Rostock is the largest city in the north German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and is located on the coast of the Baltic Sea. You will find a lot of the city’s action at the Rostock Harbor. If you are visiting in August, you might catch the Hanse Sail, which attracts millions of people to the harbor each year. You will see up to 300 tall ships, sloops, cruise ships, ferries, museum schooners and vintage yachts at the festival.
The event takes place in front of the city’s Old Quarter where you can learn about Rostock’s history. Red-brick and pastel-colored buildings date back to the 14th and 15th centuries when the Hanseatic League, a commercial and defensive alliance of merchant guilds, dominated trade along the coast of northern Europe. Explore the eastern part of the quarter where you will find historic attractions, including St. Peter’s Church, St. Mary’s Church and the Fisherman’s Bastion.
One of the best ways to see Rostock is by boat on the Warnow River. When exploring the river, make sure you see Alter Strom, a charming old arm of the river in the seaside suburb of Warnemünde. There, you will find pretty, colorful fishermen’s cottages, small local stores, cafes and restaurants.
To experience a different side of the city, head to the University of Rostock. It was founded in 1419, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. Wander around the college grounds and enjoy the Baltic Sea views that students are treated to while they study.
In the evening, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs to explore around the city.
For some fresh air and exercise after your night out, head to the Rostock Heath, which is a 20-minute drive north of downtown Rostock. It is the largest coastal forest in Germany and visitors can tour the area and learn about its history in the forest museum.
Rostock has a small downtown area and there are a number of pedestrian zones, so it’s easy to see a lot of the city’s attractions on foot. You can get fast rail connections from Rostock Central Station to Hamburg and Berlin. Public transportation is available around the city, including a good tramway network as well as buses and ferries.
