Mecklenburg Vorpommern is a region that offers a rich mix of landscapes, history, and culture—perfect for exploring through a variety of engaging tours. Whether you’re gliding through the UNESCO World Heritage city of Stralsund on a cultural kayak tour, wandering through charming Hanseatic towns, or sampling the craftsmanship of local distilleries, there’s something here for everyone. We’re especially fond of the kayak tour in Stralsund for its fresh perspective on the city, and the private walking tours that let you explore at your own pace. With so many options, you can tailor your experience to your interests—history, nature, or food.
Quick Overview
This list features five of the best tours in Mecklenburg Vorpommern, including on-the-water explorations, private city walks, and distillery visits:
– Cultural kayak tour in Stralsund — a fun, active way to see a UNESCO site.
– Elephant Gin’s distillery tour near Hamburg — for those interested in spirits and craftsmanship.
– Greifswald Private Walking Tour — a personalized walk through a Hanseatic city.
– Wismar Private Walking Tour — customized exploration of a UNESCO-listed town.
– Tour through the historic old town of Stralsund — a quick, informative train ride.
Now, let’s explore each of these top choices in detail.
1. Cultural kayak tour in Stralsund
At number 1, our favorite is the Cultural kayak tour in Stralsund. This is a fantastic way to see the UNESCO World Heritage city from a different angle. The tour starts with a brief safety and paddling instructions, then launches from Dänholm, where you’ll already get a striking view of the city’s silhouette. Over about two hours, you’ll paddle through the transverse channel between the harbor island and the mainland, passing historic storage buildings and catching views of the Ozeaneum and the Nikolaikirche.
What sets this tour apart is its immersive perspective. You’ll circle the harbor island, viewing the maritime architecture and historic harbor from below, which is something you can’t get on foot. The guide takes you through the harbor’s historic heart, giving insights into the Hanseatic past while you enjoy the gentle exercise. It’s perfect for active travelers who want a taste of adventure and a chance to learn about Stralsund’s maritime significance. Reviews praise its fun, informative nature, with one reviewer noting how they loved seeing the city from “a new perspective.”
Bottom Line: If you want an engaging, offbeat way to explore a UNESCO-listed city, this kayak tour delivers both excitement and insight—plus, it’s budget-friendly.
2. Wittenburg: Elephant Gin’s Distillery Tour near Hamburg
The Elephant Gin distillery tour offers a hands-on look at the art of gin-making, just outside Hamburg. During this 2.5-hour experience, you’ll observe the botanicals carefully selected for Elephant Gin, see the distillation process firsthand, and have the chance to create your own bottle. It’s perfect for spirits enthusiasts or anyone curious about the craft behind premium gin.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to participate actively. You’re not just listening to a guide; you’re witnessing the process from start to finish and even creating your own personalized bottle of Elephant Gin to take home. The tour has a solid reputation, with a 4.5 star rating from nine reviews, and the price reflects its quality—$63.05 per person. Visitors mention that the guide is friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience both educational and fun.
Bottom Line: For a unique, hands-on experience in spirits craft, this distillery tour provides excellent value, especially for those interested in botanical liqueurs and premium gin.
3. Greifswald Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
At number 3, we have the Greifswald Private Walking Tour. This 1.5-hour tour offers a personalized introduction to Greifswald, a charming Hanseatic town with well-preserved brick Gothic architecture. The private format means your guide can tailor the experience—focusing on history, art, or specific sites like the Caspar David Friedrich Centre or the University of Greifswald.
What makes this tour special is its in-depth, relaxed approach. You’ll walk past historic landmarks, learn about Greifswald’s origins from 1199, and hear stories about its survival through wars and war periods, including its relatively untouched streets after WWII. The guide’s local expertise shines through, and the small group size (up to 15) ensures an intimate experience. The tour received top reviews, with one describing the guide as “knowledgeable and witty,” adding a personal touch to history.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a flexible, in-depth exploration of a less touristy city, this private walk delivers an authentic experience with expert narration.
$274.19 per group (up to 15)
4. Wismar Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide
The Wismar Private Walking Tour is an excellent choice for those wanting a customized visit of a UNESCO-listed town. For around $282.79 per group, you will enjoy a 2-hour guided experience focused entirely on your interests, whether that’s architecture, history, or local legends. The guide will take you through the town’s medieval streets, pointing out landmarks like St. Georgen Church and the Wismarer Wasserkunst.
This tour shines for its flexibility and depth. The guide’s narrative covers Wismar’s past from its Slavic roots through its time in the Hanseatic League, Swedish rule, and the destruction during WWII. Reviewers have noted how the private format allows for a more relaxed pace and tailored content. Wismar’s architecture and history come alive in this personalized setting, making it ideal for travelers wanting a deep dive without the crowds.
Bottom Line: This tour is best suited for history buffs or those who desire an intimate exploration of a beautiful, historic town at their own pace.
$282.79 per group (up to 15)
5. Tour through the historic old town of Stralsund
Lastly, the Tour through the historic old town of Stralsund is a quick, budget-friendly way to get an overview of the city. The 45-minute little train ride begins at the ferry bridge in front of the harbor island and winds past over 500 listed gabled houses, churches, and the maritime scenes of the harbor. It’s a relaxed way to see the highlights without much walking.
This tour is perfect for travelers short on time who still want a taste of Stralsund’s architectural treasures and lively waterfront. Reviewers highlight the friendly driver and the interesting commentary, making it a pleasant, inexpensive introduction to the city.
Bottom Line: For a quick and easy overview, this train tour offers a good balance of scenery and history at a low price.
How to Choose
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and available time. If you’re active and love water-based adventures, the kayak tour offers a memorable perspective on Stralsund. For those curious about spirits and craftsmanship, the Elephant Gin distillery provides a hands-on experience. Travelers seeking a personalized, relaxed exploration of Hanseatic towns should consider the Greifswald or Wismar private walks. And if your schedule is tight, the Stralsund train tour gives a quick snapshot of the city.
Think about your personal interests—architecture, history, food, or outdoor activities—and pick the tour that matches your style and timeframe. Booking early is advisable, especially for private tours, to ensure availability during peak seasons.
In summary, Mecklenburg Vorpommern offers a diverse set of tours that cater to different tastes. Whether you want to paddle through a UNESCO city, explore quaint towns privately, or sample local gin, there’s an experience here that will enrich your visit. For a well-rounded trip, consider combining a few options—like the kayak adventure with a private walk—to get the most out of this charming region.