In the wider Rostock destination, nature and culture ideas range from coastal forests to urban history. You can weigh up whether landscapes, historic sites or maritime events should be the focus of your plans.
Nature in the wider Rostock destination
The Rostocker Heide is a 6,000-hectare coastal forest stretching along the Baltic Sea between Markgrafenheide and Graal-MĂĽritz. Beech and pine forests, wetlands and sea sand shape the landscape. The Rostocker Heide has an extensive network of trails for independent hiking, cycling and horse riding: around 87 kilometres of cycling and hiking trails and 60 kilometres of bridleways. These figures refer to different trail offerings; the larger total applies to cycling and hiking trails. As routes can change over time, check current conditions before setting out.
In the wider Rostock destination, the “Biological Diversity” circular trail in the Rostocker Heide offers a specific route to compare. It is 2.8 kilometres long, has limited accessibility barriers and includes ten stations; the start and finish are at the Forst- und Köhlerhof Wiethagen. The 2.8 kilometres describe a single route, whereas the trail network figures cover greater total distances. It is advisable to check current route conditions before setting out.
Culture and history
Gelbensande is home to Gelbensande Hunting Lodge, a former grand ducal summer residence dating from the late 19th century. Its ceremonial floor has been operated as a museum since 1995, and the museum association organises cultural events. The site brings together its former role as a residence and its current role as a museum and event venue. Check visitor arrangements before travelling.
The wider Rostock destination has a history spanning more than 800 years and is one of the Baltic Sea’s historic Hanseatic cities. The city was once an important trading centre in northern Germany. A walk through Rostock’s historic centre takes in, among other places, Universitätsplatz, the Kloster zum Heiligen Kreuz and Kröpeliner Straße, as well as Neuer Markt and St. Mary’s Church. It offers insights into architecture, urban development and Hanseatic traditions.
The Kulturhistorisches Museum Rostock offers another way to explore Rostock’s history. Across around 2,000 square metres, it displays historical furniture, old paintings, city maps and artefacts from trade and crafts. While the walking tour links sites in the historic centre, the museum brings together a range of objects and documents. Check current visitor arrangements before your visit; contact the tour provider for details about the walk.
Events and special viewpoints
One edition of Hanse Sail Rostock features 200 participating ships, with cruise ships, ferries and naval vessels in addition. The number can vary from one edition to another. If the event is important to your plans, check the dates for the edition you want to attend. On Stadtpaddeln Rostock, you can explore the Hanseatic city without a motor, discover the Warnow biotope and get some physical exercise.
The wider Rostock destination also offers different perspectives from its viewpoints. A spiral staircase leads to the platform of the Warnemünde Lighthouse, where you can look out over the Baltic Sea, the harbour and the seaside resort. You can reach the viewing level of St. Peter’s Church by lift or by climbing 197 steps. When planning your visit, note the different ways up described here: the lighthouse’s spiral staircase, or the lift or stairs at St. Peter’s. Check the operators’ latest information in advance.
Discover more destinations: Rövershagen, Bentwisch, Blankenhagen, Mönchhagen, Gelbensande.
Discover more destinations: Amt Mecklenburgische Schweiz, Amt BĂĽtzow-Land, Kowalz.
Go to the main travel overview: Rostock.
