Rostock Old Town

Rostock was among the leading Hanseatic ports and founded its university in 1419, the oldest in the Baltic region and among the oldest in northern Europe. The Marienkirche holds an astronomical clock of 1472 whose original movement still runs, one of very few medieval astronomical clocks working with original mechanism; its calendar disc runs to 2017 and was replaced with a new one to continue. The Kröpeliner Tor and Steintor survive from the walls, and Kröpeliner Strasse runs between them as the main street. Bombing in 1942 destroyed much of the centre and the reconstruction mixes restored gables with 1950s and 1960s building.

What you actually see

• The astronomical clock - a 1472 movement in the Marienkirche, still running.
• The city gates - the Kröpeliner Tor and Steintor from the medieval walls.
• The university - the oldest in the Baltic region, founded in 1419.
• The mixed rebuilding - restored gables beside postwar architecture.

When to go

May to September; the Hanse Sail brings tall ships to the harbour in August. Churches close during services. Winter is cold and quiet.

Honest expectations

Much of the centre is postwar rebuilding of varying quality. The clock is behind the altar with limited viewing. Hanse Sail week fills the city.

Nearby

Warnemünde lies at the port mouth; Bad Doberan is west.