The Rostock Heath is the largest contiguous coastal forest in Germany. And best of all, you can reach it easily by bike from Rostock city center. Simply take the new solar-powered ferry from Kabutzenhof to Gehlsdorf and you're ready to go. Not only 60 kilometers of cycling and hiking trails, but also a few very special highlights await you in the Rostock Heath.
It is said that no one has ever managed to cycle past the „Schnatermann“ without taking a break there. And it has been around 100 years since the former forester's lodge, which is just 200 meters from the Warnow, was granted a license. Incidentally, the name "Schnatermann" has nothing to do with the ducks quacking on the Warnow; it comes from the word "Schnater", which used to stand for border. A lot has changed since the Meyer family took over the farm a few years ago. Instead of just sitting on the terrace, you can now also make yourself comfortable on the large park-like lawn, where tables, beach chairs and sun loungers are charmingly arranged. The garden kiosk serves delicious snacks, beers and other refreshments. A short break can quickly turn into an enjoyable lazy afternoon! On Sundays, Schnatermann’s serves braised venison - one more reason to get off the saddle!
One heath, ten big and small natural wonders to experience! That's how many stations the almost three-kilometre-long discovery trail „Biological Diversity“ has, which starts at Forst- und Köhlerhof Wiethagen. It is barrier-free and full of surprises: At one station you can observe fruit trees at the „Schiefe Pfütze“, at another you can learn about life in dead wood or feel the size of insects with your hands.
Or how about a visit to the „Pension Eiche“ with all its inhabitants or a walk through the grass blade labyrinth? The stations are connected by firm, wide forest and meadow paths. Quiet, light mixed forest sets the scene and allows occasional views of wide moorland landscapes and heathland clearings. The tour can be extended to Markgrafenheide, where another five stops await. As this makes it eight kilometers longer, it is best done by bike.
The walk from the parking lot is a real treat: it leads through fragrant pine forest to the beach. A hollow path that ends in the light, in the vastness, in the calming sound of the Baltic Sea. A paradise with plenty of space. The sandy beach stretches almost endlessly in both directions. Untouched coastal forest surrounds it. You could go for a walk, have a picnic, lie in the sun or jump into the water. The beach at Torfbrücke is particularly beautiful in the warm light of the late afternoon. Just the right place for an atmospheric sunset picnic. Side note: in Torfbrücke, you haven't even left the city of Rostock yet! Because for all its secluded beauty, Torfbrücke, which is located around 18 kilometers from the center of Rostock, is actually still a district of the Hanseatic city.
The culinary lifeline after an extensive hike on the heath is called „blaue boje“ and is the restaurant at StrandResort Markgrafenheide. With its wonderful location directly in the dunes, between the coastal forest and the Baltic Sea, the „blaue boje“ whets the appetite for the sea. It's best to take a seat on the terrace and enjoy the purist ambience, the view of the vastness of the Baltic Sea and the sound of the waves. In the meantime, the young, dedicated kitchen team is already creating the finest dishes from local produce: cod fried on the skin with blueberry wok vegetables, for example, or rib-eye steak with mushrooms from the Rostock Heath. If you then feel like you can't finish the warm chocolate cake with apple and sea buckthorn ragout, simply take another walk on the beach. Because one thing is certain: salt air works up an appetite! By the way: The „blaue boje“ is also the perfect place for a drink at sunset.
A ride through the untouched Rostock Heath and a long gallop along the beach, making the Baltic Sea water splash - a very special highlight of the Rostock Heath, the memory of which will stay with you long after your vacation in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Such group rides are organized by the adventure riding farm "Bernsteinreiter" near Ribnitz-Damgarten, also for beginners on certain routes. Horse enthusiasts and those who want to become one will find much more on offer at Bernsteinreiter: There are qualified riding lessons, pony rides and carriage rides for the whole family. Or how about this: While the kids enjoy a „day in the stables“, the adults swing themselves onto the back of a Trakehner or pony and discover the unique natural surroundings at a gallop. And those who just can't tear themselves away can go on vacation at the riding stables.
Uniquely beautiful location directly on the beach. Each room with balcony & sea view. Culinary variety in various restaurants, the NEPTUN SPA and the certified original Thalasso Center await you.
At Rostock Zoo, the best zoo in Europe, experience 4,200 animals in 430 different species from all over the world in just one day. In the DARWINEUM, you will embark on a spectacular journey through evolution. The heart of the living museum beats in the Tropical Hall - home to the gorillas and orangutans. Open daily from 9 a.m.
Baltic Sea air and the scent of horses. At the gateway to Fischland, on one of the largest & most modern riding facilities on the Baltic Sea, the Bernsteinreiter are at home. Experience over 100 horses & ponies, unique nature and super service. We make your dreams come true.
Welcome to the horse region Rostock Heath! Here you will find us at weekends at the traditional Schnatermann inn and have the opportunity to experience nature up close and take a break from everyday life and city life during a carriage or charabanc ride.
Since 1837, the Wiethagen tar shelling plant has existed on the southern edge of the Rostock Heath with the only historical functioning tar shelling furnace.
Discover, explore, play in the Rostock Heath. On the barrier-free discovery trail Biological Diversity in the largest contiguous coastal forest in Germany, you will learn about the small and large natural wonders of the local forests.
The free view glides over the Baltic Sea to the horizon. In addition: The sound of the sea paired with your anticipation of selected delicacies. We welcome you to the beach restaurant & bar "blaue boje". A place where the palate is pampered and the soul may dangle.
Nestled between Breitling and Heidewald lies our family-run traditional inn, a piece of "away from it all".
