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Low-budget excursion tips for your vacation

Vacation fun for little money

Published: June 4, 2026

Two people cycle along a sandy dune path on the coast of Hiddensee, while waves crash on the beach and grass sways in the wind.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern opens the door to a world where vacations are not a question of money, but of the heart: feel the clear air on a quiet lake, listen to the wind in the avenues, warm yourself with a cup of tea in a quaint courtyard café or lose yourself in a Bodden sunset that bathes the sky in bright red gold.

Landscapes full of peace and power await you here, natural paradises that shine differently in every light, adventure spots that delight families and couples alike, and villages where life flows at a slower pace. Whether on a hike through forests, on a boat tour through still waters or walking barefoot over damp grass, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern gives you real moments. For little money. With a lot of feeling. And with a smile that lasts.

Overview:

3 highlights up to €10 or even free

Red brick lighthouse at Darßer Ort with wind-sculpted pine tree and dune landscape on the western beach.

The westernmost tip of the Dar ü is one of the wildest corners of the Baltic Sea coast. Here, the wind shapes the pine trees into bizarre silhouettes, grey seals dart along the beach and the lighthouse has been towering over everything since 1849. In the NATUREUM you can find out why this coastal strip is part of the Western Pomerania Lagoon National Park: vividly, up close, without frills. For 10 euros per person, you get the exhibition and the view - and the rest is free outside.

Yellow museum building of the Peenemünde Toy Adventure World with outdoor terrace and wooden bear sculpture.

Tin cars, fairytale worlds and dolls that are older than your grandparents are piled up here on 1,100 square meters. The toy adventure world in Peenemünde displays around 25,000 exhibits – some of which are up to 200 years old. Not a sterile depot, but a journey through childhood memories that you would never have expected. For 8 euros per person, this is anything but a matter of course. And if you still feel like it afterwards: Next door, the Russian submarine U-461 awaits brave explorers.

Couple passes through the castle gate of the brick castle of Neustadt-Glewe with fortified towers and battlements.

The oldest surviving fortified castle in Mecklenburg stands in the middle of Neustadt-Glewe – and is waiting for you to discover it. Built around 1250 on an Elde dyke, the castle tells the story of castle fathers, knights and a medieval hot-air heating system that was far ahead of its time. Take a look at the keep with its lock, wander through the living room and pause for a moment in the Hofstube – its Gothic murals are a real eye-catcher. For 4 euros per person, you get 700 years of history at your fingertips.

107 results

  • © KV Baabe

    Beach Baabe

    • 18586 Ostseebad Baabe

    Here you can find beach of the best quality !

    Read more: "Beach Baabe"
  • View from the lookout tower Karenz over the Wanzeberg. // © Gabriele Skorupski

    Lookout tower on the Wanzeberg in Karenz

    • Bergstraße, 19294 Karenz

    The mountain of the same name is located in the middle of the "Wanzeberg" nature reserve. Its highest elevation is near Karenz on the Steinberg and is about 71 meters high. A steel lookout tower erected on it provides a unique view far across the approximately 40-square-kilometer mountain range.

    Read more: "Lookout tower on the Wanzeberg in Karenz"
  • 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"
  • Holzpromenade am Strand von Altefähr // © Eigenbetrieb Hafen- und Tourismuswirtschaft Altefähr

    Beach seaside resort Altefähr

    • Strandpromenade Altefähr, 18573 Altefähr

    Rügen's youngest and only seaside resort with a southern beach and a unique view of the Hanseatic City of Stralsund.

    Read more: "Beach seaside resort Altefähr"
  • © TV FDZ

    West Beach

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 18375 Born a. Darß

    Nowhere on the Baltic coast do land erosion and land formation take place so dynamically, in such a short time and in such a confined space as in the National Park of Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft. The west beach, bordering directly on the Darß forest, is one of the most vivid examples of this. Due to its wildness and remoteness, it has been declared one of the most beautiful beaches in Germany and Europe several times. Arte even nominated it as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world.

