Rostock, Germany

As part of my first train trip in Germany, I explored the northeastern coast of Germany with my bike on board visiting Güstrow and Warnemünde as well along the way. If Baltimore is Charm City, then Rostock is the City of Magical Spells. It’s waterfront area is just as charming as Baltimore’s with a disused railway and renovated wharfs, but the Hanseatic architecture from the 16th century seals the deal.

A stroll down Universitätsplatz with a scoop of straciatella ice cream in hand makes the clouds in your brain scurry away. Just remember to walk the bike when passing through pedestrianised areas to avoid damaging the gearbox on the rough cobblestone roads and a hefty fine. The University of Rostock, founded in the 15th century, is one of the oldest universities in the world. Though the old town centre has several original buildings from the 1400’s a majority of its modern glass-clad campus is off to the south.

Kröperliner Tor, Steintor, and other red-brick landmarks dotted around the city are remnants of the 16th century city walls that kept unwanted visitors out and its sea-dependent wealth in. There’s even a hidden trail that runs along a well-preserved section of the wall.

The eastern part of the old town sits comfortably on top of a hill. The gradient is mild, but again, the cobblestone roads make it a tough ride up with a bike. To be safe, walk it up to avoid hitting unsuspecting cars at odd-angled medieval intersections. The St. Petri Church and Nikolaikirche are the two tallest churches in this part of the old town and offer commanding views of the surrounding area.

The architecture here is just exquisite. If it were a taste, it would be a pastry chocolate eclair filled with coffee-flavoured custard; crunchy, sweet, smooth, bitter, and satisfying all at the same time. The scale of the buildings and the intricate designs on the facade fulfil our human need to feel intimate with our surroundings. I can’t say the same for Mitte in Berlin, but at just two hours away it’s a welcome break for dreary post-war buildings.

I liked it so much I even went there twice, but I left my bike at home the second time round.