Picturesque Rostock: What Makes the Port City Special

Rostock is known for its unparalleled beauty and impressive architecture. Located on the Baltic Sea coast in the German federal state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, this port city attracts travellers with its charm and unforgettable experiences.

The city’s symbol is the lighthouse in Warnemünde, a well-known resort district and former port town that became part of Rostock. The lighthouse stands on the southern Baltic Sea coast and attracts attention with its height and architecture. From its heights, captivating views of the endless sea open up, and it has become a popular tourist attraction. There are beaches here for nudists, surfing and even holidays with dogs. To reach Warnemünde, you can take a scheduled passenger boat departing from the Stadthafen waterfront in Rostock, which runs parallel to Am Strande street.

You can start your walk through Rostock on the pedestrian Kröpeliner Straße, which runs from the Kröpelin Gate and ends at the New Market Square. Here you will find many shops and restaurants that give the city its special atmosphere. An important historic spot is University Square, located in the city centre. It was here, in 1419, that the University of Rostock was founded, an important step in the development of education in the city.

The town hall is also on the New Market Square. Fairs are also often held on this square, where you can buy flowers, vegetables, fruit and clothing. Rostock’s market square is always bustling with life and is an important centre of city life.

Rostock's main architectural landmark, St Mary's Church (Marienkirche), is a masterpiece of Brick Gothic. Inside are a Baroque organ and an astronomical clock made in 1472 by master Hans Düringer. It shows the time, the phases of the Moon, the zodiac signs and the dates, and the new calendar disc installed in 2018 runs until 2150. Every day at noon and midnight a procession of the apostles passes above the dial.

You can also visit the Cultural History Museum in Rostock, whose collection includes artefacts, paintings, sculptures, household objects, documents and many other interesting items.

For a family outing, the ideal place is Rostock Zoo, the largest zoo on Germany’s eastern coast. It covers 56 hectares and has more than 4500 animals from 320 species.

Rostock Zoo is notable for its active involvement in species conservation programmes and the breeding of endangered animals. In particular, it maintains a studbook for polar bears as part of the European species conservation programme, helping to preserve these wonderful animals. Here, children and adults can not only have fun but also learn more about nature’s diversity and the need to protect it.

Rostock leaves unforgettable impressions on everyone who visits. Whatever your interests and preferences, Rostock has something to impress you and inspire you to return.