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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.
©© MV-T/Petermann

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.
©© MV-T/Tiemann

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.
©© Sabrina Wittkopf-Schade

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.
©© MV-T/Gross

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.

Even more low-budget excursion tips

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  • Koserow pier

    • Am Strande, 17459 Koserow

    The new Koserow pier extends 280m into the Baltic Sea in the shape of a wave. Opened in 2021, it offers 2 large platforms that invite you to sit, enjoy and breathe the Baltic Sea air. At the same time, you can use it perfectly as a sunset cinema.

    Read more: "Koserow pier"
  • Klosterkirche St. Marien // © burgentourist.de
    ©© 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"
  • Accessible beach access at the pier in Zingst // © TV FDZ
    ©© 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"
  • © Waren (Müritz) Kur- und Tourismus GmbH
    ©© 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"

  • 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"
  • © MV-T/Gohlke
    ©© MV-T/Gohlke

    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"
  • Binnensee Krakow - Ausblick // © MV-T/Tiemann
    ©© MV-T/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"
  • Familienidyll // © Freilichtmuseum Klockenhagen
    ©© Freilichtmuseum Klockenhagen

    Open-air museum Klockenhagen

    • Open today
    • Mecklenburger Straße, 18311 Ribnitz-Damgarten OT Klockenhagen

    The open-air museum Klockenhagen is a historical village in a village, because on five hectares of parkland there are typical Mecklenburg farmhouses, barns, windmills and a village church.

    Read more: "Open-air museum Klockenhagen"

  • 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"

  • Observation tower Behmshöhe

    • Open today
    • 17033 Neubrandenburg

    See the four-gate city of Neubrandenburg from above? The Behmshöhe observation tower invites you to an impressive view.

    Read more: "Observation tower Behmshöhe"
  • © MV-T/Gänsicke
    ©© MV-T/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"

  • 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"
  • © Voigt & Kranz UG
    ©© Voigt & Kranz UG

    Lighthouse Darsser Ort

    • Darßer Ort, 18375 Born a. Darß

    The Darßer Ort lighthouse is located on the unique western beach at the northernmost tip of the peninsula. It stands in the middle of the National Park of Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft and can be reached on foot or by bike through the rugged Darß forest. The nearly 36 meter high brick tower was built in 1849 and is one of the oldest sea lights on the German Baltic coast. For a fee, you can climb the 134 steps and 35 meters in height and enjoy a breathtaking view over the Baltic Sea and the surrounding nature.

    Read more: "Lighthouse Darsser Ort"

  • Schwerin Cathedral St. Marien and St. Johannis

    • Am Dom, 19055 Schwerin

    The proverbial highlight of the churches in Mecklenburg: Schwerin Cathedral. This imposing masterpiece of brick Gothic is the oldest building in the city of Schwerin, has the highest church tower in Mecklenburg at 117.5 meters and is the only true cathedral in the state. The cathedral is open daily. Those who climb the 220 steps of the tower are greeted by a breathtaking view over Schwerin's lake landscape.

    Read more: "Schwerin Cathedral St. Marien and St. Johannis"

  • 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"

  • 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"

  • Güstrow Castle

    • Temporarily closed
    • Franz-Parr-Platz, 18273 Güstrow

    On the edge of the old town of Güstrow, one of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe surprises with its southern charm. Magnificent stucco ceilings from the time of construction have been preserved. Extensive renovation work is currently taking place in the castle. Due to this, the castle museum is not open to the public.

    Read more: "Güstrow Castle"

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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
©© 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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