Top

3

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

    Zinnowitz pier with diving gondola

    • An der Strandpromenade, 17454 Zinnowitz

    The diving gondola at the head of the 315-meter-long pier offers you the opportunity to take a dry-foot dive into the Baltic Sea and get a closer look at the habitat beneath the waves.

    Read more: "Zinnowitz pier with diving gondola"
  • 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"
  • Ivenack Castle

    • Am Schloss, 17153 Ivenack

    The older, middle part of the castle dates back to the 16th century - the monastery building. A first extension took place in 1709 and after passing to the Imperial Counts v. Plessen around 1750. The semicircular stables, the orangery, the tea house and the church also date from this period. Around 1810, the castle was again extended by two wings. Since 2016, it has been renovated in accordance with the preservation order. The 1000-year-old Ivenack oaks in the former animal park are Germany's first national natural monument.

    Read more: "Ivenack Castle"
  • © Gudrun Koch

    Eldena monastery ruins

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Wolgaster Landstraße, 17493 Greifswald

    The monastery ruins and park are a popular excursion destination for Greifswald residents and their guests. The monastery ruins are also the starting and finishing point of the themed cycle path "Route of North German Romanticism", which traces the stations and lives of the North German Romantics of Western Pomerania.

    Read more: "Eldena monastery ruins"
  • © 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"
  • St. Nikolai Kirche Wismar, © TZ Wismar, Alexander Rudolph

    St. Nicholas' Church, Wismar

    • St.-Nikolai-Kirchhof, 23966 Wismar

    St. Nicholas' was the church of sailors and navigators. Its 37-metre-high nave is the fourth highest nave in Germany. Construction of the present church began in the 14th century.

    Read more: "St. Nicholas' Church, Wismar"
  • © M. Kiauka

    Historical adventure trail "Slavic fortress complex

    • 17159 Dargun

    The historical adventure trail "Slavic fortress complex" takes visitors on a discovery tour into the past.

    Read more: "Historical adventure trail "Slavic fortress complex"
  • Monastery building with tavern, © Frank Burger

    Rühn Monastery

    • Klosterhof, 18246 Rühn

    Rühn Monastery is a well-preserved monastery complex dating from 1232. The owner is a non-profit, voluntary association. The monastery includes a monastery store and a tavern as well as an oil, mustard and vinegar manufactory.

    Read more: "Rühn Monastery"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • © SSGK MV / Funkhaus Creative

    Wiligrad Castle

    • Open today
    • Wiligrader Straße, 19069 Lübstorf

    The former ducal residence palace with the surrounding palace park and the historic estate ensemble is one of the most beautiful places on Lake Schwerin. The art exhibition in the castle is particularly worth seeing. With its location on a steep bank directly on the lake, it is considered an insider's tip for excursions, especially in autumn and in spring during the rhododron bloom. The old nursery houses a farm store and a popular farm café.

    Read more: "Wiligrad Castle"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • Beach idyll in the Rostock Heath, © TMV/Gänsicke

    Rostock Heath

    • Wiethagen, 18182 Rostock

    No German city or region has a larger closed coastal forest than Rostock. The Rostock Heath measures around 6,000 hectares and stretches directly along the Baltic coast from Markgrafenheide to the Baltic resort of Graal-Müritz.

    Read more: "Rostock Heath"
  • Monastery Church of St. Mary, © burgentourist.de

    Dargun Monastery and Castle

    • Schloss, 17159 Dargun

    The town of Dargun's flagship and an attraction for many visitors are the mighty walls of the monastery and castle complex.

    Read more: "Dargun Monastery and Castle"
  • © IGA Park Rostock

    IGA Park Rostock

    • Schmarl-Dorf, 18106 Rostock

    Blossoming in the IGA Park - The face of the IGA Park changes in the harmonious rhythm of the seasons. Varied garden landscape on the banks of the Warnow, rose slope, willow dome and international gardens inspire visitors.

