The Hanseatic Town of Rostock

The independent Hanseatic Town of Rostock was built along the River Warnow. Almost 20 km long, it stretches to the shores of the Baltic Sea. Geographically speaking, it forms the northern mid-point and, with a population of over 200,000, it is also the largest town and economic centre in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.

Characteristic for the beautiful Hanseatic Town are the pulsating night life, the red-brick Gothic architecture and the maritime flair. Despite the heavy damage done during World War II, many of the historic places of interest are still preserved. In the town centre buildings dating from the Hanseatic period stand harmoniously beside recently built modern buildings. There is much to see and explore.

An annual special event which brings an increasing number of tourists to Rostock each year and generates new impulses for the town is the Hansa Sail, one of the largest maritime events held in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and part of the Baltic Sail, which takes place in various towns around the Baltic Sea from July to August. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to Rostock every year, to see the up to 300 tall ships and traditional sailing ships and take the opportunity to look around some of the ships, go on a sailing trip or take part in a regatta.

One of the most popular parts of the Hanseatic Town of Rostock is the Baltic Sea Resort of Warnemuende. The 150 m wide sandy beach belonging to the former fishing village is one of the longest on the Baltic coast. In Warnemunde’s Museum of Local History you can learn more about how the sailors and fishermen lived in the past centuries or visit the lighthouse built in 1897, which is 37 metres high. For sports enthusiasts Warnemuende offers super conditions for surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing thanks to the slow moving current and favourable winds.