Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

BEST OF NORTHERN GERMANY

»Guten Tag«

“Can’t do” simply isn’t an option in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The diversity in the “Best of Northern Germany” starts with nature, with 2,000 kilometres of Baltic coast in the north, endless green vistas interspersed with the sparkling blue of over 2,000 lakes to the south. Biosphere reserves, national parks and nature parks all protect the wealth of our countryside.

The state is renowned for its culture and architecture, including the stunning brick buildings of the Hanseatic League. Outstanding museums and theatres, 2,000 castles and stately homes attract both locals and hundreds of thousands of guests from all over the world. Clubs, major events such as the classical music Festspiele MV and all manner of other festivals cater to all genres, bringing audiences from far and wide to the state.

For those interested in further education and research, the universities of Greifswald and Rostock, which are amongst the oldest universities in the world, offer a wealth of brilliant opportunities. There are five more universities, 15 research institutes and many future-focussed vocational training options across the different regions of the state, which are magnets for science and academia, business and people.

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Prime minister

“Wat denn einen sien Uhl,
is denn annern sien Nachtigall.”

“One man’s owl is another man’s nightingale.”
(Fritz Reuter)

5 Highlights
in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Geothermal energy

The shift to green energy at your fingertips. With wind power, solar power, hydrogen and geothermal energy, we produce more energy in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern than we consume.

Study by the sea

Our time-honoured universities and colleges give young people excellent opportunities to study and live in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Brick Gothic

The brick Gothic style of Stralsund’s town hall. Two cities and two landscapes in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the palace ensemble in Schwerin is in the process of applying for this status.

Work-Life-Balance

You could be forgiven for thinking that we invented the work-life balance. Cities and countryside, leisure and family, education and careers – all of this makes Mecklenburg-Vorpommern a “land for life”.

Science

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is synonymous with innovation: science and research, the tech and start-up scene are all closely networked with our regional economy – and beyond.

CELEBRATING TOGETHER ON GERMAN UNITY DAY 2024

Between 2 and 4 October 2024, we will be coming together to celebrate German Unity Day with a giant party in Schwerin. Everyone is invited to take part, contribute and enjoy the wonderful spirit. The programme includes a live stage programme, art and culture, dialogue, insightful panel debates, information and experiences. Join us in a festival that is guaranteed to make you want to discover our state and the many sides of Germany.

FOR GERMAN UNITY DAY 2024:

MINISTER-PRESIDENT
MANUELA SCHWESIG

“An important occasion, a unique celebration.

Setting sail together: this is our motto for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s Bundesrat presidency in 2023/2024. With our gaze steadfastly ahead, our eyes on the wide horizon and with a great sense of anticipation, we are sailing towards our highlight of the year: the festival in Schwerin which will mark German Unity Day. From 2 to 4 October 2024, we want to celebrate together in unison – and it is my pleasure to invite you to our beautiful state capital!”

Manuela Schwesig
Minister President Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

DID YOU KNOW?

Caspar David Friedrich

The most famous works by the Romantic artist were painted not far from his birthplace in Greifswald. For example, the ruins of Eldena Abbey, the fishing boat on Vierow beach, and of course the chalk cliffs on Rügen. The 250th anniversary of Friedrich’s birth is being celebrated in 2024.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s greater rheas

The flightless greater rhea, which can grow up to 1.40 metres tall, is native to South America. After escaping from an enclosure near Lübeck in 1999, these birds have established themselves in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. They are most commonly found in the Schaalsee-Elbe Biosphere Reserve, where the only free-living rhea population in Europe lives. In 2022, 144 greater rheas were counted in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Schloss Bothmer

This magnificent manor house in Klützer Winkel was built for Count Hans Caspar von Bothmer between 1726 and 1732. It is now a museum and cultural centre and proudly bears the motto “Respice Finem” (consider the end) in golden letters. Bothmer’s political career took him as far as London, where he was appointed First Minister and resided at an iconic address: 10 Downing Street.

Wendelstein 7-X

This name, which sounds like a lovable android in a sci-fi blockbuster, designates the fusion research facility of the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Greifswald. At the world’s largest so-called Stellarator, researchers are seeking solutions to produce a continual supply of energy by applying the principle of the sun. The ultimate goal of fusion research is to develop a climate and environmentally friendly power plant.

German Aerospace Centre

Neustrelitz, 1913: the aerials of the Kaiserliches Telegraphenversuchsamt are on reception. Neustrelitz, 2023: huge dishes for satellite data reception, navigation, space weather, maritime traffic and maritime security are now in operation – all in the service of research, technological development and the promotion of young talent in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.