Rostock combines more than 800 years of history as a Hanseatic city on the Baltic Sea with beaches and experiences on the water. When planning your stay, it’s worth first deciding between the historic centre, the beach and nature. This will help you decide which themes you’d like to focus on when looking for a hotel for your trip.
Hanseatic history and the historic centre
Rostock was once an important trading centre in northern Germany and is one of the Baltic coast’s historic Hanseatic cities. The first Hanse Sail Rostock took place in 1991; it represents the tradition and importance of sailing in this Hanseatic and university city. Each edition of the Hanse Sail features 200 ships, as well as cruise ships, ferries and naval vessels. The number of participants may vary from one edition to another.
If you’d like to explore the city’s history on foot, you can take a walking tour of Rostock’s historic centre. The route includes University Square, passes the Holy Cross Monastery and Kröpeliner Straße, and continues to New Market Square and St. Mary’s Church. Topics include architecture, urban development and Hanseatic traditions. If you’re planning a tour, check the provider’s current tour details.
The Cultural History Museum Rostock displays historic furniture, old paintings, city maps and artefacts from trade and crafts across around 2,000 square metres. The viewing level of St. Peter’s Church is accessible by lift or via 197 steps. If you’re planning either visit, check the latest visitor or opening information in advance.
The Baltic coast and experiences on the water
Rostock’s beaches stretch along the Baltic coast from Warnemünde and Diedrichshagen to Hohe Düne and Markgrafenheide. A spiral staircase at the Warnemünde Lighthouse leads to the viewing platform, where you can enjoy sweeping views of the Baltic Sea, harbour and seaside resort. Check the operator’s latest visitor information before your visit.
With Stadtpaddeln Rostock, you can explore the city without a motor, discover the Warnow River’s biotope and get some exercise. Paddling offers a different focus from the view from the lighthouse platform: here, the emphasis is on exploring the Warnow and getting active, while there, it’s on views of the Baltic Sea, harbour and seaside resort.
Green routes and other options
The “Biological Diversity” circular trail in Rostock Heath is 2.8 kilometres long, has limited accessibility barriers and includes ten stops. It starts and ends at the Forst- und Köhlerhof Wiethagen. The route’s length and course are therefore clearly specified. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.
A self-guided cycling tour leads from the city harbour along the Warnow to Warnemünde, passing the Neptun shipyard and going through Marienehe freight and fishing port and the Rostock neighbourhoods of Schmarl and Groß Klein. Unlike the circular trail that starts and ends at the Forst- und Köhlerhof Wiethagen, this tour begins at the city harbour and ends in Warnemünde. Check local route conditions before setting off.
Rostock Zoo offers a focus of its own: it is home to 6,500 animals from 500 different species from around the world. These figures may change over time.
Discover more destinations: Dierkow-Neu, Diedrichshagen, Stuthof, Lichtenhagen, Bad Doberan, Amt Neubukow-Salzhaff, Amt Rostocker Heide, KĂĽhlungsborn.
Back to the main travel overview: Rostock.
