and grand dukes, the Palace now houses the state parliament and the Palace museum. With the preserved Throne Room and former living quarters it provides insights into the life of one of the oldest German ruling dynasties.
The Palace is surrounded by parks and squares that invite you to stroll and explore. The view also falls on the numerous other Residence buildings that are staged in the cityscape: from the theatre, museum, Old Manor and royal stables to the military buildings at the end of the palace gardens and numerous administrative buildings along Schloßstrasse.
The former Residence infrastructure shapes the city far beyond the Palace island and includes buildings on the water basin Pfaffenteich, where the facades of the representative buildings reflecting in the water can also be explored by ferry.
In addition to the golden Palace dome, the church towers of the St Nicolai church in the Schelfstadt, St Paul’s church as well as the Cathedral characterize the city skyline. From Schwerin cathedral, you can get a view of the entire architectural ensemble, which is in the application process for the UNESCO World Heritage title as the “Schwerin Residence Ensemble”. Anyone who doesn’t dare climb the steps to the visitor platform in the cathedral tower has the opportunity to view and touch the Residence Ensemble in the form of a bronze 3D city model on the square next to the Victory Column just a short stroll from the Palace.
Swimming and boat watching, rowing and fishing, sailing and canoeing, hiking and cycling. The Schwerin Lake District offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor happiness and holiday fun for the whole family, for nature lovers and city explorers. From any point in the city, you can quickly find yourself surrounded by greenery accompanied by the blue of the water.
Surrounded by this beautiful backdrop, visitors experience atmospheric events all year. In summer, the Schweriner Schlossfestspiele delights with outdoor theatre performances. The historic Schlossfest in June takes visitors on a journey through the history of Schwerin Palace. The GourmetGarten, a food festival in the Palace Garden, and the wine festival offer enjoyment for all the senses. But Schwerin also offers many facets of cultural enjoyment outside of summer. Right across from the Palace, the Theatre attracts visitors with musicals, ballet, opera, concerts and more. In autumn, the cultural institutions open their doors for the Kulturnacht, explore the illuminated city or take part in the Literaturtage. In November, the old town becomes the setting for a medieval spectacle, before the Schwerin Christmas market transforms it into a Christmas wonderland until the end of December.
Contacts between Vaasa and Schwerin have existed since 1965. The official partnership between the two cities was established in 1970. Since then, mutual visits and delegations have taken place. Vaasa took part in the 2009 Bundesgartenschau (federal horticulture show) in Schwerin. The year 2020 marked the 50th anniversary of the Sister City agreement between Schwerin and Vaasa. On this occasion, two artists from Vaasa were invited to participate in the international art exhibition PrismaCodex. In the summer of 2024 a soccerteam from Vaasa will visit Schwerin to take part in a soccertournament.
