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Low-budget excursion tips for your winter

Vacation fun for little money

Published: January 14, 2026

Two people sit on a fallen tree on the wintry beach of Torfbrücke and gaze into the low sun over the Baltic Sea.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern opens the door to a world where vacation is not a question of money, but of the heart: Feel the fresh clarity of the autumn air by a quiet lake, listen to the rustling of the leaves on a bike ride through colorful avenues, warm yourself with a cup of tea in a rustic courtyard café or lose yourself in a Bodden sunset that bathes the sky in bright red gold – a spectacle as if conjured from nature.

Landscapes full of peace and power await you here, natural paradises that shine even more intensely in the play of colors of autumn, adventure spots that delight families and couples alike, and villages where life flows more slowly. Whether on a hike through forests, on a boat tour through still waters or walking barefoot over cool, damp grass - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern gives you real autumn moments. For little money. With a lot of feeling. And with a smile that lasts.

Overview:

3 highlights under €10 or even free for the winter

A child kneels on the sandy ground in Neustrelitz Zoo and strokes a young goat standing curiously next to him.

1. zoo Neustrelitz

Experience a lot of animals for little money

The Tiergarten Neustrelitz is a wonderful destination for families who want to enjoy nature, animals and lots of fresh air - without spending a fortune. Around 450 animals of over 40 species, including domestic and wild animals, endangered domestic breeds and many popular „petting animal“classics, await you on a spacious, naturally designed site.

Especially nice: The enclosures are spacious and lovingly designed so that visitors can really experience the animals up close. Whether lynxes, wolves or domestic animals of old breeds - here, young and old explorers alike get their money's worth. Playgrounds, a petting zoo and quiet picnic areas make the visit a relaxing day out for the whole family.

The zoo is also attractive for small budgets: admission prices are less than 10 euros and offer great value for money. Anyone who loves animals and is planning a nature-oriented excursion to the Mecklenburg Lake District should not miss out on Neustrelitz Zoo.

A turquoise-colored exhibition wall of the Vineta Erlebniswelt shows a mermaid, historical maps and interactive elements in a wave-shaped room.

2nd Vineta World of Experience

Imaginative play and discovery, completely free of charge

The Vineta Adventure World in Barth invites little adventurers to immerse themselves in the mysterious world of the legendary sunken city of Vineta - completely free of charge. In the modern Vineta-Bürgerhaus, a lovingly designed play and discovery landscape awaits, which playfully takes children into the underwater world surrounding the legend.

Here you'll find activity stations, coloring areas, imaginative costumes for dressing up and a cozy chill-out area in the middle of a maritime setting. The adventure world offers plenty of space to try things out, play and be amazed – perfect for families looking for a short break or wanting to creatively overcome bad weather Source.

Especially attractive for small budgets: Admission is free, and the Vineta Erlebniswelt is open all year round from Monday to Friday. Anyone looking for an imaginative, weather-independent and family-friendly attraction in Barth should definitely stop by here.

A museum installation in the Boitzenburg local history museum shows a child dummy in front of a historical photo of a flooded street with old tools in the room.

3. local history museum Boizenburg

Experience history, for free

108 results

  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Pier Binz

    • 18609 Binz

    The Binz pier on the Island of Rügen, with a length of 370 meters, is the second longest pier on Rügen after the Sellin pier.

    Read more: "Pier Binz"
  • © Jana Koch

    Forest adventure trail Teterow

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Lärchenweg, 17166 Teterow

    The forest adventure trail is divided into two areas: the Forest of Talents and the Philosopher's Path. In the Forest of Talents, visitors can explore or measure themselves against the talents of the forest or its inhabitants. On the Philosopher's Trail, an old forester tells his granddaughter interesting stories about the forest and man-made climate change.

    Read more: "Forest adventure trail Teterow"
  • Open-air museum Schwerin-Mueß

    • Alte Crivitzer Landstraße, 19063 Schwerin

    Immerse yourself in a bygone world - the world of the Mueß villagers. Here - in this place - farmers, shepherds, cottagers and craftsmen once lived with their families. Several generations under one roof together with the animals.

