Once you´ve replenished your energy in Schwaan (S), set off along the quiet road that runs past the Letschower Tannen wood and the towns of Letschow [1], Bandow [2] and Hof Tatschow [3].

The route finally takes you to Passin [4], home of the equestrian centre owned by the well-known show jumper Holger Wulschner. The farm runs a B&B and has a small number of summer cottages available. A highly popular equestrian festival is held here every summer.

In the goose town of Bützow [5], the goose market days are the highlight of the year. The tradition goes back as far as the "Goose War". Don´t miss out on the spectacle - the locals really let themselves go and celebrate with both zest and plenty of noise, and guests are more than welcome. And don´t forget the castle square: although the castle has yet to be restored, it is still a very impressive building. Facing the old castle lies The Crooked House, now the city library and regional museum. If you are interested in churches, the diocesan church of St. Elisabeth with its three naves is well worth a visit. In Ellernbruch stands the only reform church in Mecklenburg, built by French Huguenots. Today the church functions as the "House of the Muses". Other sights include the town hall which is Tudor Gothic in style, and a miniature model of the old town centre. Cycle along the Bützow-Güstrow canal until you reach Güstrow (D). Even at a distance, the towers on the royal residence announce its medieval past. The town offers a charming blend of architectural styles, ranging from Gothic brick to classicism. Two buildings stand out from the rest: the first is the enormous Gothic cathedral which the town´s creator, Prince Heinrich Borwin II, founded in 1226. The second is the wonderful Renaissance castle that Duke Ulrich had built after 1558. The latter, which now serves as a museum of art and the setting for a number of elegant events, has been extremely well preserved. The huge parish church, the square and the civic buildings are also worthy of note. The town has become well-known over time as a result of some of the famous names associated with it, including Wallenstein who lived here for three years, and Tsar Peter I the Great who led the negotiations for peace with King August the Strong of Saxony. Best known of all was Ernst Barlach, who settled in the town. The three museums of the Ernst Barlach Foundation feature his sculptures and an exhibition on the artist´s life and work.

The town, which aims to ensure that its development respects not only the old traditions but future interests and ecological concerns, has been awarded the title of "environmentally friendly tourist town". With its projects, the rural district also functioned as an EXPO 2000 site. Architecture and scenery from the present and the past blend to form a captivating synthesis here in Güstrow.