On this trip it seems, that, besides exploring some of the prettiest towns in northern Germany, finding the perfect cycling spots was my other goal. And so, before I caught up with a friend in Hamburg, I found a little town called Schwerin (I have never heard about it before). So I spent a few days cycling in Schwerin and around the Schweriner See. It was great!
Different to my cycling in Potsdam, yet just as nice!
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Cycling in Schwerin
Schwerin is the capital and second-largest city of the northeastern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with a population of about 100,000. The reason why you should visit Schwerin, besides the pretty old town and the picturesque lake, is the Schwerin Castle, built 1847-1857. Sitting on an island within the lake, it is certainly the prettiest one of them all. From all sides and angles!
There are some interesting facts to read here.
I would consider it as majestic as the Hunedoara castle in Romania.
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For a few days I basically just enjoyed cycling in Schwerin and around the lake. One day the full loop (approx. 62km), the next day only the smaller loop (approx. 31km), crossing the bridge at the town Rampe. It was a little bit windy but nevertheless fun. Especially since I finished the days swimming in the lake. Who would have thought I would find a beach here?
Cycling in Schwerin has been unexpectedly fun. I might do it again!
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Quick stop in Hamburg
I was in Hamburg the same time two years ago (read here), heading north towards Sweden. It was as hot and humid back then as this time. But I guess that is why I went up north (avoiding the rain in the south)?
Hamburg on a sunny day is an awesome city. Cycling in and around Hamburg and along the modern HafenCity and the Elbphilharmonie building was a great way to see it all.
The locals certainly know how to enjoy the sunny days. There were plenty of cyclists, lake enthusiasts and runners out and about. Later in the afternoon, I wasn’t the only one resting in the city park (Stadtpark) of Hamburg, enjoying a refreshing drink. Perfect day!
Otherwise, I caught up with a friend, dined, wrote blog posts and cycled around a big cemetery. Oh, and I walked under the Elb river in a tunnel that was build around 1911 and is now open for pedestrians and cyclists only. Awesome!
I like coming to Hamburg and I am sure I will be back in Hamburg and the surroundings. Especially for some cycling in Schwerin.
Maybe I will go inside the Schwerin Castle next time?
Elbtunnel Hamburg 
And so…
For now, I have completed my Northern Germany trip and was heading down southeast towards Dresden (again). One of my favourite cities in Germany (read my existing blog here). Unfortunately it was quite stormy when I arrived, but the city is as grand as I remember.
(post 139)
