Rostock

Rostock is the largest city in the German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, though not its capital. It is a hub for Baltic Sea ferries, Germany's largest port for cruise ships by number of boardings and pleasant enough for a longer stay mostly due to its Hanseatic heritage.

Rostock stretches along the Warnow River estuary up to the Baltic Sea, with Warnemünde (literally "mouth of the Warnow" - analogous to Travemünde in Lübeck) district being a popular seaside resort and long the main port of Rostock. Rostock was an important member of the Hanseatic League, and one of the most important ports of the GDR (East Germany). Until the collapse of the East German economy in 1989/90 Rostock was a major center for shipbuilding and a few shipyards still remain, despite their economic woes. Rostock Warnemünde harbour was the main base of the East German fishery fleet. Warnemünde port remains one of the more important German ports for Baltic Sea Ferries as well as Germany's most important port for cruise ships.

• 54.0880412.135171 Tourist Information City Centre, Universitätsplatz 6 (Barocksaal), ☏ +49 381 3812222, [email protected]. May-Oct: M-F 10:00-18:00, Sa Su 10:00-15:00; Nov-Apr: M-F 10:00-17:00, Sa 10:00-15:00, Su closed.  (updated Apr 2026)

• 53.91833312.2783331 Rostock–Laage Airport (RLG  ^IATA) (20 km south of Rostock), [email protected]. A military airbase with a small civilian section for commercial passenger service. There is no regular public transport from and to the airport; a few companies in Rostock offer private transfers, and a municipal transport operator offers an on-call bus (website in German only) that has to be pre-booked. As of 2025, Antalya on Corendon Airlines is the sole destination available.  (updated Apr 2026)

Unless you come from a destination with direct flights to Rostock, it is likely much more convenient to travel to Hamburg (HAM ^IATA) or Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER ^IATA) first, and then travel by train to Rostock (see below).

• 54.078112.13082 Rostock Central Station (Rostock Hbf). From Hamburg Central Station you can take one of 16 trains a day to Rostock 1 hr 50 min to 2½ hours. If you buy a Schleswig-Holstein-Ticket for €34-58, you can travel with up to 5 people from Hamburg to Rostock. From Leipzig and Berlin Central Station, Deutsche Bahn runs numerous connections each day. There are a couple of ICE trains a day from places as far away as Munich.  (updated Apr 2026)

From Hamburg take the motorway A1 to Lübeck and from there take the A20 to Rostock. It's a 2-hour trip. If starting in Berlin you have to drive along the A24 in the direction of Hamburg until the A19 is crossing the motorway. Following the A19 you reach Rostock. It's a trip of 2½ hours.

• 54.07653512.1303823 Intercity bus station Rostock (ZOB). Right next to the main station.  (updated Apr 2026)
• 54.16898312.0839724 Intercity bus stop Warnemünde Werft. It's near the centre of Warnemünde  
• 54.17621812.0583365 Intercity bus station Warnemünde Strand. It's at the beach.  

There are numerous domestic and international bus connections to Rostock; Flixbus being the major operator. Most long distance buses arrive at the central bus station (ZOB) next to the central train station, but some call at the ferry terminal.

Rostock is one of the hubs for Baltic Sea ferries in Germany. And the busiest German port for cruises.

There is a ferry from Gedser in Denmark every second hour with Scandlines. This connection covers a rather short stretch on the sea and has been suggested as an alternative to the Fehmarn Belt fixed link that is being built to link Putgarden (on Fehmarn) and Rødby by road and rail. Ferries from Trelleborg in Sweden have up to 6 departures per day with Stena Line^{[dead link]} or TT-Line^{[dead link]}. All Baltic Sea ferries arrive at the ferry terminal on the eastern side of the Warnow River.

Buses call frequently at the ferry terminal (Rostock Seehafen Fähre), linking to Dierkower Kreuz tram hub or Lütten Klein urban railway (S-Bahn) station. A taxi ride downtown will cost you around €34-€42 (April 2026).

Most cruise ships approaching Rostock call at the passenger terminal in Warnemünde. Urban railway (S-Bahn) trains to the central train station and some long distance train services depart right adjacent from Warnemünde station.

The Berlin-Copenhagen Cycle Route passes through Rostock.

