Stralsund, a UNESCO-listed Hanseatic city, is home to two unique institutions dedicated to the sea - the German Oceanographic Museum and its modern offshoot, the Ozeaneum. Together, the two sites form a museum complex that is a true statement of love for the sea and its people.

The German Oceanographic Museum (Deutsches Meeresmuseum) is housed in the former Dominican monastery of St. Catherine, which dates back to 1874, making it the oldest museum in the state. This unique location adds an extra dimension to the tour - as you walk among the aquariums, you can admire the Gothic vaults and historic walls. The museum boasts having Germany's largest aquarium with sea turtles, which is quite an attraction especially for the youngest visitors. Note the impressive collection of marine mammal skeletons, including the 15-meter-long skeleton of a fin whale, which hangs under the vault of the former church, creating an amazing sight.

Local legends say that the footsteps of ancient monks can still be heard in the museum's vaults, and some employees swear they have seen shadows moving through the corridors after closing time. These tales add a mysterious charm to the place, though of course they should be taken with a pinch of salt.

Just a few minutes' walk from the historic museum is its modern counterpart, the Ozeaneum, which opened in 2008. This futuristic building, which resembles stones washed by the sea, was designed by the renowned Behnisch Architekten and is already a work of art in itself. The Ozeaneum focuses on showcasing life in the Baltic and North Seas, offering visitors 50 aquariums filled with 7,000 sea creatures.

The biggest attraction is undoubtedly the 'Open Sea' - a giant aquarium with a capacity of 2.6 million liters of water, in which schools of herring, mackerel and other fish swim. The impression is amazing - visitors feel as if they are underwater. Another unique feature is the 'Giants of the Seas' exhibit, where life-size models of whales hang from the ceiling. Particularly impressive is a 26-meter model of a blue whale, the largest animal that ever lived on Earth.

Interestingly, the Ozeaneum was named European Museum of the Year 2010, beating out many renowned institutions from across the continent. The museum regularly engages in efforts to protect the Baltic Sea, conducting educational and research programs to raise awareness of threats to the marine ecosystem.

When comparing the two museums, it's worth noting that while the historic Deutsches Meeresmuseum offers a more traditional approach to exhibits and focuses on the history and evolution of marine life, the Ozeaneum relies on modern, interactive experiences and technology. Ticket prices are about average, but consider purchasing a combination ticket, which allows you to visit both facilities at a more favorable price.

Leaving the seaside city of Stralsund, it's worth heading to the Hanseatic city of Wismar, where you'll find the fascinating PhanTECHNIKUM, a museum that combines the history of technology with interactive play in an unusual way. Located in a former market hall dating back to 1908, the museum impresses from the threshold with its industrial architecture, which is an exhibit in itself.

PhanTECHNIKUM is a true paradise for technology and engineering enthusiasts. An impressive collection of artifacts related to the history of technology, with a special focus on the achievements of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern region, is gathered on an area of more than 3,000 square meters. Wismar was once famous for aircraft production at the Dornier plant, so one of the museum's main attractions is its collection of historic aircraft, including rare models that survived the turmoil of war.

What sets this museum apart from others is its emphasis on interactivity. Visitors can not only view the exhibits, but also touch, run and experiment. Particularly popular is the physics section, where visitors can learn the basic laws that govern the world through play. Children love the Van de Graaff generator, which makes hair stand on end, or the vacuum chamber, which demonstrates how sound does not propagate in a vacuum.

A little-known gem of the museum is its collection of vintage East German-made motorcycles, including the legendary MZ and Simson models, which are a sentimental trip back in time for older visitors. Local guides tell an anecdote about how one of the Simson motorcycles was found walled up in the wall of an old house in Wismar - probably hidden there by its owner from confiscation during the Communist era.

Moving from Wismar to the island of Usedom, we arrive at one of the most mysterious places in all of Germany - the Historical and Technical Museum in Peenemünde. This is a place with a remarkable history that played a key role in the development of rocket technology during World War II.

The museum is housed in the former power plant of the research center where the famous V1 and V2 rockets were developed under the leadership of Wernher von Braun. The monumental 3,000-square-meter red brick building is an impressive technical monument in its own right. The power plant, built between 1939 and 1942, was one of the most modern in Europe at the time and provided power for the entire research complex.