    Read more: "West Beach"
  • Station 10: Reflection at the water oaks // © MV-T/UB

    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"
  • Franciscan Monastery Neubrandenburg // © Thomas Oppermann

    Regional Museum Neubrandenburg

    • Closed 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"
  • St. Mary's Church Stralsund

    • Marienstraße, 18439 Stralsund

    The Marienkirche, also called St. Marien, is the largest church in the city. From the 104 meter high tower (366 steps) of the Marienkirche you have a unique view over Stralsund to Rügen.

    Read more: "St. Mary's Church Stralsund"
  • Der Pfad führt durch Waldabschnitte und über Feuchtwiesen. // © 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"
  • Ohne Schuhe geht's auf dem Barfußpfad über verschiedene Naturmaterialien wie Holz, Steine und Tannenzapfen. // © MV-T/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)"
  • Barrierefreier Strandzugang an der Seebrücke in Zingst // © 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"
  • Badestrand Weißer See bei 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"
  • © Irma Schmidt

    Cultural History Museum in the Holy Cross Monastery

    • Open today
    • 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"
  • Die Seebrücke in Heringsdorf ist mit 508 Metern die längste deutsche Seebrücke // © MV-T/Fischer

    Heringsdorf Pier

    • Strandpromenade, 17424 Seebad Heringsdorf

    The 508 m long sea-bridge is built in the style of the modern era. The steel and glass superstructures are unique, in particular the restaurant on the bridgehead that looks like a UFO from a distance.

    Read more: "Heringsdorf Pier"
  • A view of the farm and the Rostock Heath // © MV-T/Witzel

    Forst- und Köhlerhof Wiethagen

    • Wiethagen, 18182 Wiethagen

    Since 1837, the Wiethagen tar shelling plant has existed on the southern edge of the Rostock Heath with the only historical functioning tar shelling furnace.

    Read more: "Forst- und Köhlerhof Wiethagen"
  • 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"
  • 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"
  • Strandidylle in der Rostocker Heide // © MV-T/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"
  • Seeseitiger Blick auf die Insel mit der biologischen Station // © MV-T

    Greifswald Oie

    • 17440 Kröslin

    In the southern Baltic Sea, the island covers an area of 54 hectares, where a lively flora and fauna has developed. Moreover, no other German Baltic Sea island is further away from the mainland coast.

    Read more: "Greifswald Oie"
  • © MV-T/Kirchgessner

    Observation tower Plau am See

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Kalkofen, 19395 Plau am See

    The lighthouse welcomes boaters as they enter the Müritz-Elde waterway from Lake Plaue. From its viewing platform at a height of 8 meters, it offers a fantastic panoramic view over Lake Plauer See. It is now considered the most popular photo motif among guests.

    Read more: "Observation tower Plau am See"
  • Exterior view St. George Church // © TZ Wismar, Anibal Trejo

    St. George Church

    • Open today
    • St.-Georgen-Kirchhof, 23966 Wismar

    St. George's Church is one of the three large main churches in Wismar and an outstanding architectural monument of North German brick Gothic. It was once the place of worship for craftsmen and tradesmen. The origins of St. George's lie in the 13th century. Its construction thus falls into the turbulent time of the late Middle Ages and the Reformation.

    Read more: "St. George Church"
  • 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"
  • © KV Göhren / Martin Stöver

    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"
  • Walderlebnispfad Ummanz // © Tourismuszentrale Rügen

    Forest adventure trail Ummanz "Des Försters Wald" (The forester's forest)

    • 18569 Ummanz

    Since spring 2014, the Rügen island Ummanz offers the forest adventure trail "Des Försters Wald" as a new excursion destination for the whole family. On 1.9 kilometers you will find varied, informative and adventurous offers to get to know nature, especially the forest.

    Read more: "Forest adventure trail Ummanz "Des Försters Wald" (The forester's forest)"
  • Prerow pier

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Hauptübergang, 18375 Prerow

    Since 1993 there is the Prerow pier with a length of 395 m and a width of 3.50 m - the longest in the Fischland-Darß-Zingst region.

    Read more: "Prerow pier"
  • © MV-Toutdoor-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"
  • © 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"
  • Temple mountain Bobbin - view over the Great Jasmund Bodden // © 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"
  • 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"
  • 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"

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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 // © MV-T/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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