54°5′6″N 12°6′58″E

Map of Rostock

Public transport (bus, tram, ferry, train, etc.) in Rostock is part of the Verkehrsverbund Warnow (VVW), the traffic association which provides a common ticketing and integrated transport system in the surrounding area.

Rostock features a good inner-city tramway system. A bus system serves other locations.

The following tickets are available for transportation within the fare zone of Rostock (which includes Warnemünde), as of April 2025:

• Single ticket: adults €3.20, reduced €2.40
• Single ticket (ferry): adults €2.10, reduced €1.40
• Single ticket (bicycle): €2.30
• Day ticket: adults €8.00, reduced €6.00
• Day ticket (bicycle): €5.00
• Day ticket (groups): €21.60 for up to 5 people

Single tickets can be used for a one-way trip and you can switch between modes of transportation. Day tickets are valid until 03:00 the next day.

Overnight guests pay a tourist tax (Kurabgabe) of €3.70 per day (€1.45 for children between 6 and 14 years). The tourist tax includes public transport use.

• 54.181912.08181 Warnemünde beach. Visit the sandy 3-km beach at Warnemünde in the north. Go swimming there, if the weather is warm enough.  
• 54.09055612.1480562 Petrikirche (St. Peter's Church). Open from 10:00, closing time depends on the season (16:00 in winter, 18:00 May - Sep - consult website if unsure). Petrikirche boasts the tallest tower of the three remaining churches within the old town. The church itself can be visited for free (open daily, mind the Sunday service 11:00-12:00), but there is a small admission fee for the tower (€3, €2 reduced fee, family ticket €6). Climbing the steep spiral stairs is fun and a good exercise! There is also a barrier-free option: the parish has had the original bell shaft replaced by a lift which brings you up to the lower of the 2 platforms. Both offer good views over town, river and harbour. Many guided tours of Rostock also start in front of the church. The parish has installed what is probably the only free public toilet in the old town (although it might be a nice idea to put some coins into the collection column inside the church), also barrier-free and accessible from the outside, to the left of the main entrance.  
• 54.07790112.0870543 Zoo, Barnstorfer Ring 1, ☏ +49381 20820. Mar 28-Sep 30: 09:00-17:00; Oct 1-Mar 27: 09:00-16:00. Founded in 1899, this 56-hectare facility in the Barnstorfer Wald is the largest zoo on the German Baltic coast. It houses approximately 6,500 animals across 500 species within a zoo-botanical landscape that integrates diverse educational programs and accessible animal exhibits. Adults €24, concessions €17, children €10,.  (updated May 2026)
• 54.181412.08584 Warnemünde Lighthouse (near the beach promenade), [email protected]. Apr 4-Apr 12 10:00-18:30; Apr 13-Apr 16 10:00-15:30; 17 Apr-11 Oct 10:00-18:30. Built in 1897 and still in use, this landmark offers panoramic views of the Baltic Sea and the coastline. The lighthouse is also an officially registered venue for civil wedding ceremonies and is accessible to the public.  (updated May 2026)
• 54.181712.08565 The Teapot (Teepott), Seepromenade 1, ☏ +49 381 548 45 88. 08:30-21:00. Built in 1968, this iconic three-story circular building is a prominent example of East German hyperbolic paraboloid shell architecture. Located near the Warnemünde lighthouse and harbor entrance, it houses several restaurants and tourist facilities.  (updated May 2026)
• The Alter Strom canal area in Warnemünde boasts restaurants, pubs, and a fish market.
• 54.090312.13676 St. Mary's Church Rostock (Marienkirche), Bei der Marienkirche 1. May-Oct M-Sa 10:00-17:00 Su 11:00-16:00; Nov-Apr M-Sa 10:00-16:00 Su 11:00-15:00. The greatest church of Rostock, a huge brick Gothic church, built from the 13th-15th century with an astronomical clock of 1472 and fine historical altars. Adults €4, children €3.  (updated May 2026)
• 54.175512.0157 Gespensterwald (Ghost Forest of Nienhagen). Located along the coastline between Nienhagen and Warnemünde, this woodland is characterized by coastal trees shaped by strong winds and salt spray, creating a distinct, twisted appearance. It is a popular destination for walks along the cliffs and the beach.  (updated May 2026)

