Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is a land where history comes alive at every turn, and the best example of this is the fairytale Schwerin Castle. Often referred to as the 'Neuschwanstein of the North,' this majestic structure rises on a picturesque island in the middle of Schwerin Lake. Dating back to the 12th century, the castle served as the residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg for centuries. Its current form dates mainly from the 19th century, when it was rebuilt in the Historicist style, combining elements of Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque and Neo-Gothic. Walking through the richly decorated chambers of the castle, one can admire an impressive collection of artwork, furniture from various eras and beautiful wall decorations. Particularly noteworthy are the Golden Hall and the Throne Room, which impress with their splendor and craftsmanship. The castle is surrounded by extensive French-style gardens, ideal for a leisurely stroll overlooking the lake.

Legend has it that the castle is guarded by a little ghost named Petermännchen, who appears at night in medieval garb, guarding the treasures and punishing those who disturb the castle. Locals say he can sometimes be seen sneaking through the corridors or in the castle gardens. This local legend adds to the mystery of the place and is readily told to tourists by guides.

Another fascinating site that combines history with modernity is the PhanTECHNIKUM in Wismar. This modern technology museum is housed in the historic buildings of a former locomotive factory and offers a fascinating journey through the region's technological and industrial history. The museum is divided into several thematic zones where you can learn about the development of transportation, communications, shipbuilding and aviation. Of particular interest is the exposition dedicated to the shipbuilding traditions of Wismar, a city that has been famous for shipbuilding for centuries.

PhanTECHNIKUM is distinguished by interactive exhibitions that allow visitors not only to watch, but also to touch and experiment. Children can steer miniature ships, run steam engines or test the laws of physics at specially prepared stations. The museum also organizes technical workshops for different age groups, during which they can construct simple devices or program robots on their own.

It is worth mentioning that Wismar, where the PhanTECHNIKUM is located, is a city with a rich Hanseatic history, listed on the UNESCO list. The distinctive brick Gothic architecture, charming market square with the 'Wasserkunst' fountain and monumental churches create a unique atmosphere in this coastal city. After visiting the museum, take a stroll through the old town and admire the preserved medieval merchant houses and enjoy local specialties in one of the restaurants at the market square.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is not only historic towns and castles, but also a land of extraordinary nature. Müritz National Park, Germany's second largest national park, is a true paradise for nature lovers. Established in 1990, it covers an area of more than 32,000 hectares, including more than 100 lakes, extensive beech forests and peat bogs. The largest body of water is Lake Müritz, from which the park takes its name - it is the second largest lake in Germany, often referred to as the 'Little Sea of Mecklenburg'.

The park is famous for its extraordinary biodiversity - more than 280 species of birds can be found here, including rare specimens like the white-tailed eagle, osprey and crane. In spring and autumn, the park becomes a witness to a spectacular phenomenon - thousands of cranes stopping here during their migration. There are special towers and viewing platforms for birdwatching enthusiasts. In addition to birds, the park is also inhabited by moose, beavers, otters and numerous species of amphibians and reptiles.

A network of hiking, biking and water trails allows exploration of the park's diverse ecosystems. Particularly recommended is the trail around Lake Müritz, offering scenic views of the water and surrounding forests. At the park's information center in Kargow, visitors can learn more about local wildlife and rent bicycles or kayaks. The park also offers organized guided tours, where you can learn about the most interesting corners and hear fascinating stories about the local nature.

An equally impressive natural area is Jasmund National Park, located on the island of Rügen. It's the smallest national park in Germany, but its main attraction - the spectacular white chalk cliffs - is one of the country's most recognizable landscapes. The most famous landmark is Königsstuhl (Royal Throne), a cliff rising 118 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea.

Jasmund National Park is also home to ancient beech forests, which were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011. These primeval forests, virtually unaltered by man, create a magical atmosphere, especially in spring, when the undergrowth is covered with a carpet of blooming anemones, and in autumn, when the leaves turn golden. A network of well-marked trails runs through the park, including the famous Hochuferweg (High Shore Path), which runs along the cliffs and offers spectacular views.

It is interesting to note that these remarkable chalk cliffs have inspired many artists, including the famous German Romantic painter Caspar David Friedrich. His painting 'Chalk Cliffs on Rügen' is one of the most famous depictions of this landscape in art. The park's information center features an exhibition on the site's relationship with art and literature.

The two national parks offer quite different but equally fascinating landscapes - Müritz impresses with its vast lakes and wetlands, while Jasmund charms with its dramatic cliffs and ancient beech forests. Each is the perfect destination for a day trip, offering not only contact with wildlife, but also opportunities for active outdoor recreation.

The Baltic coast of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern offers a number of attractions ideal for families with children. One of the most fascinating is the Ozeaneum in Stralsund, a state-of-the-art oceanarium opened in 2008 that has quickly become one of the region's flagship attractions. This impressive complex, designed by the renowned Behnisch Architekten, features a futuristic design reminiscent of sea waves and was awarded the title of European Museum of the Year 2010.

The interior of the Ozeaneum is a true underwater journey through the seas of northern Europe. In gigantic aquariums with a total capacity of more than 6 million liters of water, you can admire the fascinating world of the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the Atlantic and the Polar Sea. Particularly impressive is the 10-meter aquarium showcasing coral reefs and the 'Sea of Giants' exhibit with life-size models of whales suspended from the ceiling. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to learn about marine ecology, climate change and marine conservation.

The Ozeaneum is also active in education and research, organizing workshops for children, fish feeding demonstrations and lectures on marine issues. It is worth planning your visit to attend the penguin feeding show, which is very popular with visitors. A special 'Sea for Children' zone has been prepared for the youngest, where they can learn the secrets of the underwater world through play.

Another attraction that is sure to appeal to families is Karl's Adventure Village in Koserow on the island of Usedom. It's a themed amusement park that combines education with fun, centered around the agricultural theme and the production of strawberries, for which the region is famous. The park offers a range of indoor and outdoor activities, making it an ideal destination regardless of the weather.

Among the most popular attractions are a jam factory, where visitors can observe the production process and taste fresh products; a rope park; a go-kart track; a mini zoo with local farm animals; and numerous playgrounds and creative zones. An added attraction in winter is an exhibition of ice sculptures created by artists from around the world. Karl's Adventure Village is a place where children can not only have fun, but also learn about the origins of food and traditional methods of food production.

Rounding out the family attractions of the coast is the Heringsdorf Pier - the longest pier in Germany, reaching 508 meters into the Baltic Sea. This impressive structure, opened in its current form in 1995, replaced the historic 1893 pier, which was destroyed during the war. A stroll along the pier is not only an opportunity to enjoy the coastal panorama, but also to visit the numerous stores, galleries and restaurants located in the pavilion at the end of the structure.

Heringsdorf, known as 'Kaiser's Bath', has a rich history as an exclusive resort frequented by German aristocracy and the imperial family. To this day, beautiful imperial-style villas remain here, creating a unique backdrop for seaside strolls. Heringsdorf's beach, wide and covered with fine white sand, regularly receives the Blue Flag for cleanliness and infrastructure.

Comparing the three family attractions, the Ozeaneum stands out for its educational value and modern approach to presenting the marine world, Karl's Adventure Village offers the most interactive games and activities for children of all ages, and the Heringsdorf Pier provides the most relaxing atmosphere and picturesque views. In terms of price, the cheapest option is a walk on the pier (the entrance fee is small), while the Ozeaneum is among the more expensive attractions, but the quality of the exhibits fully justifies the ticket price. Karl's Adventure Village is priced in the middle, offering an all-day entertainment package at a reasonable price.