Hanseatic city and a seaside resort: Ships, a lighthouse and many historic delights

Blick auf das historische Stadtzentrum
Foto: Fotoagentur Nordlicht

A homely city or romantic fishermen"s village, Middle Age architecture or a magical coastal landscape, paintings, theatre and large ships, Rostock has something on offer for everyone. In the summer the city with its own seaside resort changes to a seaside resort with its own city and they are both very popular. Every summer the Baltic Sea and the seaside resort of Warnemünde are an attractive location for hundreds of thousands. Sunbathers and keen swimmers enjoy the cool water and the wide sandy beach. Yet the seaside is not only there for swimming. Small guests can do something nearly every day in their summer holidays. Warnemünde, a town unique to the German Baltic coastline has lots of things to see and do: a lighthouse open to tourists, moles and giant ships that sail past all day long. Imposing cruise liners are one of the summer attractions. The Alter Strom is a beautiful place to walk around and gorge yourself in. Old fishermen"s houses have now been turned into shops, cafés and restaurants. The fish market on the opposite bank of the Alter Strom has also developed itself into a gastronomic mile. However, Warnemünde is not only a tip for summer. You can walk or cycle nearly all year round and if you"re looking for wellness then you are best to come to Rostock"s seaside resort in autumn and winter.

You can"t say you"ve seen Rostock if you"ve only visited Warnemünde. The snake on the city hall was once the identifying sculpture for Rostock"s visitors. The work of art is a small sight on the side. In the historic city there are other sights that first catch the eye: large churches, towers or city gates, gabled houses, warehouses and the city hall with its seven towers. Art enthusiasts will find many examples of north-German Gothic brick architecture " an architectural style, which saw its glory at the times of the Hanseatic League in the north of Germany. It is too tempting just to stroll past, so why not go inside: experience the powerful St. Marien church from inside with its famous astronomical clock. There is even free admission to the zum Heiligen Kreuz convent where the many delights of the Cultural History Museum are housed. You can see a massive tree trunk inside the Hausbaumhaus (house tree house) and look down on the city centre and the Warnow from a viewing platform on the highest tower in the city without having to walk up one step. Rostock offers many different architectural styles, from old to new, pedestrian zones with cafés, restaurants and numerous shopping possibilities. The city harbour is also a perfect location for a stroll with old and modern ships and restaurants right next to the water.