• 54.077512.12581 Stadthalle Rostock, ☏ +49 381 44 00 444, [email protected]. The Stadthalle Rostock has many shows and music events.  (updated Apr 2026)
• 54.084912.09512 Hansa Rostock, Ostseestadion, Kopernikusstraße, ☏ +49 381 4999910. Hansa Rostock is the most successful football club from the former East Germany and has a very dedicated fan base. The club plays in the 3. Liga (third tier). The Ostseestadion (capacity 29,000) offers an intense atmosphere, especially during home matches. Tickets for most matches can be bought online or at the fan shop, though high-profile games may sell out. Single tickets usually range from €15 to €40.  (updated Apr 2026)
• 54.089812.12453 KTV. The Kröpeliner-Tor-Vorstadt (KTV, "Kröpelin Gate Suburb") was the first part of Rostock built outside the medieval city walls, in the 2nd half of the 19th century. It was designed to house workers flocking to the newly industrialised town. Today's KTV is one of the most popular residential areas, especially with students and artists. It is here that you will find the highest density of bars, cafes and small shops selling handicraft or organic food. To get to KTV from Rostock's main shopping street (Kröpeliner Straße), follow it all the way to the west, passing Kröpelin Gate and crossing the tram lines. Everything in front of you now is already part of KTV. Check out the Doberaner Platz, where most tram lines stop, where the best Döner Kebab is sold, and where everyone seems to meet before a pub crawl with friends.  (updated Apr 2026)
• 54.092712.13484 Harbour cruise on the Warnow river. Frequent passenger ferries and sightseeing boats connect Rostock’s city harbor with Warnemünde, providing an alternative to the S-Bahn for traveling to the coast.  (updated Apr 2026)
• 54.086412.12815 Stadtmauer (city walls). While much of Rostock's fortifications were removed on the "sea"side (towards the river Warnow), a large part of the city wall remains on the "land" side and is certainly worth a visit. You will encounter the three remaining gates, Kröpeliner Tor, Steintor (stone gate) and the oldest, Kuhtor (cow gate). Guided tours (some of them by a guide dressed up as a medieval night-watchman) are available and recommended for anyone interested in the history of the town. They can be booked under the stated link or in the tourist office. For the "night-watchman" tour, it is also possible to simply turn up at Petrikirche at 20:00 if you're not with a large group, but the tour will then be in German only.  (updated Apr 2026)
• 54.092712.13486 Watch the sunset in the harbour. Take some drinks and food down and watch time pass by - as well as sailing boats, rowing boats, and plenty of seagulls. If it's herring season, the quay at the Silos will be full of fishermen. If you're not into bring-your-own, there is a number of restaurants and bars along the quay, from German, Italian and Greek to Spanish cuisine. The Irish Pub is also in the Silos. Between the theatre and Latino bar "Besitos", you will find plenty of young people playing "Kubb", at least during summer. Why not try it out yourself? If you ask nicely, you are sure to be allowed a shot. Or buy your own wooden kit at the games store "Wupatki", Rungestraße 17. This part of the harbour is usually called "Strand" (beach) by locals, even if there is no sand within sight.  (updated Apr 2026)

• 54.08813312.1333732 University of Rostock, ☏ +49 381 498 - 0. One of the world's oldest universities, founded in 1419.  (updated Apr 2026)

The main shopping district is located along Kröpeliner Straße within the medieval city center, while the greatest selection of souvenirs can be found in the Warnemünde seaside resort area. Typical local products include jewelry, artisanal crafts, sea buckthorn juice, and Rostocker Pils beer.

Rostock also hosts a bordershop (Scandlines Bordershop Rostock, Zum Südtor 5) primarily serving travelers to and from Scandinavia. It offers a variety of confectionery and beverages, including items from Denmark and Sweden. Due to differing national deposit-refund systems, the sale of certain deposit-exempt beverages is strictly regulated for export. Customers purchasing these items must present a valid photo ID and submit a pro forma export declaration; such goods are intended for export to Denmark and Sweden and are not sold for domestic consumption in Germany.

