“A river that widens.” That’s what “Roztoc” means. This old Slavic word is where Rostock got its name. Now look before you. We’re standing before the Borwinseiche. It is a natural monument.
Rostock’s story started long before it became a strong city. Slavic tribes settled here in the 7th century. They named their home Roztoc. It meant “River that widens”. It was a good name and it lasted.
Later traders and craftsmen lived near St Peter’s Church. The Slavic tribes used to live here. On June 24 1218, Rostock got its town rights from Prince Heinrich Borwin I. This was the start of Rostock becoming a big city on the Baltic Sea.
Soon, the area became too crowded. Two more towns formed next to Old Town. They were called Middle and New Town. These towns joined together quickly. Rostock became a key city in the Hanseatic League. This was a time of great success. You can still see signs of this time in the old merchant houses.
Rostock has always been important in Mecklenburg. It has a university, shipyards and a port. The city values tradition but is also modern. It is the top city in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. This is especially true for tourism. Schwerin can handle governing the state.
The first Hanseatic Convention was on February 2 1356. It was the main group of the Hanseatic League. Representatives from Hanseatic cities talked about problems. They tried to make decisions together. In June 2018, Rostock hosted the 38th International Hansa Convention of Modern Times. The city showed itself as traditional, innovative and creative.
Since 1991, the Hanse Sail event has continued the tradition of international cooperation. It is now the biggest yearly meeting of traditional sailing ships. It happens on the second weekend in August. About 200 ships participate and one million people visit.
Rostock’s history includes famous people. Heinrich Schliemann discovered Troy. He got his doctorate from Rostock. Albert Einstein was given an honorary doctorate here. Fritz Reuter was a regional poet. Rapper Marteria performed his first rhymes in Rostock.
In the mid-13th century, Rostock joined the Hanseatic League. Trading herring and having a monopoly with Norway helped the economy. Trade with other cities in the Baltic and North Sea grew. Merchants formed the Hanseatic League. This secured their interests. Rostock played a leading role like Lübeck. Up to 370 ships sailed under Rostock’s flag. Rostock beer and fish products were valuable merchandise then and remain successful today.
Warnemünde became part of Rostock in 1323. This was for strategic reasons. Access to the Baltic Sea was always important for trade.
The University of Rostock was founded in 1419. It is the oldest university in the Baltic Sea region. It celebrated its 600th anniversary in 2019. The university continues to shape the city.
Rostock has a rich history and a vibrant present. It is a city that offers something for everyone. From its founding as a Slavic settlement to its role in the Hanseatic League, Rostock has always been a significant city. Now you’ve seen the Borwinseiche. It’s just one small piece of Rostock’s long and fascinating story.