    Read more: "Open-air museum Schwerin-Mueß"
  • Forest adventure trail in Dargun recreational forest

    • Nähe Strandbad, 17159 Dargun

    Freshman Scrofi invites to his kingdom

    Read more: "Forest adventure trail in Dargun recreational forest"
  • Medieval ramparts and fortifications Neubrandenburg

    • Marktplatz, 17033 Neubrandenburg

    Guests can feel the romance of the Middle Ages when strolling along the almost completely preserved ramparts and fortifications, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.

    Read more: "Medieval ramparts and fortifications Neubrandenburg"
  • © Tourismuszentrale Rügen

    Cape Arkona Lighthouses

    • 18556 Putgarten

    Cape Arkona's lighthouses are two sea-fires and a beacon pointing the way for seafarers on the Baltic Sea.

    Read more: "Cape Arkona Lighthouses"
  • North beach Baltic resort Göhren

    • Nordstrand, 18586 Göhren

    The center of vacation pleasure in the Baltic resort of Goehren is the popular North Beach with its particularly fine sand. Spoiled by light from sunrise to sunset, there is room for a wide variety of interests on the north beach: swimming, swimming, digging in the sand, sports and games or simply relaxing or taking a walk and breathing in the soothing sea air...

    Read more: "North beach Baltic resort Göhren"
  • Trebel Valley, © Sabrina Wittkopf-Schade

    Nature trail Tribsees

    • L 192, 18465 Tribsees

    The Tribsses nature trail leads through the lowland moorland of the Trebel Valley. Eight information boards point out the animals and plants living in the area.

    Read more: "Nature trail Tribsees"
  • Path of leisure & knowledge

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Fürst-Malte-Allee, 18581 Lauterbach

    Let yourself be impressed by the history and development of the Goor Forest! Imposing trees, burial mounds and fantastic views of a Baltic Sea bay of the Island of Rügen will inspire you. During the hike you will immerse yourself in this magical forest by the sea, come to rest and deepen your contact with nature and yourself. This forest, which is developing into a "primeval forest", is largely in the care of the Michael Succow Foundation for the Protection of Nature.

    Read more: "Path of leisure & knowledge"
  • © Waren (Müritz) Kur- und Tourismus GmbH

    Bathing place Ecktannen

    • Fontanestraße, 17192 Waren (Müritz)

    The 50 m long natural beach of the bathing place Ecktannen is located directly at the camping site Ecktannen.

    Read more: "Bathing place Ecktannen"
  • © Mecklenburgische Kleinseenplatte Touristik GmbH

    Wesenberg castle with fishing tower

    • Burg, 17255 Wesenberg

    Castle complex with local history room and exhibition on fishing and regional history, tourist information, public Internet access, nationwide ticket service

    Read more: "Wesenberg castle with fishing tower"
  • © Kur- und Tourismus GmbH Göhren-Lebbin

    Swimming beach in the country Fleesensee - Göhren-Lebbin / Untergöhren

    • 17213 Göhren-Lebbin

    Directly at the Fleesensee in Untergöhren you will find ideal conditions for a day at the lake.

    Read more: "Swimming beach in the country Fleesensee - Göhren-Lebbin / Untergöhren"
  • © Hiddenseer Hafen- und Kurbetrieb

    Dornbusch Lighthouse

    • Im Dornbuschwald, 18565 Kloster

    Due to its location on a thorn bush (German: "Dornbusch") hill rising 72 metres above the sea, also called "beacon Dornbusch".

    Read more: "Dornbusch Lighthouse"
  • Barefoot path Boltenhagen

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Ostseeallee, 23946 Boltenhagen

    The barefoot path in the Baltic resort of Boltenhagen is an experience for all the senses.

    Read more: "Barefoot path Boltenhagen"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Rhododendron Park

    • Open today
    • Zarnesweg, 18181 Graal-Müritz

    Directly behind the dunes of the Baltic Sea beach is the 4.5 ha rhododendron park. The park was created in the years 1955-1961 by the Rostock garden architect Friedrich-Karl Evert on a former sand pit. It is unique in Mecklenburg and one of the largest in Germany.

    Read more: "Rhododendron Park"
  • Freizeit- und Familienpark Miniaturstadt Bützow, © Freizeit- und Familienpark Miniaturstadt Bützow

    Leisure and family park miniature town Bützow

    • Nebelring, 18246 Bützow

    Bützow in miniature, the "miniature town", is equally attractive to locals and guests. Set back in time to around 1850, the viewer here feels like a giant in dwarf land.

