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Rostock Travel Guide: 187 reviews and 479 photos

The Old Hanseatic City of Rostock

With some unplanned time on our hands, we thought we'd try to see some of Rostock. We discovered it was easy and inexpensive to travel the short distance of 10 miles or so from Warnemuende to Rostock by local train. By the time we had paid our 3 Euros each for the roundtrip train fare to Rostock the sun was making a partial appearance of which we were thankful and made the outlook for a decent side trip a little brighter. Even though it was a Sunday we were hoping at least a few sights would be open to the public---unfortunately, things were very quiet and there were only a few people milling around the town square.

There was more excitement on the train! A strange little man with straggly hair and beard, dressed in a heavy winter coat (this was summer), wearing only socks on his feet, started to harangue at first to no one and then zeroed in on some older German women. Not speaking any German, I didn't know what the fuss was about. The women tried to ignore him, but the man would have none of it. Thankfully for all of us, he departed the train before Rostock.

The train station at Rostock was swarming with what I perceived as soccer fans whose team had apparently just won a victory! Men sporting their team's colors were exuberant , waving banners, beating drums, singing. Obviously they were very happy! A nice introduction to Rostock I thought!

A Very Brief History

Rostock was a part of the former East German Republic and at the time was its busiest port. Hundreds of years ago, Rostock became one of the first and most powerful members of the Hanseatic League and could boast of being home to 12,000 residents already by the end of the 14th century. It could also boast of establishing the first university in the Baltic region. Unfortunately, domestic disputes and wars in the Baltic followed by a devastating fire led to the eventual decline of Rostock as a power in the region at that time.

In the mid-19th century, Rostock's economy rebounded with the steamship industry and subsequently it became once again a bustling port shipping grain from the Mecklenburg region to all over. Today the Rostock - Warnemuende region prospers from shipbuilding (Warnemuende Werft) and technology parks.

Rostock ~ Warnemuende

If you've visited my "Warnemuende, Germany" page you will already have read how Rostock purchased the tiny fishing village of Warnemuende in the early 1600's to ensure another access to the sea. Warnemuende is moreorless considered the summer resort area of Rostock, and you will see the two names related in many aspects such as the postage designation, business location designations, both images in pictures or postcards (i.e., the lighthouse in Warnemuende may appear on a Rostock postcard), etc. Although Warnemuende is 10 miles away, the two towns seem to operate as one.

Last visit to Rostock: Aug 2005
Intro Updated Jun 10, 2008
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Reviews (6)

Rick & Andy with Rostocker Beer - Rostock

Rostock Brewery for Beer Lovers Things to Do (6)

We didn't get to visit the Rostock Brewery but I wish we had because I thought Rostock Beer was pretty darn good!... more travel advice

Weihnachtsmarkt Things to Do (6)

Rostock is very proud of its Christmas Market and Fair. It lasts for almost one month begining in late November and... more travel advice

Rostock's Neuer Market Things to Do (6)

under construction more travel advice

Marienkirche underneath scaffolding, August, 2005 - Rostock

Marienkirche ~ St. Marie' s Church Things to Do (6)

Unfortunately the Marienkirche was adorned with scaffolding when we came to Rostock. The exterior seemed to be badly... more travel advice

Comments (14)

LoriPori Jun 28, 2010 at 5:38 AM Report Abuse

Very beautiful and impressive Rathaus and also the Cathedral
lynnehamman Feb 12, 2010 at 5:20 AM Report Abuse

What a lovely church the Marienkirche is. You will have to re-visit Rpstock for a bewery tour! It looks interesting
Nemorino Feb 7, 2009 at 12:52 PM Report Abuse

Hi Sylvia, thanks for your visit to my new Rostock page. Glad to see you have been there, too -- and even had a few rays of sunshine!
TheWanderingCamel Dec 8, 2008 at 6:30 PM Report Abuse

I love those German town clocks - and Christmas Fairs! leyle
VeronicaG Jul 21, 2008 at 7:42 PM Report Abuse

The astronomical clock at St. Marie's sounds like a very clever creation--especially when leaving Judas out in the cold!
Regina1965 Jun 16, 2008 at 11:07 AM Report Abuse

Good tips, you put so much work into them!! Regína
DAO Jun 10, 2008 at 10:22 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page. Please email me your details and I will add them to my postcard list!
volopolo Mar 31, 2008 at 4:59 AM Report Abuse

Lovely page
mvtouring Mar 13, 2008 at 5:19 AM Report Abuse

Nice page ;-)
Mariajoy Nov 29, 2007 at 8:01 AM Report Abuse

Oh so that explains the Rathaus snake! Thanks for pointing me in the right direction! :))