The museum's permanent exhibition tells the fascinating, if dark, history of the facility. Visitors can see original rocket parts, documents, photos and mock-ups showing what the entire complex looked like during its heyday. Particularly moving is the section of the exhibition devoted to concentration camp prisoners who were forced to work on the construction of an underground rocket factory in nearby Mittelbau-Dora.

A little-known fact is that after the war both the Americans and the Soviets competed to seize German scientists and technology from Peenemünde. Under the secret Operation 'Paperclip,' the Americans acquired Wernher von Braun and his team, who later played a key role in the American space program and the moon landing. The Soviets, on the other hand, took over some of the infrastructure and some of the scientists, which contributed to the development of their own rocket program.

It is noteworthy that the museum does not glorify Nazi technology, but presents it in a historical context, showing both the technical achievements and the ethical dilemmas of using science for war. It is a thought-provoking site that reminds us how thin the line between scientific progress and human suffering is.

Comparing the two museums, the PhanTECHNIKUM in Wismar offers a more family-oriented, interactive experience at an affordable price, ideal for a trip with children. The museum in Peenemünde, on the other hand, which is slightly more expensive, is aimed more at older children and adults interested in World War II history and rocket technology. Both places are united by a passion for technology and engineering, although they present them from completely different perspectives.

To round out a trip through the museums of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, visit one of Germany's most beautiful castles - Schwerin Castle (Schweriner Schloss). Often referred to as the 'Neuschwanstein of the North,' this fairy-tale residence rises majestically on an island in the middle of Schwerin Lake, creating a breathtaking view that lingers in the memory.

The history of the castle dates back to the 10th century, when the Slavic tribe of Obodrites built the first fortress at the site. The mansion owes its present shape to the 1845-1857 reconstruction, when Friedrich Franz II, Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Schwerin, had the former fortress transformed into a representative residence in the historicist style. The chief architect was Georg Adolf Demmler, who created a true masterpiece, combining elements of Neo-Gothic, Neo-Renaissance and Neo-Baroque.

The castle, which today functions as a museum and the seat of the state parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, offers visitors the opportunity to admire more than 20 richly decorated halls. Particularly impressive are the Golden Hall (Goldener Saal) with its gilded ornaments and crystal chandeliers, the Throne Room (Thronsaal) with the original Grand Duke's throne, and the Ancestors' Gallery (Ahnengalerie) with portraits of Mecklenburg's rulers.

One of the least known but most fascinating aspects of the castle is the legend of Petermannchen, a small, bearded ghost who, according to local legends, has guarded the castle's treasures for centuries. Guides tell the story that Petermannchen appears at night, scaring intruders and thieves, but is friendly toward honest residents and guests of the castle. Small figurines depicting this friendly spirit can be spotted in some of the rooms, and plush versions of him can be purchased in the gift store.

Also unique to the castle is the Porcelain Cabinet (Porzellankabinett), which houses an impressive collection of Meissen porcelain. Few people know that among the exhibits are several extremely rare figurines from the so-called 'Höroldt period,' named after one of Meissen's most prominent porcelain painters. These delicate masterpieces survived the turmoil of war only because they were hidden by a dedicated curator in a secret hiding place under the floor of one of the towers.

An integral part of visiting the castle is a stroll through the surrounding palace garden (Schlossgarten), designed in the English style by Peter Joseph Lenné - the same landscape architect who created the famous gardens in Potsdam. Particularly charming is the Orange Garden (Orangerie), with its exotic plants, and the romantic Love Garden (Liebesinsel), a small island connected to the castle by a bridge, which, according to legend, was a favorite retreat for princely lovers.

Compared to the previously described museums, Schwerin Castle offers a completely different experience - it is a journey into the world of aristocracy, splendor and court etiquette. Ticket prices are at an average level, comparable to the Ozeaneum, but it is worth noting that tours of the castle are only possible with a guide (English- and German-speaking guides are available during the summer season).

It is interesting to note that the castle was one of the few buildings in the GDR that was not vandalized by the communist authorities - probably due to its value as a tourist attraction. As a result, many of the original furnishings have survived, making it one of the best-preserved princely castles in Germany.

Schwerin Castle, along with its surrounding gardens and lake, has been submitted for UNESCO World Heritage listing, attesting to its exceptional historical and architectural value. For lovers of architecture, history and romantic legends, this is an absolute must-see place when visiting Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.