The historic Molli narrow-gauge railway runs between Kühlungsborn and Bad Doberan and is the oldest narrow-gauge railway on the Baltic coast. Its unusual track gauge of 900 millimetres and its presence in this coastal town since 1886 make it a fascinating subject for anyone interested in railway and local history. In the Rostock district, visitors can also enjoy nature, museums and insights into traditional crafts.
Discover nature and enjoy outdoor activities
The Sternberger Seenland Nature Park shapes the landscape with deeply incised breakthrough valleys along the Warnow, numerous lakes, picturesque hills and extensive forests. Hiking and cycling are natural ways to explore the area’s varied landscapes. The coastal hinterland of the Rostock region also includes the river valleys of the Warnow and the Recknitz.
In the Sternberger Seenland, Nossentiner-Schwinzer Heide, Mecklenburg Switzerland and Kummerow Lake nature parks, as well as at Wildpark-MV, visitors can join discovery tours to learn about beavers, wolves and white-tailed eagles. At Wildpark-MV, visitors can explore the park independently or take part in guided walks, including wolf, owl and evening walks. This offers different ways to experience nature: exploring on your own or joining a themed guided tour.
Those seeking a more active challenge will find seven courses for children, beginners and advanced climbers at the Schwaan Climbing and Adventure Forest. A special attraction is the 116.5-metre-long Flying Fox zip line, which runs directly over the lake. The number of courses and the stated skill levels give a clear idea of the range of activities on offer; it is advisable to check the latest visitor information before your visit.
History, museums and crafts
At the Volhynian Resettlers Museum in Linstow, guided tours for groups and individuals present the history of the Volhynian Germans. Ethnographic objects, photographs and documents trace the story from the mid-19th century to their settlement in Mecklenburg after the Second World War. The tours combine personal and historical perspectives with objects and visual materials.
The region also offers discoveries in architectural and theatre history: the theatre in Güstrow is the oldest surviving civic theatre in Mecklenburg. Historic sights in the Rostock region include the former monastery in Rühn and the minster in Bad Doberan. In Neu Vorwerk, the twin mills showcase historic crafts; in Alt Kalen, a real windmill operator still grinds flour.
Another way to discover rural life is to follow the Milk Route around Bützow, which shows visitors how agriculture works. In Rövershagen, Karls Erlebnis-Dorf offers more than 50 experiences, including “Karls Bonbonland,” an indoor attraction covering more than 2,000 square metres. At the manufacturers’ market, visitors can see handmade jams, confectionery and chocolate, as well as fresh coffee.
Coast and getting around
The Rostock region has 62 kilometres of Baltic coastline, with a number of seaside resorts. Coastal towns thus offer a different landscape from the lakes, forests and river valleys inland. You can choose what to explore according to your interests: the Molli railway and the theatre represent railway and cultural history, while the nature park and wildlife park focus on landscapes and wildlife.
To reach the Rostock district, take the A19 from the south; within the district, it intersects the A20, which runs from west to east. Buses and trains also operate in the transport association network. With one ticket, holidaymakers can travel throughout the region, including the Hanseatic and university city of Rostock. If you plan to use public transport, you can plan your journey around this regional service and check suitable connections in advance.
Discover more destinations: Güstrow, Teterow, Markgrafenheide, Kühlungsborn, Warnemünde, Graal-Muritz, Sanitz, Bad Doberan, Satow, Mandelshagen, Rostock, Kröpelin, Neubukow, Lütten Klein, Dummerstorf, Gehlsdorf, Evershagen, Kavelstorf, Groß Lüsewitz, Gubkow, Kessin, Kowalz, Lieblingshof, Niekrenz, Reppelin, Amt Bad Doberan-Land, Amt Carbäk, Amt Gnoien, Amt Güstrow-Land, Amt Krakow Am See, Amt Laage, Amt Mecklenburgische Schweiz, Amt Neubukow-Salzhaff, Amt Rostocker Heide, Amt Schwaan, Amt Tessin, Amt Warnow-West, Amt Bützow-Land.
Return to the main travel overview: Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
