Holiday-makers around the world are facing up to the fact that, in times of recession, large travel expenses are difficult to justify. While for some this has meant the end of life as we know it, for a new generation of nature lovers and eco-conscious tourists, it has prompted the discovery of a cheap and unusual alternative. In Germany and its European neighbors Austria and Switzerland, a long weekend in a converted barn – sleeping on a bed of freshly raked hay — is fast becoming the ‘staycation’ of choice.

Heuhotels (‘heu’ is German for hay) offer exactly what their name suggests. For as little as eight euros ($11) a night backpackers, couples, families and, in the case of one “hay hotel” in central Germany – ‘groups of up to 60’ – can rest their heads in a way nature intended. With private bedrooms and the option for “real” beds, the ‘Zum Alten Marstall’ is at the “luxury” end of the market. It also takes advantage of its position at the foot of the 11th century Castle Guttenberg by adopting medieval styling throughout. Here staff wear embroidered tunics and woolen cloaks and male guests are referred to as “Knights.”

While not all hay hotels provide such elaborate extras, many offer a range of activities. These typically include horse riding, canoeing, mountain biking and archery. Foodies will also get the chance to buy fresh meat, cheeses and other farm produce on site.