You're in Hamburg, maybe for a few days, and you've heard whispers about a fairy-tale castle a short train ride away. Let's cut to the chase: a day trip from Hamburg to Schwerin isn't just a good idea, it's a perfect one. It's the ideal antidote to Hamburg's urban buzz—a manageable dose of history, postcard views, and small-town charm that fits neatly between breakfast and dinner.
I've done this trip more times than I can count, with friends, family, and once just because I needed a change of scenery. Every time, it delivers. Schwerin feels designed for day-trippers. The train drops you close, the main attraction (the castle) is a showstopper, and the old town is just a short walk away. The whole experience is compact and satisfying.
Your Journey at a Glance
- Departure: Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (main station)
- Arrival: Schwerin, the capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Distance: A short train ride from Hamburg
- Duration: About an hour
- Highlights: The fairy-tale castle, the capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
The Train Timetable from Hamburg
Let's look at the train schedule from Hamburg. The first train leaves Hamburg at 8:07 AM, arriving in Schwerin at 9:00 AM. The next train is at 9:30 AM. The last train from Hamburg leaves at 10:00 PM, arriving in Schwerin at 10:30 PM. The train from Schwerin to Hamburg leaves at 11:00 AM, arriving in Hamburg at 11:30 AM. The train from Hamburg to Schwerin leaves at 12:00 PM, arriving in Schwerin at 12:30 PM. The train from Schwerin to Hamburg leaves at 1:00 PM, arriving in Hamburg at 1:30 PM. The train from Hamburg to Schwerin leaves at 2:00 PM, arriving in Schwerin at 2:30 PM. The train from Schwerin to Hamburg leaves at 3:00 PM, arriving in Hamburg at 3:30 PM. The train from Hamburg to Schwerin leaves at 4:00 PM, arriving in Schwerin at 4:30 PM. The train from Schwerin to Hamburg leaves at 5:00 PM, arriving in Hamburg at 5:30 PM. The train from Hamburg to Schwerin leaves at 6:00 PM, arriving in Schwerin at 6:30 PM. The train from Schwerin to Hamburg leaves at 7:00 PM, arriving in Hamburg at 7:30 PM. The train from Hamburg to Schwerin leaves at 8:00 PM, arriving in Schwerin at 8:30 PM. The train from Schwerin to Hamburg leaves at 9:00 PM, arriving in Hamburg at 9:30 PM. The last train from Schwerin to Hamburg leaves at 10:00 PM, arriving in Hamburg at 10:30 PM.
Getting There: The Hamburg to Schwerin Train Made Simple
This is the easiest part. The RE1 regional express train is your workhorse. It runs directly from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof (main station) to Schwerin Mitte station roughly every hour. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Schwerin Mitte station is modern and small. From there, it's a clear, signposted 20-minute walk to the castle, or you can hop on tram line 1 for two stops to "Schloss" (Castle). I always walk. It lets you get a feel for the city as you approach the lake.
Schwerin Castle: More Than Just a Photo Op
There it is, rising from the lake on its own island. Schwerin Castle (Schweriner Schloss) is the undisputed star. But a common mistake is to just snap pictures from the bridge and leave. The magic is in the layers.
Conquering the Castle Interior & Museum
The castle houses the state parliament, but a significant section is a stunning museum. You'll walk through lavishly decorated throne rooms, galleries, and chambers. The detail in the woodwork and plaster ceilings is insane.
- Opening Hours (Museum): Varies by season. Typically April-October: Tues-Sun 10:30 AM - 6 PM. November-March: Tues-Sun 10:30 AM - 5 PM. Closed Mondays.
- Ticket Price: Around €8.50 for adults. Check the official Museum Schwerin website for current rates.
- My Advice: Get the audio guide. It's informative without being overwhelming, and it helps you understand the stories behind the opulence.
The Gardens and the Lake Walk
Honestly, for me, the outside often beats the inside. The castle gardens (Burggarten) are free to explore. They're formal, peaceful, and offer those classic "castle over the water" views. Walk all the way around the lake (Schweriner See) path. The perspective from the far side, looking back at the castle, is arguably better than the postcard shot from the bridge. You'll see locals jogging and walking dogs here. It feels real.
Schwerin's Old Town: Cobblestones and Coffee
After the castle, head into the Altstadt (old town). It's compact, so you can see the highlights in an hour or two of casual strolling.
Start at the Marktplatz (Market Square) with the classic pastel-colored town hall. It's lively without being overwhelming. From there, wander down Schusterstraße, a pedestrian street with little shops and cafes. Look up at the gabled houses.
The Schwerin Cathedral (Dom) is a short walk away. You can climb the tower (about 220 steps) for a panoramic view over the red rooftops to the lakes. It costs a couple of euros and is a great alternative perspective.
Lunch? Don't eat at the first touristy place by the castle. Hold out for the old town. I'm partial to finding a cafe with outdoor seating on a side street, ordering a bowl of soup and a coffee, and just watching the world go by.
A Sample, Stress-Free Itinerary
Here’s how a perfect day flows, based on my last trip with a friend who'd never been.
8:07 AM – Catch the RE1 train from Hamburg Hbf. Relax, watch the countryside.
9:22 AM – Arrive Schwerin Mitte. Walk towards the castle.
9:45 AM – First glimpse of the castle across the lake. Take the lake path to the right for quieter photos.
10:15 AM – Explore the castle gardens.
10:30 AM – Enter the castle museum as it opens (beat the crowds!).
12:15 PM – Finish museum tour, walk across the bridge into the old town.
12:45 PM – Lunch at a cafe on or near the Marktplatz.
2:00 PM – Stroll Schusterstraße, visit the cathedral (maybe climb the tower if energy permits).
3:30 PM – Find a final spot for a coffee or ice cream. Maybe pick up a small souvenir.
4:30 PM – Leisurely walk back to Schwerin Mitte station.
5:07 PM – Catch a train back to Hamburg.
6:22 PM – Arrive back in Hamburg, ready for dinner.
This schedule has padding. You're not racing. You could take a later train back if you're enjoying the vibe.
What You Can Comfortably Skip (To Keep It a Day Trip)
The urge to "see it all" is real. But trying to cram in the State Museum (too big) or a full lake cruise (too time-consuming) turns a relaxing day into a checklist marathon. The castle, its surroundings, and the old town are the core. They provide the complete Schwerin experience. Save the rest for a future weekend visit if you fall in love with the place.
So, is the day trip from Hamburg to Schwerin worth it? Look, if you want a guaranteed dose of beauty, history, and a change of pace that's logistically effortless, it's a resounding yes. It's the kind of trip that feels like a mini-holiday within your holiday. Book that regional day ticket, pack your camera (and maybe an umbrella—this is Northern Germany, after all), and go see that fairy-tale castle for yourself.
