Before you go

Your trip to Rostock.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

Rostock – Mecklemburgo-Pomerânia Ocidental Destination Baltic Coast and Lübeck

How to get there

Hamburg Airport Helmut Schmidt (HAM) Hamburgo · 190 km
Rostock Hauptbahnhof 2 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Confirm before booking. The most used airport is Hamburg (HAM). From Hamburg, the train reaches Rostock in under two hours; from Berlin, in about two hours. From Lübeck there is no direct train: it takes roughly two and a half hours with a transfer.

How many days

One day is enough for the city center and an afternoon in Warnemünde. With two days, you’ll have a full extra day for the beach or a day trip to Schwerin.

When to go

From May to September, with long days; the bathing season in Warnemünde usually runs from June to August. In August, the Hanse Sail fills the city. In winter, from December to February, it’s cold and gets dark early; the Christmas market typically runs from late November until close to Christmas.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The center is best explored on foot and by tram, and the S-Bahn urban train takes you to Warnemünde. Schwerin has a direct regional train. A car only helps for smaller coastal villages.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Rostock

Morning
Marienkirche and Neuer Markt
Start at Neuer Markt square and the town hall. Enter the Marienkirche around noon to see the figures on the astronomical clock.
Afternoon
Kröpeliner Straße and Stadthafen
Walk down Kröpeliner Straße to the University square and the Kröpeliner Tor. Head down to the old harbour on the banks of the Warnow.
Late afternoon
S-Bahn to Warnemünde
Take the S-Bahn at the central station to Warnemünde. Walk along the Alter Strom to the lighthouse and the pier to watch the ships.
Evening
Dinner on the Alter Strom
Have fish by the canal or on the waterfront and return to Rostock by S-Bahn.

2 days in Rostock

Day 1

Morning
Neuer Markt and Marienkirche
Visit Neuer Markt square and the Marienkirche, with its astronomical clock and bronze baptismal font.
Afternoon
Kröpeliner Straße
Follow the pedestrian street to the University square and the Kröpeliner Tor, then return via the wall park.
Late afternoon
Old harbour
Head down to the Stadthafen and stroll along the quays. In season, you can take a boat trip on the Warnow.
Evening
Dinner in the center
Dine in the old town or on the harbour quay, with views over the river.

Day 2

Morning
Warnemünde and Alter Strom
Take the S-Bahn to Warnemünde and walk along the Alter Strom, with the fishing boats, to the Teepott.
Afternoon
Warnemünde beach
Enjoy the wide beach. In summer, rent a Strandkorb; outside the season, walk along the sand toward the Stoltera.
Late afternoon
Lighthouse and breakwater
Climb the lighthouse during the visiting season and finish at the tip of the breakwater watching the ships depart.
Evening
Fish on the waterfront
Have dinner in Warnemünde and return to Rostock by S-Bahn, or stay the night near the sea.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to stay overnight in Rostock or Warnemünde?

Rostock is better for those who want the historic center and more transport options; Warnemünde is for those who want to wake up near the beach. The S-Bahn links the two in about 20 minutes.

What is the capital of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania?

It’s Schwerin, about 85 kilometres from Rostock by road and one hour by regional train.

Can you go from Berlin to Rostock?

Yes. There is a direct train from Berlin, taking about two hours. It’s a good option for combining the Baltic coast with Berlin.

Are shops open on Sundays in Rostock?

Most shops are closed on Sundays. In Warnemünde, cafés, restaurants and beach shops tend to be open, but check before you go.

Back to Rostock