    Read more: "Leisure and family park miniature town Bützow"
  • © TMVoutdoor-visions.com

    Käflingsberg Tower

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17192 Speck

    The observation tower on the 100 m high Käflingsberg is located in the Müritz National Park southeast of the village Speck. It can be reached on foot, by bike or with buses of the National Park Ticket.

    Read more: "Käflingsberg Tower"
  • View of the surrounding chalk cliffs and the Baltic Sea, © Tourismuszentrale Rügen

    Small stump chamber

    • 18546 Sassnitz

    The Small Stubben Chamber belongs to the Stubben Chamber, which is a national park with its chalk cliffs and UNESCO World Heritage beech forests. From the vantage point " Viktoria-Sicht" extends a magnificent panorama of the surrounding chalk cliffs and the shining Baltic Sea.

    Read more: "Small stump chamber"
  • Beach Baabe

    • 18586 Ostseebad Baabe

    Here you can find beach of the best quality !

    Read more: "Beach Baabe"
  • © VMO M. Jeschke

    Heiligendamm Pier

    • 18209 Heiligendamm

    In 1793 Friedrich Franz I founded the first German seaside resort: Heiligendamm. Today, the white bathing villas and the Grand Hotel Heiligendamm attract thousands of visitors every year. From the panoramic pier you have the best view of the classicistic ensemble.

    Read more: "Heiligendamm Pier"
  • © vollvincent

    Kaeselow Castle

    • Temporarily closed
    • Kaeselow, 19209 Lützow

    The historic manor house "Schloss Kaeselow" is located 20 km west of Schwerin, nestled in a large property with park and garden.

    Read more: "Kaeselow Castle"
  • © TV FDZ

    Beach access 12 at the pier in Zingst

    • 18374 Zingst

    Fine sandy beach can be found here, the beach access is directly at the pier with Kurhaus (seat of tourist info) and Kurhaus restaurant. At the end of the pier is the diving gondola. Only a few meters from the beach in the direction of the town begins the beach promenade with shopping mile.

    Read more: "Beach access 12 at the pier in Zingst"
  • White lake bathing beach near Wesenberg, © Christin Drühl

    Beach "White Lake" Wesenberg

    • 17255 Wesenberg

    The Weißer See bathing beach is located just outside the center of Wesenberg, quietly surrounded by greenery. The arrival and departure with the Kleinseenbahn is possible.

    Read more: "Beach "White Lake" Wesenberg"
  • St. Nikolai Cathedral Greifswald

    • Domstraße, 17489 Greifswald

    Greifswald Cathedral is one of the most beautiful sacred buildings in northern Germany. With its 100 m high tower, it towers over the Hanseatic City of Greifswald. From its tower gallery, you have an impressive view as far as the Island of Rügen.

    Read more: "St. Nikolai Cathedral Greifswald"
  • © Jagdschloss Kotelow

    Kotelow hunting lodge

    • Schlossallee, 17099 Kotelow

    The manor has belonged to the v. Oertzen family since 1672. The single-story baroque house, built in 1773, ends with a mansard roof. The courtyard entrance is gabled over a beautiful oak entrance door with a frontispiece. On the garden side there is a 3-axis central risalit with a terrace in front. Old wooden floorboards are preserved in the interiors. The house was extensively and authentically renovated and is now open to guests as a hunting lodge.

    Read more: "Kotelow hunting lodge"
  • © Irma Schmidt

    Cultural History Museum in the Holy Cross Monastery

    • Klosterhof, 18055 Rostock

    The former Cistercian nunnery was founded in 1270 by the Danish Queen Margaret. The monastery was named after a splinter from the cross of Jesus Christ. Today, the former monastery houses the Museum of Cultural History, one of the largest and most important collections of cultural and art history in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

    Read more: "Cultural History Museum in the Holy Cross Monastery"
  • Franciscan Monastery Neubrandenburg, © Thomas Oppermann

    Regional Museum Neubrandenburg

    • Open today
    • Stargarder Straße, 17033 Neubrandenburg

    The Neubrandenburg Regional Museum (founded in 1872) is one of the oldest civic museums in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

    Read more: "Regional Museum Neubrandenburg"
  • The trail leads through sections of forest and across wet meadows., © Gabriele Skorupski

    Zarrentin bog adventure trail

    • Wittenburger Chaussee, 19246 Zarrentin

    Right next to the Pahlhuus Zarrentin begins a 700-meter-long adventure trail through the nearby moor, which was created after the last ice age by the silting up of the shores of Lake Schaal.

