Discover Rostock: Hanseatic history and the Baltic coast

Hanseatic history and the historic centre

Rostock is one of the Baltic coast’s historic Hanseatic cities and was once an important trading centre in northern Germany. Sailing is also part of the city’s history: the first Hanse Sail Rostock took place in 1991 and celebrates the tradition and importance of sailing in this Hanseatic university city. One edition features 200 ships, as well as cruise ships, ferries and naval vessels. The number of participating ships may vary from one edition to another.

A walk through Rostock’s historic centre takes you past, among other places, Universitätsplatz, the Monastery of the Holy Cross and Kröpeliner Straße, as well as to Neuer Markt and St. Mary’s Church. Along the way, it offers insights into architecture, urban development and Hanseatic traditions. If you are interested in the city’s architectural and historical heritage, the Cultural History Museum of Rostock offers another way to explore it: across around 2,000 square metres, it displays historic furniture, old paintings, city maps and finds from trade and crafts. Check the current visitor guidelines before your visit.

Experience Rostock from the water and above

Explore the Hanseatic city from the water without a motor with Stadtpaddeln Rostock. The tour combines this unique perspective with the chance to discover the Warnow’s natural habitat and get some exercise. Along the coast, Rostock’s beaches stretch from Warnemünde and Diedrichshagen to Hohe Düne and Markgrafenheide. This means maritime city experiences and coastal stretches offer distinct themes to consider when planning your trip.

Two viewpoints also offer different perspectives: a spiral staircase leads to the platform of the Warnemünde Lighthouse, which offers sweeping views of the Baltic Sea, harbour and seaside resort. You can reach the viewing level of St. Peter’s Church by lift or by climbing 197 steps. Check the latest information from the relevant operator before visiting.

Trails and landscapes

The “Biological Diversity” circular trail in the Rostock Heath is 2.8 kilometres long, has step-free sections and features ten stops. The start and finish are at the Wiethagen Forestry and Charcoal-Burning Centre. Its length, terrain and stops give you concrete points to consider when planning; check the latest trail conditions before setting out.

A custom cycling tour runs from the city harbour along the Warnow to Warnemünde. On the way, it passes the Neptun shipyard and goes through the Marienehe cargo and fishing harbour, as well as the Rostock residential districts of Schmarl and Groß Klein. This route connects different parts of the city and leads all the way to the coast. Check local conditions along the route before setting off.

The wider Rostock travel region includes the Rostock Heath, which covers around 6,000 hectares and is one of the largest contiguous coastal forests on Germany’s Baltic coast. This regional landscape complements the city’s attractions with a vast woodland.

Animals from around the world

Rostock Zoo is home to 6,500 animals representing 500 different species from around the world. The animal populations may change over time. For travellers who want to explore wildlife from different regions as well as history and the coast, the zoo is a distinct option to include in their stay.

Discover more destinations: Diedrichshagen, Dierkow-Neu, Stuthof, Lichtenhagen, Neubukow, Dummerstorf, Kessin, Lieblingshof.

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