Top

3

Low-budget excursion tips for your summer

Vacation fun for little money

Published: June 26, 2025

Two women walk barefoot along the Baltic Sea at sunset on the beach in Koserow.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern opens the door to a world where vacation is not a question of money, but of the heart: Let yourself be drawn into the clear lake by the first ray of sunshine, feel the wind on your skin on a bike ride through blossoming avenues, enjoy a picnic in the cool shade of ancient beech trees or lose yourself in a sunset on the Bodden - a spectacle that feels like the most beautiful open-air cinema.

Here you will find magical natural paradises that are both quiet and wild, free adventure centers that will delight young and old, and remote villages with courtyard cafés where time seems to stand still.
Immerse yourself in little adventures on the water, whether by canoe, bike, on foot or simply barefoot in the warm sand – Mecklenburg-Vorpommern gives you real summer 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 summer

Three bison stand in the sandy open-air enclosure of the Damerower Werder bison reserve in the middle of a sparse forest.

1. experience bison up close

A real highlight for nature fans and families: at the Wisentreservat Damerower Werder, you can get up close and personal with the „some of the forests“ and at a particularly affordable price! The impressive animals roam through their natural habitat on the expansive grounds of Lake Kölpinsee. Exciting guided tours, informative information boards and a lovingly designed playground make the visit an experience for young and old alike.

An ideal excursion destination for a relaxing day in the middle of nature - quiet, educational and impressive!

Two historic lighthouses at Cape Arkona on the island of Rügen, surrounded by green nature and under a clear sky.

2. lighthouses at Cape Arkona

A trip to Cape Arkona is like a journey to the end of the world - only much more beautiful! High up on the steep cliffs of the island of Rügen, two lighthouses tower into the sky and offer you a breathtaking view of the Baltic Sea. For little money, you can climb the towers and enjoy the wide horizon - a real eye-opening experience!

Whether on foot, by bike or with the Cape Arkona Railway: the journey to the northernmost point of Rügen is already part of the adventure. Historic buildings, the fishing village of Vitt in Laufnau and plenty of fresh sea air await you. Ideal for an inexpensive day trip with coastal flair!

Exhibition of historical aircraft at the phanTECHNIKUM Wismar, including biplanes, gliders and early model aircraft.

3. experience technology in the PhanTechnikum

Want to discover how fire, water, air and earth have written the history of technology? Then head to the PhanTechnikum in Wismar! In the largest exhibition on technology in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, you can go on an exciting journey through the elements at family-friendly prices.

Here you can not only look, but above all try it out: Test the wind tunnel, marvel at a fire column or become an inventor yourself in the experimental area - perfect for curious children of all ages. A real experience for rainy days, those hungry for knowledge and explorers on a tight budget.

28 Ergebnisse
  • © Stadt Laage

    Water and observation tower Laage

    • Pfendkammerweg, 18299 Laage

    The former water tower offers an excellent view of the Recknitz valley

    Read more: "Water and observation tower Laage"
  • © 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"
  • © TMV/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"
  • 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"
  • © DOMUSImages

    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"
  • © Landesforst

    Forest Museum Lütt Holthus

    • OT Lüttenhagen, Forsthof, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    The forest museum Lütt Holhus is a small hands-on forest experience center and provides interesting and interesting facts about local forests with their flora and fauna.

    Read more: "Forest Museum Lütt Holthus"
  • 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"
  • © TV Mecklenburg-Schwerin e.V.

    Observation tower Ruhner Berg

    • 19376 Leppin

    Lookout tower - From its platform you have an excellent view of the Mecklenburg and Prignitz regions.

    Read more: "Observation tower Ruhner Berg"
  • Viewpoint, © Tobias Kramer

    Viewpoint "Great Rosin

    • 17159 Dargun

    The view into Western Europe's largest lowland moorland takes your breath away.a true bird paradise!

    Read more: "Viewpoint "Great Rosin"
  • Quiet seating by the garden pond, © Kevin Hager (Baumschule Hager)

    Hager Nursery Botanical Garden

    • Schulstraße, 17089 Bartow

    The botanical garden in the middle of the Hager tree nursery in Bartow offers an ideal destination for vacationers and especially for plant lovers from March to November. Those who prefer the rural idyll and are looking for a quiet place far away from the stress of everyday life are certainly in good hands here.

