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Rostock

The large port city of Rostock will never win a beauty contest and for good reason – the town was devastated in WWII and later pummelled by socialist architectural ‘ideals’. Its biggest drawcard – Warnemünde, which has one of Germany’s most appealing beaches – is 13km northwest, where the Warnow River flows into the Baltic Sea.

Rostock does have small but attractive historic enclaves – but you generally have to wade past a landscape of concrete eyesores to reach them. Perhaps its best feature is the vibrant energy provided by the 11,000 university students.

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Rostock.

Guidebooks

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