Right at the northern border of Germany lays the Baltic Sea and Rostock, together with Warnemünde they are right by the beautiful sandy shores of the Baltic Sea. With nearly a millennia of history, it has the oldest University in the area dating back to 1419. Regardless of whether you are there to enjoy the sun and the sea or take a peek into the lovely little fishermen’s homes, you can be sure that it is a pretty little town indeed.
Getting There
Being at the most northern point of the country, there is no direct access to international destinations by plane. The small airport that it does have serves only major German destinations. But if you are travelling from Berlin, Hamburg, or Bremen, you might be better off catching a train that goes straight into Rostock.
The Rostock main station only sees one or two fast intercity trains a day. But there are slower local services to Berlin every two hours. Remember to look out for special local or state offers that can reduce the cost of group travel by a lot! The time from Berlin to Rostock by local train as about 2 to 3 hours.
Right at the sea, Rostock’s only international destinations are either by bus or by sea. Buses run between Rostock and Copenhagen every day, whereas ferries to Denmark and Sweden are available about every two hours.
Getting to Rostock by car is relatively easy; the A1, A19, and A20 Autobahn routes all lead to the port city of Rostock. Driving in Rostock is relatively easy; with its low population density parking and traffic do not pose problems to the average motorist.
Public Transportation
Public transportation in Rostock is readily available with most tourists opting to choose the tram system. It comes roughly every five to ten minutes and is a quick and effective way for getting around the city. For trips outside of the immediate urban area or to nearby towns, the S-Bahn comes once every 20 minutes and feeder buses serve the nearby area. Ferries are also available to cross the expansive harbour, but beware of the schedule, you may have to wait a long time if you miss a ferry.
Single trip tickets start from about €2 for adults and just over €5 for a day ticket. A group price for a day ticket of about €13 is available for travellers in groups of up to 5 people and will work out cheaper even if you have only 3 people in your group.
For more information, please visit: www.rsag-online.de
Where to Stay
Rostock is a very family oriented city with a multitude of resorts. But there are also options for the business traveller or backpackers just looking for an affordable bed space.
Budget:
- Jellyfish Hostel , is located just a ten minute walk away from the Rostock main station. The historical 19th century building features modern ameneties like free wireless Internet, a lounge, and a kitchen all for just €15 and up per night. For more information, please visit: jellyfish-hostel.com
- Blue Doors Hostel , was the first ever hostel established in the entire Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state. Prices here start from around €14 per night in a 10 bed room. Rates may vary from season to season. For more information, please visit: bluedoorshostel.de
- Inter City Hotel , is a full service hotel that starts for just €50 per night if you book early. It has a restaurant and bar and is located right next to the Rostock main station. For more information, please visit: www.intercityhotel.com/hotels/alle-hotels/deutschland/rostock/intercityhotel-rostock
Comfort:
- Hotel Verdi , is located right in the historical town centre and the perfect choice for avid shoppers. Starting from just €59 depending on season and the day of the week, this gem boasts free internet, bike rentals, and 24 hour check. For more information, please visit: www.hotel-verdi.de
- Hotel Steinberger , has a spa, a restaurant and bar, and a fitness centre; all you need for a relaxing vacation. With rooms starting at €62 per night, this unbeatable price for luxury can be found nowhere else in town. For more information, please visit:
- Radisson Blu, is an upscale modern hotel with a panoramic view. Prices start at around €70 if visitors book early. For more information, please visit: www.radissonblu.com/de/hotel-rostock
Top 10 Attractions
1. University of Rostock , was founded in 1419 and is almost six centuries old by now. It is one of the oldest universities in the world and has a beautiful old campus in the historical town centre as well as an impressive new campus in the outskirts of town. For more information, please visit: www.uni-rostock.de/en/
2. City Hall , of Rostock hosts many regular events and shows. Get a taste of the local cultural scene while you are there. For more information, please visit: www.messe-und-stadthalle.de
3. Rostock Zoo, has an anthropological exhibition in addition to its collection of live animals. Tickets for adults start from around €16 with discounted tickets available. This is also one of the few attractions where you are allowed to take your dog inside. For more information, please visit: hwww.zoo-rostock.de
4. Petrikirche , or the St. Peter’s Church, is a local parish church. For a small fee of just a few Euros, you can climb right to the top of the church tower and look at beautiful Rostock and the harbour from above. Visiting the church itself is free. For more information, please visit: www.petrikirche-rostock.de
5. Stadtmauer , or the city walls, were Rostock’s main form of defense for many centuries. If you want to learn more about the history of the city, guided tours of the walls and the three remaining gates are possible by booking through the tourist office. For more information, please visit: www.rostock.de
6. Blaue Flotte , serves glass boat tours of the harbour of Rostock. With nearly ten sailings on some days this is the most comfortable way to see the town by water. For more information, please visit: www.hafenrundfahrten-in-rostock.de
7. Eichenthal Bunker , is a system of bunkers close to Rostock. These were built in 1986 for military purposes. For more information, please visit: www.bunker-302.de/start/
8. FC Hansa , as any avid football fan would know, is the local team representing Rostock. Tours are of their home stadium are available if booked online in advance. For more information, please visit: www.fc-hansa.de
9. St. Marien Kirche, or the St. Mary Church is a beautiful gothic style church with an impressive organ inside. Around the corner from the church is a lovely hidden café run by the church, check out the food section for more details on this café. For more information, please visit: www.marienkirche-rostock.de
10. Stasi Pre-trial Prison , is a museum that is not for the faint of heart. This place can be visited for free because of its educational value to the public. Be sure to participate in one of the guided tours for two hours if you want to learn more about its terrible role in East German history. For more information, please visit: www.bundesstiftung-aufarbeitung.de/rostock-3544.html
Nightlife
- ST Club , is a local mainstream rock club. It plays mostly 80’s and 90’s music and is very popular with young people. It has very low process and has a maritime theme. For more information, please visit: www.stclub.de
- LT Club , is the single largest club in all of Rostock. With two dance floors and an outdoor grill area, this is the place for a proper party! For more information, please visit: www.lt-club.de
Shopping
- Braumanufaktur Trotzenburg , brew their own beer and for just over €5 you can buy one litre of their house brews. They also have a wooden interior restaurant that serves various snacks to go with their beer. For more information, please visit: www.brauerei-trotzenburg.de
- Schokoladrie de Prie , sells bespoke chocolates and home made coffee. While they make the chocolate in their Rostock branch, the coffee is made in their Kühlingsborn branch, For more information, please visit: http://www.schokoladerie.com
Food
- Café Central , is a popular location among students and young professionals due to their reasonable prices and late opening hours. Food is served here even until as late as 10pm! For more information, please visit: www.cafes-in-rostock.de/central/index.php
- Marientreff , is a unique location in Rostock for cakes and coffee because it is run wholly by volunteers from the nearby church. It has a beautiful location between brick buildings and half timbered houses. For more information, please visit: www.marienkirche-rostock.de/html/treff.html
- Suppenwerk Rostock , is the ideal place for any visitors in a hurry. This place is cheap and offers takeaway meals with prices starting from just €4. For more information, please visit: www.suppenwerk-rostock.de
Around Rostock
Warnemünde
Warnemünde is accessible by S-Bahn and the actual town located by the sea. There are multiple lighthouses, a very long beach, as well as the house where Norwegian artist Edvard Munch once lived in for two years.
Güstrow
Güstrow is about half an hour south of Rostock by S-Bahn. It is a wonderful little village with classic European houses. The local castle with a beautiful garden is well worth a visit to this otherwise anonymous town.
