Wide beach with the finest sand and a large cruise port, where the famous kissing mouth ships spread a touch of wanderlust. No, we’re not talking about some Mediterranean metropolis or even a place in the Caribbean. It is the university and Hanseatic city of Rostock. These and many other aspects make the Baltic Sea city a perfect holiday destination in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Warnemünde district is a German cruise stronghold
In 1323, the city of Rostock bought the fishing village of Warnemünde. Since then, it has belonged to the city and is one of the most beautiful districts. The cruise port, which is considered the largest port for cruise ships in Germany , brought him fame far beyond the country’s borders. Around 180 cruise ship calls take place every year. Numerous Baltic Sea cruises start and end in Warnemünde. Including, of course, many trips on the famous kissing mouth ships of AIDA Cruises, whose headquarters are located in Rostock. If you don’t want to set sail yourself, you can see the huge ships at close range as they set sail.
But this district is not only worth a visit for cruise fans during a stay in Rostock. Here, for example, you can spend a wonderful day at the beach. The more than two-kilometre-long beach of Warnemünde is characterised by white fine-grained sand. In addition to many sports opportunities, culinary delights are of course not neglected. During a stroll along the beach promenade, you will encounter the old lighthouse and experience pure harbour flair. The east and west piers offer a great nature experience and convey the Baltic Sea up close. In the “Seebad”, visitors can swim in seawater all year round and the swimming pool also has a lot to offer for sauna and wellness enthusiasts.
From culture to sports to art – Rostock’s sights for everyone
Apart from the maritime leisure activities, many other varied sights and excursion options await holidaymakers in Rostock. Of course, they include exploring the beautiful old town. A walk through the rose garden is particularly worthwhile from June until autumn. Then the roses shine in their full bloom. Beautiful benches and green areas also invite you to linger and relax. Not far from the rose garden, the next attraction awaits: St. Michael’s Monastery. The building, which used to be a combination of monastery, residence and workplace, now houses special collections from the university library, among other things. If you love the neo-Gothic style, make a detour to Wallstraße.
There is the Ständehaus. The impressive brick building is the seat of the Rostock Higher Regional Court. At that time, the Kunsthalle Rostock was not only the first, but also the only new building of an art museum in the GDR. Guests can see graphic sheets, paintings and sculptures, mainly by regional artists. A guided tour of the Ostseestadion, on the other hand, is about ball artists. This is where the football history of Hansa Rostock comes to life. There are facts, but also funny anecdotes, while stadium visitors can visit the VIP and press area or the players’ tunnel.
Active recreation in nature is possible on the Rostock Heath. As one of the largest contiguous forest areas, which runs along the German Baltic Sea coast, it invites you to cycle, hike or horseback ride.
Rostock with children
While the sights mentioned so far tend to delight adult holidaymakers, Rostock also has great excursion destinations for young guests. A highlight is certainly the zoo. Voted the best zoo in Europe several times, more than 4000 animals live here. Among them are penguins, polar bears and orangutans. Experience stations, playgrounds and numerous events round off a day at Rostock Zoo . There is another animal experience at the Hohe Düne seal research station. In addition to an exciting insight into the work of the scientists, children from the age of 12 have the opportunity to swim with the seals. The Hohe Düne district also has an exciting climbing park. On six courses, swaying planks and net bridges have to be overcome. Visitors of all ages can also work out at Flip Out Rostock. On over 3000 square meters there are trampoline landscapes and many attractions for climbing and jumping. Extra areas for children allow for age-appropriate fun.
Culinary Rostock
Of course, Rostock’s cuisine is dominated by fish from the Warnemünde fish market in all variations. A special tip here is the restaurant “Zur Kogge”. An original décor, tasty fish soup and a special recipe of boiled fish make it the place to go for fish gourmets.
Sea buckthorn products are also very common. The “lemon of the north” can be used to make delicious liqueurs, spreads, jams or even mustard. In Rostock there are numerous beautiful restaurants, pubs and cafés that are owner-managed. A culinary tour of the city offers a good insight into the local gastronomy scene. Participants will stop off at interesting locations in Rostock and enjoy up to seven delicious samples. And where it tastes particularly good, you can simply stop by for a hearty meal during your stay in Rostock.
