Rostock between Hanseatic history, the Warnow and the Baltic Sea

Hanseatic history and the historic centre

The Hanse Sail Rostock celebrates the tradition and importance of sailing ships in this Hanseatic university city. The first Hanse Sail took place in 1991. 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.

At the Cultural History Museum Rostock, you can see historic furniture, old paintings, city maps and artefacts from trade and crafts across around 2,000 square metres. The various collection items offer insight into different aspects of the city’s history. Check the museum’s current visitor information before your visit.

A walk through the historic centre takes you, among other places, across Universitätsplatz, past the Monastery of the Holy Cross and along Kröpeliner Straße, as well as to Neuer Markt and St. Mary’s Church. The focus is on architecture, urban development and Hanseatic traditions. If you plan to take this walk, check with the provider for the latest details.

There are two different vantage points for views from above. The viewing platform of St. Peter’s Church can be reached by lift or by climbing 197 steps. A spiral staircase leads to the platform of the Warnemünde Lighthouse, where you can look out over the Baltic Sea, harbour and seaside resort. Before your visit, check the current opening arrangements with the relevant operator.

Coast, the Warnow and active experiences

Rostock’s beaches stretch along the Baltic coast from Warnemünde and Diedrichshagen to Hohe Düne and Markgrafenheide. These coastal areas give your stay a clear connection to the sea. If you would rather discover the city from the water, Stadtpaddeln Rostock offers a distinctive perspective: the tour travels across the water without a motor, introduces you to the Warnow biotope and also provides physical exercise.

An independent cycling tour also takes in different sides of the city. It runs from the city harbour along the Warnow to Warnemünde, passing the Neptun shipyard and going through the Marienehe freight and fishing harbour as well as the residential areas of Schmarl and Groß Klein. The route combines harbour areas, water and residential neighbourhoods in a single tour. Check local route conditions before setting off.

For a route with designated stops, the “Biological Diversity” circular trail in Rostock Heath is an option. It is 2.8 kilometres long, has limited barriers and includes ten stops. The starting and finishing point is the Forst- und Köhlerhof Wiethagen. “Limited barriers” describes the route and does not mean that it is fully accessible; it is advisable to check current path conditions before your visit.

Rostock Zoo is home to 6,500 animals from 500 different species from around the world. These figures may change over time. Together with the trails through Rostock Heath, the zoo offers a different focus from the historic centre or experiences on the Warnow: here, nature and wildlife take centre stage.

Choose the right focus for your stay

If you are interested in architecture, urban development and Hanseatic history, the historic centre is the ideal focus for your visit. If you want to combine activity and water, consider paddling or the cycling tour along the Warnow. The beaches and the circular trail in Rostock Heath offer different ways to experience the coastal landscape and nature. You can tailor your search for a holiday apartment to the experiences you want to make central to your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Diedrichshagen, Dierkow-Neu, Stuthof and Lichtenhagen.

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Back to the main travel overview: Rostock.