A Trip Around the Baltic: Rostock, Germany

Hello! It's Gabe here again, today I have a write up about Rostock (and surrounding areas) in the north of Germany.

Top: Schwerin Castle, as seen from Lake Schwerin
Bottom Left: Town square in Schwerin
Bottom Right: Disney Magic docked in Rostock

Overview

The Baltic coast of northern Germany is known to Germans as a sort of resort town, with beaches and other activities. Rostock was once a city controlled by the Hanseatic league, and one that was situated in a very strategic location, right on the Baltic coast, so there was a great deal of shipping and mercantile activities that took place. About an hour outside of Rostock is the town of Schwerin, which is the capital of the Mecklenberg-Vorpommern state. Schwerin is famous for the Schwerin castle, as well as Lake Schwerin.

Schwerin

Schwerin Castle is one of the more famous sights in the town; the castle sits right on the very picturesque Lake Schwerin. A cruise out onto the lake provides some very wonderful views of the castle and the town. The town itself is also very quaint, and provides a nice little stroll around to take a look at the architecture or stop at a little cafe in a central square. Schwerin was also a town that was built up and influenced by the Hanseatic leage, because of its location somewhat inland however, Schwerin dealt with more trade along land trade routes, as opposed to Rostock and other coastal cities where vessel trade lines were big.

Cruises visiting Rostock

Many cruisers that dock in Rostock, use the town as a jumping off point for a day exploring Berlin, which is about 2.5 - 3 hours drive from the port of Rostock. There are many options for cruisers who wish to stay closer to the port, such as visiting Schwerin, or visiting Rostock itself. 

Thanks for reading! Come back next week, as we visit Stockholm, Sweden! As always, leave a comment below if you have been to Rostock or Schwerin!