• Markets. Rostock hosts a variety of weekly markets throughout the city and surrounding areas, offering a selection of regional produce, artisanal goods, and local specialties. These markets provide insight into regional food culture and are held on different days at various locations, including the Neuer Markt in the city center. (updated May 2026)

If you want to begin the day with a breakfast or have a coffee later in the day, Rostock has a few chain store bakeries with cafés all over the city. Junge has 18 cafés, two of them in Warnemünde. Sparre has 14 cafés, one of them in Warnemünde. Nowak has 8 cafés in Rostock.

• 54.09207812.1381321 Zum Alten Hafen, Strandstraße 24.  (updated May 2022)
• 54.08909412.1347882 Fränkis Körri Braatwurscht, Breite Str. 6.  (updated May 2022)

• 54.08860512.122553 KTV Kantine, Friedrichstraße 1.  (updated May 2022)
• 54.08560312.1235024 Pinky's - pizza manufaktur, Arnold-Bernhard-Straße 33.  (updated May 2022)
• 54.08590912.1138455 Marktkrug, Ulmenstraße 18.  (updated May 2022)
• 54.08660512.1195356 Das Kumpirhaus, Wismarsche Str. 55.  (updated May 2022)

• 54.11575412.0867727 Rostocker Fischmarkt & Fischbratküche, Warnowpier 431, 18069 Rostock, ☏ +49 381 8111221. M-Sa 11:00 – 15:00. Fish restaurant and fish shop. On Facebook. from €6.50 (Aug 2017).  (updated May 2022)

• 54.0879712.136958 Leon's, Kröpeliner Straße 19, ☏ +49 381 37565563, [email protected]. Steak house. From €15.90 (mains).  (updated Oct 2023)
• 54.08743812.14389 Café in der Likörfabrik, Grubenstraße 1. Daily 09:00-00:00.  (updated May 2022)
• 54.09201512.1353610 Zur Kogge, Wokrenterstraße 27, ☏ +49 381 4934493. Tu-Th 16:00-23:30, F-Su & public holiday 11:30-23:30. From €14.40 (mains).  (updated Oct 2023)
• 54.09326312.1197611 La Dolce Vita, Warnowufer 60, ☏ +49 381 3750672. Italian food.  (updated May 2022)
• 54.1788912.0871912 Zuii's Restaurant, Am Strom 89, ☏ +49 381 70075855, [email protected]. Daily 11:30-22:00 (kitchen closes at 21:00). Chinese-run restaurant/bar that serves German and Asian food in a cool setting that's more suitable to a drinking crowd. Friendly staff, however the food can be hit or miss. Rather unpretentious from outside, so at least in shoulder season, just popping in to get a table is not an issue. From €14.90 (mains).  (updated Oct 2023)

• 54.0895312.1333113 Gläserne Konditorei & Kaffeehaus Röntgen, Lange Straße 29-31. M-Sa 09:30-18:30, Su closed. Upscale patisserie. It's recommended to book a table during tourist seasons (online form). All-day breakfast, ice-cream parlour and cocktails.  (updated Apr 2026)

• 54.0800512.087971 Brauerei Trotzenburg, Tiergartenallee 6. The Trotzenburg brews their own beer.  
• 54.08906512.1394082 Alex, Neuer Markt 17 (Across from the City Hall), ☏ +49 381 20376. M-Th 08:00-01:00, F Sa 08:00-03:00, Su 09:00-01:00. Bar and restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere.  

• 54.0958312.1057363 Bunker Rostock, Neptunallee 9A, 18057 Rostock. Techno and 1990s rave in a bunker on the grounds of the former Neptun Werft shipyard.  
• 54.08511112.125484 Helgas Stadtpalast, Am Vögenteich 19, 18057 Rostock. Live concerts and club nights from indie to electro in a building from the GDR period with ornamental wallpapers and deers' heads on the wall.  
• 54.08416612.1438645 JAZ e.V., Lindenstraße 3B, 18055 Rostock. The Jaz Rostock offers regular live music concerts and techno club nights.  
• 54.07657512.1156386 ST-Club Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 2, 18059 Rostock. Student parties from rock to electronic music.  
• 54.07341812.1326027 UKW – Kraftwerk Rostock, Erich-Schlesinger-Straße 49, 18059 Rostock. Impressive techno club in an old power plant that can be considered a role model for club scenes in large metropolises.  

