Schwerin-Parchim Airport (SZW) has a long history of international aviation. It had its beginnings as a glider hub, then experienced some time as an German Air Force base.
Its last use was as an international gateway and important cargo center, which flied many relief missions to Afghanistan.
Other last usages included training flights for big carriers.
Distance
This former commercial airport is located in the city of Parchim, 32 km (20 mi) southeast of Schwerin.
The closest major cities are Hamburg and Berlin as it lies right in-between. Hamburg is 135 km away (84 mi) while to Berlin it’s 175 km (109 mi). It is also less than 100 km (62 mi) to the Baltic coastal cities of Rostock, Wismar and Lübeck.
Getting To And From The Schwerin-Parchim Airport
It is still fairly easy to reach Schwerin-Parchim Airport using Germany’s exceptional public transport system.
Long-Distance Trains
There are no long-distance trains that stop directly at the Schwerin-Parchim Airport terminal.
Regional Trains
With the regional trains it’s almost the same, except that they do stop at the Airport’s Industrial Park.
Buses
There are local buses that run from Parchim’s city center to the airport terminal. I’m just not sure about bus connections to Schwerin.
Car / Taxi
The airport is located off of the A24 autobahn, and can also be reached via B321 or B191. Just follow the signs to Parchim.
Equipped with a navigation system, you would enter Parchim for the city and Flughafenstraße for the street.
Shopping
There are no shopping opportunities at this former airport anymore.
Food & Drink
Same with gastronomic opportunities, they are all closed now.
Fun Facts
Schwerin-Parchim Airport (SZW) has had a strong military presence over the years. It was virtually destroyed following the Second World War by the Americans. Later, it was used by the Soviets for attack helicopters and was finally returned to German control in 1992.