    Read more: "IGA Park Rostock"
  • © TMV/outdoor-visions.com

    Discovery trail Graal-Müritz (7 km | 1 day tour)

    • Length: 7 km

    The child-friendly discovery trail through the Baltic health spa Graal-Müritz is a nature experience for the whole family. Various display boards and hands-on stations invite you to marvel, play and explore.

    Read more: "Discovery trail Graal-Müritz (7 km | 1 day tour)"
  • Lake Krakow - View, © TMV/Tiemann

    Jörnberg lookout tower

    • Open today
    • Jörnbergweg, 18292 Krakow am See

    Krakow am See is easily recognizable by the simple and imposing lookout tower on the Jörnberg peninsula.

    Read more: "Jörnberg lookout tower"
  • View of the traditional ship, which houses the maritime museum, © Eric Groß

    Rostock Maritime Museum

    • Open today
    • IGA-Park Schmarl-Dorf, 18106 Rostock

    Experience a listed 10,000-ton ocean-going freighter from the inside as well - with engine room, bridge or sailor's chamber. This is possible on the traditional ship in the IGA Park.

    Read more: "Rostock Maritime Museum"
  • Observation tower at the Great Serrahnsee

    • 17237 Serrahn

    The lookout tower offers a panoramic view over a moor landscape consisting of two silted-up lakes. With a little luck, you can spot sea eagles and ospreys as well as cranes in the reeds.

    Read more: "Observation tower at the Great Serrahnsee"
  • © 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"
  • © Eigenbetrieb Kurverwaltung Ostseebad Trassenheide

    Beach access Baltic resort Trassenheide

    • Strandstraße, 17449 Trassenheide

    The Baltic resort Trassenheide is idyllically situated in the northern part of the Island of Usedom between the Baltic Sea, magnificent pine forests and wide meadows. Diverse adventure areas and rousing events are also part of the cozy Baltic resort.

    Read more: "Beach access Baltic resort Trassenheide"
  • Loddiner Höft viewpoint

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17459 Loddin

    The southern tip of Loddiner Höft offers a picturesque view across the Achterwasser to the mainland opposite and the Lieper Winkel and Gnitz peninsulas.

    Read more: "Loddiner Höft viewpoint"
  • Discovery Trail Biodiversity

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Wiethagen, 18182 Rostock

    Discover, explore, play in the Rostock Heath. On the barrier-free discovery trail Biological Diversity in the largest contiguous coastal forest in Germany, you will learn about the small and large natural wonders of the local forests.

    Read more: "Discovery Trail Biodiversity"
  • Klink beach

    • Am Seeblick, 17192 Klink

    With its idyllic location directly on the Müritz, the beach in Klink invites you to spend relaxing hours by the water. Comfortable beach chairs are available for the perfect day at the lake and can be easily hired from the nearby Strandläufer restaurant.

    Read more: "Klink beach"
  • Island toboggan run with slide tower, © Paul Dehn

    Rugard adventure world

    • Open today
    • Rugardweg, 18528 Bergen auf Rügen

    In the forest area around the Erst-Moritz-Arndt-Turm, young and old can enjoy sport, fun and nature in the Rugard Adventure World - tobogganing at any time of year, slides, go-karting, minigolf, trampoline, nature trail, open-air stage, legendary places and monuments as well as a hotel with restaurant - all this in a geographically and biologically very interesting forest area.

    Read more: "Rugard adventure world"
  • © 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"
  • © Tourismuszentrale Rügen

    Viewpoint Temple Mount Bobbin

    • 18551 Bobbin

    One of the most beautiful viewpoints over the Jasmund Bodden and to the Wittow peninsula.

    Read more: "Viewpoint Temple Mount Bobbin"
  • 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"
  • Flint fields in the nature reserve Schmale Heide

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18546 Sassnitz OT Mukran

    North of the Baltic resort Binz, between Prora and Mukran, the flint fields are located in the nature reserve of the Schmalen Heide.

    Read more: "Flint fields in the nature reserve Schmale Heide"

Content is loaded

Select a region or location

Select a region

or enter a location directly

Content is loaded

  • 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.

You might also be interested in

Content is loaded

back