Rostock has introduced a Kurtaxe (tourist tax) on 1st September 2023, meaning staying for leisure in any formal accommodation attracts a €3.70/day charge on top of the accommodation's price. You'll receive a Gästekarte (guest card - physical or digital depending on the accommodation) proving you paid the tax, which lets you use Rostock's public transport for free throughout your stay, and gives discounts with certain facilities and tourist-oriented operators; enquire each time you plan an activity (ie visiting the zoo/a museum or going on a harbour cruise).

There is the Dock Inn Hostel Warnemünde offering dorms. In summer time the prices there are high. As an alternative you can stay in the sweet dream hostel & pension in Güstrow for €25/night (June 2025). Trains between both towns run quite frequently. Regional express trains go non-stop and take about 20 min. With a Deutschlandticket it's more convenient, as the train rides and the local public transport in both towns are included.

• 54.0927912.110421 Blue Doors Hostel KTV (formerly: Hanse Hostel), Doberaner Straße 96, ☏ +49 381 25299980, [email protected]. Only private rooms, no dorms anymore. There is free internet, a great kitchen with a dishwasher, microwave, oven, stove and fridge. Bathroom facilities are very good. There is a TV, DVD and VCR downstairs as well as a bunch of board games, books and a dart board. The staff are very friendly and helpful and the place is clean, tidy and modern.  (updated Jun 2025)
• 54.08712812.1415832 Blue Doors Hostel Altstadt (formerly: Jellyfish Hostel), Beginenberg 25-26, ☏ +49 381 33724860, [email protected]. Only private rooms, no dorms even though called a hostel. Situated in a beautiful old town house in the old town of Rostock just around the corner from the medieval Steintor. Though the hostel is in the very city center – the Neuer Markt is two minutes by foot – it is really quiet there. Has a spacious common room, where breakfast (€8.00) is served if pre-ordered, and another smaller lounge on the third floor. In the fully equipped kitchen you can cook or just store your beverages in the fridge. The 8-bed dormitories are very spacious due to the very high ceilings, which even have stucco. The owners and all employees are quite young, easy going and very helpful.  (updated Jun 2025)
• 54.08575612.1284763 Hotel GreifenNest, August-Bebel-Straße 49 b, ☏ +49 381 8775618. Beautiful terrasse, nice people and good ambiance.  (updated Jul 2015)
• 54.0876912.135514 Penta Hotel, Schwaansche Straße 6, ☏ +49 421 58904243, [email protected]. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 12:00. The hotel has very wide beds and good aircondition. Public underground car park in the hotel basement with direct elevator access to all floors. Fitness center and sauna. Wheelchair accessability. EUR 150.  (updated Apr 2026)

• 54.1794812.098625 Yachthafenresidenz Hohe Düne, Am Yachthafen 1, ☏ +49 381 50400. A luxury hotel with yacht harbour next to Warnemünde.  (updated Jul 2015)

Rostock is generally a safe place to be, especially the areas most visited by tourists: the medieval city center and the Warnemünde resort area. As in all crowded areas, be aware of pickpockets. During nighttime, drunk people can be an unpleasant experience; it is best to keep a distance.

Bathing in the Baltic Sea can be dangerous in case of strong currents or high waves and also during cyanobacterial blooms in summer. Popular beaches are equipped with flags, a pure yellow flag signalling adverse conditions that might be dangerous for untrained swimmers and a red flag prohibiting all bathing activities. Bathing is prohibited at all times in the Stadthafen old port area in the city center. It is strongly advisable to abide to this restriction as heavy ship traffic in this part of the Warnow river poses a constant danger.

Free WiFi is available in most of the central shopping district, at the central rail station, along the Alter Strom area in Warnemünde and various other places throughout the city. Private WiFis are usually password protected, so be prepared to find large gaps in open WiFi coverage. Many hotels, restaurants, pubs or shops provide free WiFi, although you may have to ask for an access code.

• Bad Doberan with Heiligendamm
• Güstrow
• Hamburg
• Kühlungsborn
• Rügen
• Schwerin
• Wismar
• Usedom

Hamburg ← Wismar ←

W  E

→ Greifswald → Rugia