The capital of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schwerin is surrounded by lakes, the largest covering 60 square kilometres. The fairytale Schwerin Castle, set on an island in the lake, is today the seat of state parliament. Other sights include the gothic cathedral, the rebuilt church of St Nikolai, the castle gardens, the 18th-century city hall, and the State Art Museum. The beach at Zippendorf is five kilometres from the centre.