    Read more: "Hager Nursery Botanical Garden"
  • Karls Erlebnis-Dorf

    • Open today
    • Purkshof, 18182 Rövershagen

    Karl's Erlebnis-Dorf in Rövershagen near Rostock is the most popular excursion destination in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and fun for the whole family. In addition to Germany's largest farmers' market, glass manufactories, amusement rides and adventure gastronomy, the leisure farm offers over 70 other attractions. Admission is free.

    Read more: "Karls Erlebnis-Dorf"
  • Observation Tower Great Serrahnsee, © TMV/Bodieschek

    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"
  • © Joachim Kloock

    Rostock Botanical Garden

    • Hamburger Straße/Holbeinplatz, 18055 Rostock

    The Botanical Garden is a scientific institution of the University of Rostock for research, teaching, education about the importance of biological diversity, and conservation of rare plant species. It is also available to the public as a source of information and a green oasis. Around 7,000 plant species are biologically cultivated in scientific departments, biotope facilities, greenhouses and a university garden on the 7.8 hectare landmark.

    Read more: "Rostock Botanical Garden"
  • © 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"
  • Rear view of the castle, © Sabrina Wittkopf-Schade

    Pudagla Castle

    • Schloßstrasse, 17429 Pudagla

    Pudagla Castle was once the seat of Duchess Maria of Saxony.

    Read more: "Pudagla Castle"
  • © 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"
  • Exterior view hunting lodge Kotelow, © 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"
  • © Technisches Landesmuseum MV

    phanTECHNIKUM - National Technical Museum

    • Open today
    • Zum Festplatz, 23966 Wismar

    The exhibition building of the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Technical Museum presents the fascinating world of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's technical and industrial history on an area of around 3,500 square meters and is divided according to the elements FIRE, WATER, AIR and EARTH.

    Read more: "phanTECHNIKUM - National Technical Museum"
  • Height Basedow, © C. Nieswandt

    Basedow observation tower

    • 17139 Basedow

    The observation tower offers an excellent view of the Mecklenburg Schweiz and Lake Kummerow Nature Park. The nature park is known for the diversity and beauty of its landscape and its rich natural resources.

    Read more: "Basedow observation tower"
  • Hans Fallada Museum Carwitz

    • Open today
    • OT Carwitz, Zum Bohnenwerder, 17258 Feldberger Seenlandschaft

    In its nine exhibition rooms and large garden, the Hans Fallada Museum offers insights into the life of the storyteller who lived in the house from 1933 to 1944. Guided tours, readings, lectures and literary walks take place throughout the year. Audio tours, listening stations and films on Fallada's life complete the offer.

    Read more: "Hans Fallada Museum Carwitz"
  • © TMV/Tiemann

    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"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Observation tower Moorochse

    • 17214 Alt Schwerin OT Glashütte

    Observation Tower in Nossentiner/Schwinzer Heath Nature Park

    Read more: "Observation tower Moorochse"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • © 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"
  • 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"
  • © TMV/Gohlke

    Viewpoint southern tip of Gnitz

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • 17440 Lütow

    From a small hill on the southern tip of the Gnitz peninsula, you have an impressive view of the Achterwasser and the mainland beyond.

    Read more: "Viewpoint southern tip of Gnitz"
  • Start of the nature trail at old oak tree behind the forestry office Schuenhagen, © Liv E. Ipsen

    "The tree treasure of Schuenhagen" (nature trail)

    • Freely accessible at any time
    • Am Kronenwald, 18469 Schuenhagen

    "The tree treasure of Schuenhagen" - under this name, the nature trail at the Schuenhagen forestry office invites you to a forest discovery. Young and old can playfully learn about the tree species of the natural forest at various stations.

    Read more: ""The tree treasure of Schuenhagen" (nature trail)"

Content is loaded

Wählt eine Region oder Ort aus

Wählt eine Region aus

oder gebt einen Ort direkt ein

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
Protected by