    Read more: "Zarrentin bog adventure trail"
  • © Sarah Kunze

    Zingst Pier

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Seestraße, 18374 Ostseebad Zingst

    Zingst - a holiday paradise at the Baltic Sea! The 270 m long pier is a popular attraction for all guests.

    Read more: "Zingst Pier"
  • © TMV/Gänsicke

    Viewpoint Reiherberg

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Reiherberg, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The Reiherberg is with 143 m one of the highest elevations in the Feldberg lake district and offers a really fantastic view over the Haussee with the two picturesque islands to the silhouette of Feldberg.

    Read more: "Viewpoint Reiherberg"

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  • Bike instead of car: Many accommodations lend bicycles free of charge or for a small fee.
     
  • Use the off-season: Accommodation is cheaper in spring and fall and the beaches are emptier.  
  • Multi-day tickets: In Schwerin, you can save up to 30% with combined tickets for the castle, museum and zoo.
  • Gästekarte nutzen: With Gästekarten you can travel free of charge by bus and train in many places and benefit from discounts for sights, leisure activities and guided tours – ideal for sustainable and cheap travel without a car. 
    GästeCard Rostock & Warnemünde
    GästeCard Fischland-Darß-Zingst
    UsedomCard
    MÜRITZ all around
    KÜSTENKARTE
     
  • Sustainable & inexpensive travel: So that Mecklenburg-Vorpommern remains a favorable natural paradise for future generations, pay attention to regional products, use ÖPNV or the bike and respect trail closures in nature reserves.
Cycling on the avenue, © TMV/outdoor-visions.com

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about low-budget activities & excursion tips

Are the beaches in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern really free?

Yes, most of the Baltic Sea beaches and inland lakes are accessible free of charge. Only resort taxes may apply in individual Baltic Sea resorts.

Where can I find quick information on free activities in my area?

Tourist information, community websites and apps such as „Outdooractive“ or „Komoot“ list free activities by distance.

Do I need a permit for paddling or fishing?

Not for paddling. To go fishing in MV, you need a temporary  (12 € for 28 days).

Are there cheap activities in bad weather?

Many museums offer family days for 1 € admission or completely free action days. Public libraries in Schwerin and Rostock are also free of charge.

What advantages do I have with a guest card?

The guest card is a discount card that you receive in many places in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern when you register at your accommodation. It is usually included in the accommodation price or in the visitor's tax and offers numerous benefits for your stay, from free travel on public transport to discounts on leisure activities.

With a guest card, depending on the location, you benefit from:

  • Free use of bus & train services in many regions
  • Discounts on admission to museums, zoos, spas and other leisure facilities
  • Discounts on guided tours, excursions or events
  • Discounts on boat hire, bike hire or wellness offers
  • Sometimes exclusive 2 for 1 offers or bonus promotions

Most health resorts and resorts in MV refer to the guest card in their tourist information or on the accommodation website. It is also worth making a brief inquiry at vacation apartments, guesthouses and campsites.

Am I allowed to camp wild in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern or stand free with my motorhome?

In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania – as in the whole of Germany – wild camping in the great outdoors is generally not permitted, e.g. in the forest, on meadows or on beaches without express permission. This also applies to standing free overnight with a motorhome. However, it is permitted to stay overnight to restore roadworthiness for a maximum of one night, e.g. in a parking lot, if no prohibition signs prohibit this. If you want to be completely safe, use designated parking or camping sites.

How can I make special savings as a family?

Look for family/group tickets to national parks and museums, pack a picnic instead of a restaurant and make use of free playgrounds on the beach promenades.

When are parking spaces on Baltic Sea beaches free of charge?

At many beach parking lots (e.g. Zingst, Rerik) the fee is waived from 6 pm to 9 am - perfect for evening strolls or watching the sunrise by the sea.

Can I take my bike on local public transport free of charge?

The „3 für 1“-ticket is valid on all ODEG and DB Regio regional trains within M-V: for 5 &euros; you can travel on up to three rides all day long – ideal for fun activities near your vacation destination.

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