Schwerin's compact centre is best explored on foot. From the Hauptbahnhof, it is a fifteen-minute walk to the cathedral and the Alter Garten, and the castle is a few minutes further across the bridge. The lakes naturally define the routes — the Pfaffenteich to the north of centre, the Schweriner See opening up to the south.
The city has a reliable tram and bus network operated by Nahverkehr Schwerin. A day ticket covers the whole city. Cycling is practical on the flat lakeside paths, and bike rental is available near the centre. Boat trips on the Schweriner See run in summer from the landing stage near the castle gardens — a relaxed way to see the waterfront from the water.